Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai – A Review By Punam Mohandas
The Dusit Island Resort on Chiang Rai is a sprawling property, set on 16-acres and surrounded by the sluggish Mae Kok river that borders its perimeters.
The hotel lives up to its befitting five-star tag right from its lobby, which is grand without being overpoweringly ostentatious, and has prime objects d’art placed with an eye for detail. The high vaulted wooden ceiling adds to the touch of authentic northern Thai architecture.
Wide corridors and a foyer area in front of the lifts mark all the nine floors. The 10th floor plays host to the Princess Suite and The Peak restaurant. The 271-key inventory is classified into Deluxe Rooms, Landmark Suites and Island Suites. Most sensibly, all the rooms are designed in such a manner that the beds face the river view. The Deluxe rooms offer the usual amenities of tea/coffee maker; wide flat screen TV and electronic safe, while the bathrooms have both bath tub and shower. Complimentary bottles of water which is the Dusit signature, is available in plenty.
The Landmark suites have a small dining table and kitchenette as well, with the sitting and sleeping space sectioned off by the television cabinet while, in the Island suites, these spaces are two separate rooms altogether. The Island suites are simply but tastefully decorated, with the Thai influence very evident in the furnishings and furniture. Some choice pieces of wooden teak furniture set off the silk cushions and curtains to fine advantage. A large balcony is the undeniable attraction, with cane loungers that allow you to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the river view.
Wifi is available throughout the property. An Internet Corner just off the main lobby has three partitioned cubicles that accord privacy, and is free for guest use. Business amenities cover five meeting and banqueting rooms, all with natural daylight, and the Doi Tung ballroom, that can accommodate 7oopax theatre style, 500pax for cocktails, 420pax in classroom seating and 460pax in banquet style. The Dusit can organise theme evenings such as Lanna Night, Hilltribes Village, Jungle Night, and suchlike.
F&B options include The Peak, which is a steak house located on the 10th floor and thus offering a sweeping river view; Chinatown, offering Chinese fare and quite possibly the most popular restaurant in Chiang Rai, catering more for non-resident guests, with the Governor being a frequent visitor; Island Café with international cuisines on the menu; Larn Tong, a stand-alone restaurant currently under renovation that offers northern Thai cuisine; the Cellar Pub with its two pool tables and modelled on the lines of an English pub; Once More, the nightclub mainly used for private parties, and the Lobby Lounge.
Recreation facilities includes the largest swimming pool in the city; the Yogi spa; a gym from 7am-8pm that offers separate steam, sauna and Jacuzzi facilities for men and women; jogging track on the premises; tennis court and shopping arcade as also a hair salon, on the ground floor. The hotel also has golf courses in the vicinity.
The Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai is about twenty minutes away from town and the shopping area however, the hotel does provide a shuttle bus service at varied times. What is even more noteworthy is that the Central Plaza mall provides a complimentary shuttle service back to the hotel.
The hotel is located within half an hour of attractions such as the Black Temple and the White Temple. Mae Sai, the Thai-Myanmar border, is an hour away; mini vans and buses leave every 30-minutes from the bus station. The minivan ticket is 46baht per person. From Mae Sae, you can take a songtaew to the Golden Triangle – the border area of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Chiang Mai is three hours and fifteen minutes away from Chiang Rai (by road); you could either fly or take a bus journey for 188baht while enjoying a scenic drive besides.
DUSIT ISLAND RESORT CHIANG RAI
TEL: +66 5360 7999
FAX: +66 5371 5801
Email: [email protected]