We do not usually stay at large hotels preferring boutique style hotels however if Le Meridien Chiang Rai is any indication of what this group has to offer we will certainly consider them in the future.
From the moment you arrive at this hotel and walk up the steps to the reception area and see the stunning views you know you are in a special place. From reception you look out across the gardens and pool to the river and mountains beyond – the views are breathtaking.
All the staff are fantastic – we had some confusion with our booking and they handled it brilliantly.

The rooms are beautiful. They are large with extremely comfortable beds and balconies. The bathrooms are also large and well fitted. Although very close to the picture on the website the rooms are actually better – on the website they look a bit cold.
Breakfast was nice including freshly baked croissants – brought around to your take and the most sensational jams. They also offer a special treat each day and the oatmeal soufflé was to die for.
I only have two criticisms of this hotel
1. Water at the pool. I believe at any 5 star hotel and really any hotel in the tropics they should offer you free water buy the pool.
2. Internet – I also believe a 5 star hotel should offer free internet in the rooms.
However at the end of the day these are minor criticisms.
If you walk out of the hotel and turn right there are several restaurants and a couple of small shops. The first restaurant (named only in Thai) is sensational and so cheap. $ of us ate for less than 700 BHT including a couple of large beers and a tip. The food was fantastic.
I highly recommend Chiang Rai – we had 4 days there and could have stayed a week. We spend three days with our wonderful guide Jermsak (jermsak_cei@yahoo.co.th) and one of the highlights was a trip along the river and arriving at our hotels pier.
This hotel also offers unbelievable value in the green season.

New hotel, in beautiful gardens, next to the river. The design of the rooms, the restaurants, garden, pool and library was great, luxurious and comfortable. The hotel has its own boat pier, which is convenient for for your trips up the hills. Swimming pool was great and since the hotel was almost completely empty, it felt like a private pool. The staff was just excellent!
Location is a bit out of town, so for walking down the streets in the evening, you will need a tuktuk. Just outside the hotel, on the river bank, are a few restaurants as well. A place to return to when returning to Chiang Rai!

We took our children ( 13 & 11) with us on our 20th year anniversary. We heard that this hotel has just opened, so we decided to try it. The hotel is very nice and has a very relaxing setting. Our room was big, stylish and clean; bed was very comfortable, bathroom was hugh. Breakfast was very good.

Staffs was very helpful. When we checked in, the front desk was very nice. She looked at our reservarion and see that it was our 20th year annivesary, she then upgraded us to a deluex room with the river view. The front office manager - Chalisa made sure that our checking in was smooth. The General manage - Anne Scott was very thoughful. She worte welcome note with her own hand writing to all guests. She greeted all the guests at the brakefast area by the river in the morning and thank you all the guests personally when they check out.

This stay was the highlight of our trip, The only regret was we only stayed one night here. We will stay here again when we go to Chiang Rai.
This hotel is worth every penny you spend.