From US$180 including breakfast
– Excellent, fun Thai cooking class with the very affable Chef Hong
– No umbrellas if you want some shade while lazing on a lounger by the pool (though there are shaded but less comfortable day beds)
Just 25 minutes from the centre of Chiang Mai, the lush green setting of the North Hill City Resort gives the impression of being deep in the Thai countryside. Surrounded by the lush fairways of the adjacent golf course, this new hotel is the perfect place for golf fanatics or those looking for a tranquil location within easy reach of the city.
The hotel’s 40 deluxe rooms and two spacious suites are stylish and comfortable with free wifi, large LED TV with satellite channels, and a DVD player (there is a free DVD library with a good selection of English-language films and series). The rooms have a bathroom with a glass wall to the bedroom but there are blinds to cover the glass when privacy is needed. The separate shower has options for overhead, shoulders and back jets – a kind of in-room massage if you don’t have time to visit the spa.
The hotel has an appealing Italian restaurant and three bars. There is Vivace, a classy dark furnished lounge, the rooftop Astro bar and the casually chic Rock bar outdoors near the pool.
The hotel’s outdoor area of rock pools and lawns around the swimming pool is unusual and an attractive place to while away a few hours reading a book or catching some Thai sun.
As a newly opened resort, North Hill City feels like it’s still finding its feet and staff seem a little nervous and unsure of themselves. I have no doubt it will get into its stride soon and become a popular destination, especially for those wishing to take advantage of the resort’s ‘stay and play’ packages for golfers.
