The Legend Chiang Rai is a three-and-a-half-pearl, 78-unit resort on the banks of the Kok River, just outside of downtown Chiang Rai. Rooms are spacious, with large private balconies or terraces, with lots of rustic charm, though some details were looking a bit worn when we visited. There are even Pool Villas with their own private plunge pools. Features include an infinity pool with a hot tub, a small spa and beauty salon, an Italian restaurant, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a reading room with computers. There's even a small, modern fitness room. While The Legend is certainly charming and romantic, it's pricier than fellow riverside competitor Le Meridien, a luxury hotel that has far more extensive facilities and a bit more polish.
The Legend Chiang Rai is a three-and-a-half-pearl, 78-unit resort on the banks of the Kok River, just outside of downtown Chiang Rai. Rooms are spacious, with large private balconies or terraces, with lots of rustic charm, though some details were looking a bit worn when we visited. There are even Pool Villas with their own private plunge pools. Features include an infinity pool with a hot tub, a small spa and beauty salon, an Italian restaurant, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a reading room with computers. There's even a small, modern fitness room. While The Legend is certainly charming and romantic, it's pricier than fellow riverside competitor Le Meridien, a luxury hotel that has far more extensive facilities and a bit more polish.
The 241-room, upper-mid-range Peach Hill Hotel & Resort is a family-friendly spa resort located on a hill on the west coast of Phuket, with gorgeous views of the mountains and the Andaman Sea. Peach Hill sits just above Kata and Karon Beaches, with a free beach shuttle to the former, but it also has three lagoon-style pools (two with swim-up bars) for those who want to hang out at the hotel and take in the views. The three restaurants all serve organic, locally sourced cuisine. Rooms are breezy and spacious, although housekeeping can be spotty and there's a fee for in-room Wi-Fi.
The 241-room, upper-mid-range Peach Hill Hotel & Resort is a family-friendly spa resort located on a hill on the west coast of Phuket, with gorgeous views of the mountains and the Andaman Sea. Peach Hill sits just above Kata and Karon Beaches, with a free beach shuttle to the former, but it also has three lagoon-style pools (two with swim-up bars) for those who want to hang out at the hotel and take in the views. The three restaurants all serve organic, locally sourced cuisine. Rooms are breezy and spacious, although housekeeping can be spotty and there's a fee for in-room Wi-Fi.
On a prime seaside location along a quiet stretch of Kata Noi Beach, this 479-room luxury resort looms large, with six pools, bars, and restaurants across the grounds. Spacious suites in the Thani Wing face the Andaman Sea, but other rooms in the Bhuri Wing are looking tired and need renovation. Catering to families and couples, Katathani is jam-packed with recreational activities, a beachfront spa, a fitness center, a Kids' Club, and other features. But it's somewhat isolated
from any other entertainment in the area. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere might
On a prime seaside location along a quiet stretch of Kata Noi Beach, this 479-room luxury resort looms large, with six pools, bars, and restaurants across the grounds. Spacious suites in the Thani Wing face the Andaman Sea, but other rooms in the Bhuri Wing are looking tired and need renovation. Catering to families and couples, Katathani is jam-packed with recreational activities, a beachfront spa, a fitness center, a Kids' Club, and other features. But it's somewhat isolated
from any other entertainment in the area. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere might
The Shore at Katathani is an upscale, 36-room villa hotel that caters mainly to couples and honeymooners. Its private location, tucked away in a cove along Kata Noi Beach, adds to the hotel's intimate, beachy atmosphere. Guests spend most of their time lounging beside their private plunge pools or in oversize daybeds facing the ocean at the main infinity pool. While the property, which includes a small spa and oceanfront restaurant, does not allow children under the age of 12, its sister property, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, about a 10-minute walk along the beach, is family-friendly.
The Shore at Katathani is an upscale, 36-room villa hotel that caters mainly to couples and honeymooners. Its private location, tucked away in a cove along Kata Noi Beach, adds to the hotel's intimate, beachy atmosphere. Guests spend most of their time lounging beside their private plunge pools or in oversize daybeds facing the ocean at the main infinity pool. While the property, which includes a small spa and oceanfront restaurant, does not allow children under the age of 12, its sister property, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, about a 10-minute walk along the beach, is family-friendly.
