Marriott Chiang Mai (former Le Meridien), Thailand [Master Thread]
Oct 15, 2016, 6:13 am
#303
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
Even this summer the prices were on the higher side of things. The couple of times I stayed last year it seemed to be a group tour hotel.
They've also climbed to a Cat 3.
They've also climbed to a Cat 3.
Jan 7, 2017, 10:04 am
#306
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,710
I am in love with this place - both the hotel and the location. Perhaps due to some less than stellar comments here, I had low expectation and was pleasantly surprised. The basic room is huge. The bed is super comfy. They really hit the right balance between functionality and aesthetics, unlike DoubleTree Kuala Lumpur where I spent the previous week, which looked nice but lacked usability. A steal when it was a cat2; sad (but understandable) that it's no longer.
The location is perfect for me - right next to multiple markets for shopping and tons of food and bars and live music, but also enough away from Old Town that you can find restaurants for Thais priced for Thais and cooked according to local preference. I love both the energy of the market area and the tranquility of temples at night.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this recommendation. They gave me a terrific massage and I aim to return every day while I'm here.
The location is perfect for me - right next to multiple markets for shopping and tons of food and bars and live music, but also enough away from Old Town that you can find restaurants for Thais priced for Thais and cooked according to local preference. I love both the energy of the market area and the tranquility of temples at night.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this recommendation. They gave me a terrific massage and I aim to return every day while I'm here.
Jan 10, 2017, 10:49 am
#307
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: Priority Club Platinum & Ambassdor, Hilton Honors Diamond, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 505
I just spent 2 nights here and as a Gold, was upgraded from an "Espace Studio" room to a very nice Executive Suite, likely because the hotel seemed to be full. The suite was fabulous, with a nice large walk-in closet and giant bathroom with two sinks and a bathtub that easily accommodated me and my GF. Breakfast on the ground floor was very crowded and some foods weren't replenished in a timely manner. The buffet was average at best. The swimming pool was impressive but the ambiance was diminished by unruly children. Service was consistently excellent and overall the experience was quite positive, partly because of the suite upgrade. I would stay here again if I wanted to be downtown and the rate was reasonable, but might try another hotel (Veranda High Resort) for a different experience.
I'm a GOLD and thinking of a stay here in April and appears as if the best I can hope for is an upgrade, but no lounge access or breakfast? Any drink coupons or discounts at the restaurants?
Jan 10, 2017, 11:10 am
#308
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
I stayed in November for 2 days, with 3 rooms reserved. I felt that they gave me the bare minimum in terms of platinum benefits. I got an upgrade to a "club floor" for one room.
Jan 10, 2017, 11:42 am
#309
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: Priority Club Platinum & Ambassdor, Hilton Honors Diamond, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 505
Yeah that's what I thinking. To make matters worst, my stay would be 1 week after the current SPG promo ends (4/15/17) so no bonus points for me. But the location does look great...
Jan 10, 2017, 12:08 pm
#310
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: LAS
Programs: PA FT, TW Gold, NW/CO PE, VK Eagleflyer
Posts: 7,173
I've stayed here twice as a Gold and received nothing out of the ordinary; that said, this is a spectacular property and people are focusing more on what they are not receiving rather than what's on offer here: A relaxing stay in a tranquil environment; try to enjoy it.
Jan 10, 2017, 1:36 pm
#311
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Earth ... for now
Programs: UA 2MM * Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium * IHG Diamond Ambassador * Hilton Diamond *
Posts: 1,787
Were you in fact expecting the Platinum benefits for the rooms in which you were not staying in?
Jan 10, 2017, 1:55 pm
#312
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
I received breakfast and lounge access for two, which is what I was entitled to.
Jan 10, 2017, 1:58 pm
#313
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
Perhaps I felt underwhelmed because this was sandwiched between other stays I was doing in China, where I was treated with better amenities than I usually receive in the United Sates. I also don't normally stay at the Le Meridian brand, so I didn't know what to expect from them, and to be honest, I don't understand how the brand is supposed to be segmented from the other brands that seem to have specific niches.
Jan 10, 2017, 4:42 pm
#314
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: WAS/ Silver Spring, MD,USA
Programs: UA/AA
Posts: 857
Stayed here a few days ago. As a gold member I received a free welcome drink at the bar and 4pm checkout. Could have opted for 250 points but I was thirsty ! The bed and room was very comfortable. I did not expect a free breakfast. It can be purchased with cash or 1250 points if you really want to eat in-house.
I prefer to eat outside at the markets or on the street. I hear they have some good Thai food in Thailand.
Once, In the past I received an upgrade to a huge three room corner suite which I did not expect. They did offer some discounts at the spa and restaurants , around 20% , if I remember correctly.
I prefer to eat outside at the markets or on the street. I hear they have some good Thai food in Thailand.
Once, In the past I received an upgrade to a huge three room corner suite which I did not expect. They did offer some discounts at the spa and restaurants , around 20% , if I remember correctly.
Last edited by Paiteaw; Jan 10, 2017 at 9:34 pm Reason: Sp
Jan 10, 2017, 5:48 pm
#315
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
An additional, though perhaps undocumented, PLT benefit at this hotel is that PLTs can have Illy brand coffee at breakfast. You must request it. If you're not PLT, Illy coffee is still available, but at additional cost.
I believe that this is the standard PLT upgrade suite. You're right, it is very nice.
I believe that this is the standard PLT upgrade suite. You're right, it is very nice.