Chiang Mai-the Anantara Hotel

In addition to spending a day at the Elephant Nature Park, we had two other days in Chiang Mai.  We stayed at the Anantara Hotel, which is located in walking distance of many restaurants and the Night Market.  The hotel grounds were simply gorgeous.  One side of the property fronts onto the river, so you can watch small boats go by, fishermen at work,  as well as a few interesting birds at the water's edge.  We ate breakfast on the patio facing the river each day.  Later in the morning, the inside would be preferable, but we found the shade to be very pleasant for breakfast on the early side.

We spent the afternoons under an umbrella by the pool.  The water was really refreshing as it was very hot!  Someone periodically came around offering drinks or ice water, but the bar was in easy reach if a server was not around.  The spa is located just behind the pool, but it not affected by any noise from the pool.  I tried a Thai massage and it was wonderful.  

We booked a Kasara suite, which ended up being a very large space for two people.  The laundry service included in this room rate was most welcome as we were halfway through our trip and had a suitcase full of dirty clothes!  Although we did not find the flawless service we found at our other hotels in Thailand, the staff by and large was quite accommodating and eager to please.  We booked the airport transfers through the front desk, as well as a tour guide for a day trip out to the hill country.  These were both easy to arrange via email before our arrival.

chiang-mai.anantara.com/