In Bangkok's bustling Upper Sukhumvit area, the mid-range D Varee Diva Bally Sukhumvit is a decent budget-friendly option in a hotel-packed area. It's only a five- to 10-minute walk to Sukhumvit Road and 15 minutes from the Asok-Sukhumvit Metro/Skytrain interchange. Decor in the 78 spacious rooms varies dramatically between the old and new wing, and suites with kitchenettes are available. The hotel’s public areas are a bit rundown, and guests have complained about housekeeping and maintenance. There’s a rooftop pool and gym, but both are small and the gym is plagued by broken equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but the in-room signal can be spotty. Though it’s farther from the skytrain, the ibis Bangkok Riverside has a chic pool, 24-hour bar, more kid-friendly amenities, and only slightly higher rates.
In Bangkok's bustling Upper Sukhumvit area, the mid-range D Varee Diva Bally Sukhumvit is a decent budget-friendly option in a hotel-packed area. It's only a five- to 10-minute walk to Sukhumvit Road and 15 minutes from the Asok-Sukhumvit Metro/Skytrain interchange. Decor in the 78 spacious rooms varies dramatically between the old and new wing, and suites with kitchenettes are available. The hotel’s public areas are a bit rundown, and guests have complained about housekeeping and maintenance. There’s a rooftop pool and gym, but both are small and the gym is plagued by broken equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but the in-room signal can be spotty. Though it’s farther from the skytrain, the ibis Bangkok Riverside has a chic pool, 24-hour bar, more kid-friendly amenities, and only slightly higher rates.
Located in the downtown Silom area and next to the Sathorn business district, the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is a trendy, stylish hotel that caters to both business travelers and hip tourists. Its four restaurants and bars include two of the city's hottest spots -- 25 Degrees and Scarlett Wine Bar -- while the lobby cafe and bar is a lively spot to lounge, meet friends, or get some work done. There is a roof deck infinity pool looking out on the city, and, naturally, a bar to go with it. More recently renovated rooms are in the G category, and have an all-white, New York loft-inspired aesthetic; older rooms are still lovely, but their modern Thai look feels a bit less modern in comparison. The hotel also has a number of event and meeting spaces, a fitness center, and an outpost of the renowned Anne Semonin Spa. Much of the city's hottest shopping, dining, and nightlife is within walking distance, as is the closest skytrain station, putting the entire city within easy reach.
Located in the downtown Silom area and next to the Sathorn business district, the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is a trendy, stylish hotel that caters to both business travelers and hip tourists. Its four restaurants and bars include two of the city's hottest spots -- 25 Degrees and Scarlett Wine Bar -- while the lobby cafe and bar is a lively spot to lounge, meet friends, or get some work done. There is a roof deck infinity pool looking out on the city, and, naturally, a bar to go with it. More recently renovated rooms are in the G category, and have an all-white, New York loft-inspired aesthetic; older rooms are still lovely, but their modern Thai look feels a bit less modern in comparison. The hotel also has a number of event and meeting spaces, a fitness center, and an outpost of the renowned Anne Semonin Spa. Much of the city's hottest shopping, dining, and nightlife is within walking distance, as is the closest skytrain station, putting the entire city within easy reach.
The 802-room Shangri-La is one of Bangkok's most opulent hotels. This huge four-and-a-half-pearl property sits right on the Chao Phraya River, with great views as well as easy access to the river ferry and skytrain station connecting to the rest of the city. All rooms and suites here are elegantly furnished with contemporary Thai decor and include large bathtubs, executive-size writing desks, electronic safes, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and bedside control panels. While the standard rooms only have partial river views, the others feature sweeping Chao Phraya vistas. There are excellent facilities here ranging from two gorgeous swimming pools to the award winning CHI Spa, and fine dining options include Italian, Chinese, and Thai in some of the city's most upscale restaurants. The price tag isn't cheap, but compares favorably to neighboring five pearl properties, and the views and elegance make this one of Bangkok's best hotels to splurge on. Wi-Fi is free.
The 802-room Shangri-La is one of Bangkok's most opulent hotels. This huge four-and-a-half-pearl property sits right on the Chao Phraya River, with great views as well as easy access to the river ferry and skytrain station connecting to the rest of the city. All rooms and suites here are elegantly furnished with contemporary Thai decor and include large bathtubs, executive-size writing desks, electronic safes, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and bedside control panels. While the standard rooms only have partial river views, the others feature sweeping Chao Phraya vistas. There are excellent facilities here ranging from two gorgeous swimming pools to the award winning CHI Spa, and fine dining options include Italian, Chinese, and Thai in some of the city's most upscale restaurants. The price tag isn't cheap, but compares favorably to neighboring five pearl properties, and the views and elegance make this one of Bangkok's best hotels to splurge on. Wi-Fi is free.
