The Empress Hotel is a four-star luxury hotel, located in the heart of Chiang Mai. It’s only a few minutes’ drive to the old city and within walking distance from the Night Bazaar.
The reception area of the hotel is beautifully spacious, with a lounge on the one side, and a coffee shop and restaurants on the other.
When I arrived
Check in is easy and uncomplicated. You will receive a card with an internet user ID and password, a voucher to the breakfast buffet and a voucher for a welcome drink at the coffee shop.
Porters are ready to assist you with your luggage.
Hospitality
The hospitality of The Empress Hotel is unrivalled! Apart from the welcome drink, you also receive a complimentary fruit basket in your room.
Upon my return from a short excursion to the Night Bazaar, I found a surprise welcome gift on my pillow. A note and a cute bag filled with local goodies! Lays chips, cookies, and white chocolate covered almonds (white chocolate is my favourite!). I used the bag to cut back on plastic while shopping in Thailand.
Rooms
I stayed in a superior room on the 14th floor of the hotel, with a spectacular view of Chiang Mai city below, and the mountains in the distance. The room is spacious with timeless Asian décor.
Inside the room, you will find a desk and chair, a TV, a minibar with a selection of snacks and liquors, and tea and coffee making facilities. The room has air conditioning and black out curtains.
The bed is huge and comfortable. On the nightstand next to the bed is a central control unit to switch lights on and off. No need to get out of bed if you forget a light on. It also controls the air conditioning unit.
The ensuite bathroom has a washbasin, a toilet, and a shower/bath combo. Complimentary toiletries include soap, shampoo, body lotion, bath foam, a shower cap, a sewing kit and ear buds.
Facilities
The Empress Hotel has everything you need to ensure a comfortable stay. There are two speciality restaurants and a coffee shop where a delicious breakfast buffet is served.
On the third floor of the hotel, you will find the recreational area. A big outdoor swimming pool with a fitness centre, a massage parlour and two separate saunas, one for women and one for men.
Housekeeping every day with a turndown service.
Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. The list of facilities is extensive. Check out the website for more details.
Breakfast
A scrumptious breakfast buffet is served every morning from 06h00 to 10h00 in the Chao Nang Coffee Shop. It is a standard breakfast buffet with all the regular food. Expect to see a variety of juices, fresh fruit, cereals, a salad bar, pastries, hot breakfast favourites like eggs and sausages, and also a few Asian dishes. My personal favourite was the bread pudding and the crunchy waffles.
Staff
There is plenty of staff members at your beck and call. They are friendly and very helpful.
What I liked best:
Great hospitality that made me feel right at home! The welcome drink, fruit basket and the welcome gift!
The warm and friendly staff members.
The high rise building. The view from my bedroom over the city.
What I didn’t like:
Only something minor. The free WiFi in the room was a little bit slow.
Would I stay here again?
Without a doubt! This is my favourite hotel in Thailand.
