Art and Culture of Lanna to the Ultimate Riverside Retreat at Ping Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
Without saying, it’s well-known that Cross hotels provide an impressive experience for savvy travelers. However, judging from mere photographs may not convey the full essence compared to experiencing it firsthand. That’s the inspiration behind the Chiang Mai trip and the delightful stay at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside. The accommodation seamlessly blends the chic and contemporary Cross style with the rich cultural heritage of Chiang Mai, creating a perfectly balanced and charming retreat. It’s the perfect destination for a blissful and modern getaway.
Cross Chiang Mai Riverside welcomes us with cool brick walls that we’ve seen passing through the city walls of Chiang Mai. Upon entering through these walls, we encounter a lobby with playful light and shadow designs. The incredibly welcoming staff greets us with a personalized welcome drink, complete with our names written on a chocolate. This is the distinctive welcome signature of Cross, capturing the hearts of discerning travelers.
After completing the smooth check-in process, we walk through a small corridor adorned with decorative mirrors to allow natural light to filter through. Suddenly, our gaze catches a glimpse of something beyond the brick walls. Little did we know that behind those walls lies a beautiful garden within the hotel premises. At the heart of the garden stands a large tree with sprawling branches, providing shade over the entire area. Next to it, the traditional Lanna-style pond is nearby. This pond, historically used by local Lanna communities, has been beautifully restored, adding to its charm and making it a captivating sight.
Inside, there are lounge areas designed as cozy sitting rooms, complete with views of the beautiful garden. These spaces provide a relaxing atmosphere where guests can unwind while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the lush garden.
A bit further along, there’s a larger corridor housing classic red-colored vintage cars, serving as an iconic setting. This pathway leads to the riverside restaurant, situated along the Ping River. It’s another picturesque spot perfect for capturing beautiful photos.
The Oxygen Dining Room, an all-day dining restaurant in a glasshouse style, offers a spacious and airy atmosphere beneath the shade of tamarind trees, providing a breathtaking view of the Ping River. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy afternoon tea, with each pastry being a delectable delight. For those who have never experienced it, or for pastry enthusiasts, trying the various cakes is a must. The set menu is highly recommended for two, offering great value.
The Grand Suite River View is the second-highest tier of accommodation at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside, and we absolutely loved our stay in this room. It offers a high level of privacy, providing stunning views of the river and the lush trees. The balcony is incredibly spacious, making it a perfect spot to relax. The room itself is comfortably spacious, featuring modern and stylish design with playful lighting and shadow elements, which is a signature design characteristic of Cross.
In the room, the welcoming touch of Cross is evident with the adorable welcome amenity – a personalized Mocktail kit complete with recipes and instructions. The kit is well-equipped, and to add to the delightful surprise, there is an additional complimentary box of treats provided.
The Top Rooms, limited to only two, are in high demand. The Pool Suite features a private, elongated pool set amidst the lush green garden. The accommodation ensures privacy with a natural barrier of trees serving as a fence, creating a sense of strolling through a personal garden. The room is elegantly decorated with a contemporary touch, particularly the bathroom, where the romantic and sensual atmosphere is enhanced by the colored lighting. Additionally, the room boasts a bathtub for a luxurious bathing experience.
The swimming pool is located on the rooftop of the building, providing a delightful atmosphere with a cool breeze throughout. Before the pool closes at 1 AM, I recommend trying a nighttime swim. The pool is adorned with starry lights, and when turned on during the night, it creates a mesmerizing ambiance, making it feel like you’re swimming under a twinkling sky.
The fitness center is also located on the rooftop, just like the swimming pool. This setup provides a unique and enjoyable experience, allowing you to work out while enjoying the scenic views from the rooftop.
Exploring the Ping River on a kayak is also a highly enjoyable activity, and it’s offered by the resort as a complimentary service. You just need to inform the staff in advance. During the rainy season, the water may take on a slightly reddish-brown color, as seen in the picture, but generally, they assure that the water is not as turbid.
During the day, the hotel takes advantage of natural light and shadows to create a beautiful play of light in its surroundings. Meanwhile, at night, the hotel impressively orchestrates artificial lighting and shadows, creating a captivating and memorable atmosphere.
In the evening, upon returning to the room, the hotel provides a turn-down service. Along with this service, they offer a delightful touch – a serving of ‘Khao Soi’ and a sleep mask placed neatly on the bed.
The breakfast at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside is an unforgettable Champagne Breakfast Buffet. It offers a diverse and high-quality selection, freshly prepared and beautifully presented. The dishes are served one after another, and the buffet includes a variety of options like mini salad bar, yogurt, and a fruit station. We chose to sit outside, captivated by the enchanting riverside garden atmosphere at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside.
Your Chiang Mai trip sounds absolutely delightful, and I’m thrilled that Cross Chiang Mai Riverside played a significant role in making it special. Recommending it to friends and acquaintances is a fantastic idea. Before you head back, it’s wonderful that you’re leaving with a small and adorable gift – a framed picture along with a photo taken in the hotel. It’s a lovely way to cherish the memories of your happy moments at Cross Chiang Mai Riverside.
♥ Additional Information Inquiry ♥
❀ Location: 369/1 Charoenrat Road, Tambon Wat Ket, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province, 50000
❀ Tel: +66 53 931 999
❀ Line: https://lin.ee/XTzrDfE
❀ E-mail: stay@crosschiangmairiverside.com
❀ Website: https://www.crosshotelsandresorts.com/crosschiangmai
❀ Facebook: Cross Chiang Mai Riverside
❀ IG: cross.chiangmai
» Reviewed by www.hotelandresortthailand.com