The Tamarind is an Oasis. We...
The Tamarind is an Oasis. We stayed here for 5 days with 18 of our wedding guests! The staff was wonderful, attentive, and most of all, patient with all our organizing! They arranged tailors and seamstresses, taxis, and even a doctor (twice) for a family member who got hit terribly hard by "Thai-Tummy" (be carful of street vendor food!). It was hot hot hot in the city, but the hotel was a cool, breezy oasis after a long day treking. The breakfast was one of the best I've had--food was high quality, fresh, and wonderfully presented. Free 5 minute foot, hand or neck massages by the pool, spa quality soaps etc. in the rooms, and a very affordable restaurant made for a wonderful stay. The food was safe, of Thai and "western" orign, and the ambiance was great--candles by the pool-side with a jazz duo in the evenings! The day after the wedding the CEO of the hotel group gave us his congrats personally. Overall, one of the best hotels I've stayed in. It's not opulant, but is simple, tasteful, and full of northern Thai charm. I can't compare it to other luxury hotels, becuase it's nothing like them. Everything is perfect without being over-guilded. Staying at this hotel made my second trip to Chiang Mai my favourite, and the help of its staff made all of the hectic planning associated with a wedding that much easier. Make sure that you book with Asiarooms, however, as the hotel's rack rates are very very high by comparison! We couldn't believe the deal we got--well less than half off, plus the hotel upgraded us for free because it was our wedding. This was a wonderful hotel for a wonderful vacation. The only drawback was the misquitos--that said, they were a scourge no matter where we stayed in Thailand--Samui, north, Bangkok....a little bit of bug spray does the trick, the staff will also spray your room, and the restaurant and poolside use unobtrusive coils in the evening. Nothing to get worked up about, and didn't detract from our stay at all!
