The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai has grown in leaps and bounds in the past decade and now, there’s no shortage of places to stay, from grand brand-name hotels to charming boutique properties. A more recent addition to the city’s hotel scene is the Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, an ode to Chiang Mai’s Lanna Kingdom that stands tall above the ancient city.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping

This property was once the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, a storied bolthole in Chiang Mai’s historic heart. But after a takeover by IHG Hotels & Resorts, Thai design firm PIA Interior was brought in to revamp the hotel in the elevated style of the Intercontinental brand while honouring Chiang Mai’s history.

Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping lobby
The lobby

Outside, it’s a bright modern structure that soars above the diminutive buildings around it. But from the second you step into the lobby, every aspect of the hotel immerses you in Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage. The grand lobby, with its stratospheric ceilings, blends ancient architectural motifs and traditional Lanna artistry with luxe modern materials like marble. Designers were inspired by the concept of chang sip mu, the umbrella term for 10 local expressions of crafts such as drawing, engraving, lacquering, and metal beating that were developed under the city’s founder, King Mengrai.

At check-in, I’m invited to engage with local tradition by striking a Thai gong – supposedly to ensure my return – and enjoying a refreshing juice of mulberry, apple, raspberry, lime, and lotus syrup.

Locally crafted rooms

Guestroom interior at Intercontinental Chiang Mai the Mae Ping
Interior of Classic King Room

The Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping houses 240 guestrooms and suites, and like the rest of the property, each draws on Chiang Mai’s tradition of craftsmanship. My Premium King room features framed sculptural artwork on the walls, a moulded sofa inspired by the seats local mahouts place on elephants’ backs, and through black lacquered French doors, a well-appointed marble bathroom featuring plenty of intricate latticework patterns. All of this is paired with soothing whites, sandy greens, and creams, and abundant natural light that floods through two postcard windows.

Of course, this is a very modern hotel, so the traditionally-inspired design is matched with all the appropriate mod-cons. There’s a 55-inch smart TV with Bluetooth connectivity in the living area; USB plugs and international outlets on the nightstand; a massive king-sized bed dressed in crisp white linen that comes with a pillow menu; a sleek white minibar cabinet stocked with local snacks, a Nespresso machine, and artisanal teas. My favourite part was the glamorous black-and-white bathroom featuring an oversized standalone bathtub, separate rainshower, and premium amenities.

Guests in Premium rooms and suites also enjoy Club InterContinental benefits, which adds a dash of exclusivity to stays here. Though a dedicated Club space is yet to be built – that’s still to come – guests can currently enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening drinks in a quieter section within The Gad Lanna restaurant.

A touch of spice

Hong’s Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar
Hong’s Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar

The Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping incorporates local traditions in its look and its gastronomy. The Gad Lanna, the hotel’s all-day dining destination, is an expansive space of curved ceilings and marble serving stations specialising in authentic Northern cuisine at all times of day.

At breakfast, a market-style experience offers a wealth of fresh dishes, from Thai noodles and sweets to fresh local fruits – Western eggs and pastries are also on offer – though the Khao Soi (a local noodle speciality) I’d heard so much about from hotel staff was mysteriously absent.

For dinner, I sampled a delightfully spicy selection of the restaurant’s signatures, including an eye-watering som tum, decadent crispy five-spice duck spring rolls, and a melt-in-your-mouth gaeng hung lay, a northern Thai pork rib curry.

Overlooking the pool, Kam Lobby Lounge is a light-filled space whose décor takes inspiration from Chiang Mai’s traditional Yi Peng Lantern Festival in its two feature wall installations. This is an inviting space to sink into deep rattan chairs at marble tables while enjoying indulgent themed afternoon teas by day and well-executed cocktails – and live jazz – by night.

Rounding out the culinary offerings at the hotel is Hong’s Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, which offer sweeping views across Doi Suthep mountain and Chiang Mai’s old city from its perch atop the building. At sunset, the Sky Bar is a sophisticated al-fresco rooftop bar where the negronis are as excellent as the Instagram opportunities.

One floor below, the restaurant tempts guests with menus of fiery Sichuanese dishes served in interiors rendered in grand Chinese style. However, while the restaurant deserves points for effort, the execution of its dishes could use a little refining to meet the promise of the elevated interiors.

Extras

Any good hotel in Chiang Mai these days comes with a few added extras, and the Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping doesn’t disappoint on this front. Right now, there’s a lovely – if smaller than expected – pool fringed by loungers and cabanas and backdropped by an old wall of the ancient city with waterfalls sprouting from it. There’s also a well-appointed gym and a roster of daily, complimentary wellness activities.

A second phase of the hotel is set to open on a plot of land next to the hotel’s existing site, which will add an extra 50 rooms and suites, as well as a dedicated Club Wing and pool and II Spa and Club Lounge. For now, though, a spa has been set up within the main hotel building and is well worth checking out – the Thai-inspired massages and facials I indulged in here were thoroughly restorative.

Final thoughts

Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping combines the brand’s signature elevated offerings with subtle local influences, meaning that all guests will enjoy a sense of place while enjoying total comfort. And, with a location in the heart of the old city, this is the perfect base for exploring Chiang Mai.

Read more about Intercontinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping or Book through Booking.com

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