Shangri-La Chiang Mai is the city's big, full-service luxury address, on Chang Klan Road in the commercial district beside the Night Bazaar. It has 277 rooms and a five-star rating, and it is organised like a resort inside a city hotel: a large outdoor pool with cabanas and loungers, a children's pool with a waterslide, a full-service spa with a health club, sauna, steam room and hot tub, three on-site restaurants including China Kitchen and Kad Kafe, a poolside bar and a coffee shop. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are included.
Why families choose it
The facilities. The children's pool, playground and the free children's club make this one of the easiest places in Chiang Mai to stay with young children, and an outdoor tennis court and health club give adults something to do. Note that the children's club is closed for a period each autumn, so check the dates before booking if it matters to you. The daily buffet breakfast carries a fee on most rates, so compare room-only and breakfast-inclusive prices.
Location
The hotel lists the Night Bazaar about seven minutes on foot, the riverside about eight, Mae Kha Canal Village about nine, the Kalare Night Bazaar about twelve and Tha Phae Gate about seventeen. Chiang Mai International Airport is about 17 minutes by car and the railway station about ten. It is more of a market-district base than a temple one, so you will take ride-hailing cars or songthaews to the old-city temples, but evening strolls and dining options are right outside the door.
Who it suits
Families, groups, business travellers and anyone who wants resort comforts without leaving town. Couples can choose a quiet pool hour in the morning, since the pool opens in the daytime and the spa is an easy treat. Expect higher rates in the cool season and at Yi Peng and Loy Krathong in late November.
A limousine and town-car service is available for transfers, which is handy for day trips to Doi Suthep or Doi Inthanon. If you prefer a boutique or heritage atmosphere, choose one of the old-city or riverside houses instead, but for facilities per dollar this is the safest large hotel in the city.
Why stay here
- ✓Five-star resort-style hotel
- ✓Large outdoor pool with cabanas
- ✓Children's pool with waterslide
- ✓Full-service spa and health club
- ✓Three restaurants and a poolside bar
- ✓Free children's club (check dates)
- ✓Free parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Is it good for families?+
Yes. It has a children's pool with a waterslide, a playground and a free children's club, though the club closes for a period each autumn.
How far is the Night Bazaar?+
About seven minutes on foot.
Is breakfast included?+
The daily buffet usually carries a fee, so check your rate.
