Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


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LIVING IT UP:
At Pingnakorn -
Stylish Living in Chiang Mai's Hottest Neighborhood

Text: Finley B. Luge
Images: Karin

Approaching its first birthday which will be duly celebrated next month, At Pingnakorn is a stylish boutique accommodation set on peaceful Soi 12 of Chiang Mai's most fashionable boulevard, Nimmanhaeminda Road. Less than ten minutes' drive from the airport and city centre and being just a few minutes' stroll from an array of boutique stores and fashion retailers, coffee shops, hip restaurants and vibrant nightlife, guests and residents here can boast the rare pleasure of having a private stylish home in Chiang Mai's most desirable location.

At Pingnakorn is a contemporary habitat offering a home service for long and short stay visitors (with rooms starting from 1200 baht per night including breakfast). The stunning six-storey hotel is made up of 44 rooms that are split into five different categories of superior, deluxe, grand deluxe and 1 & 2 bedroom suites, each and every one of which has been elegantly designed, fitted with everything you will need for a luxurious yet comfortable stay. All rooms come with fully equipped pantries with cutlery & chinaware, refrigerator, cabinets, microwave, colour TV with cable, satellite & NHK (Sports, News, & Movie), DVD & VCD player, bathroom with bathtub, toiletries and a full range of linens and towels, door bell and electronic key card system, free Wi-Fi internet throughout, and split type air-conditioning.

Long stay guests are housed in the top two floors of this airy and bright gorgeously-finished building, with rates starting at a very reasonable 10,000 baht per month. The two bedroom suites have been intelligently planned and elegantly furnished. Upon entering the room with beautiful wood flooring and thick carpet rugs you are met by a central dining and lounge area with kitchenette, spacious enough for a couch and dining room table and chairs. To the left is a large bedroom with double bed, built-in wardrobes, flat screen TV and DVD player, en suite bathroom and a balcony with table and chairs. The bathroom has duel access, allowing the guest of the second bedroom, situated to the right of the communal space, or anyone in the communal area to utilise it; slightly smaller, this bedroom is fitted-out with the same luxurious furniture as the main bedroom. All room types are furnished to the same standard varying only in size, the smallest of which possess ample space. Hotel facilities include: 24 hours service of front office and concierge, limousine service & tour desk, housekeeping and laundry service, security and close circuit TV, fire safety in the form of heat & smoke detector systems, safety box at the front office, PABX telephone system and a sheltered parking space.

Le Nakara, the hotel's restaurant, serves classic western dishes with a nuance of Thai at very affordable prices. The chic dining room has the feel of a garden conservatory, with classic wooden overtones, beautiful lighting, and elegant furnishings: a very peaceful spot to relax, hangout and enjoy a cup of fresh coffee whilst surfing the net courtesy of the free wireless provided. Or you could join friends for a delicious lunch or dinner at the outdoor garden area at the back of the restaurant.

The Western orientated menu and specials are updated monthly, with spaghetti and traditional Thai spicy sausage being one of last month's specialties, and a buffet breakfast is served every morning at an excellent value of 100 baht (free to daily rate guests). Of the Western cuisine the burgers with toppings such as bacon with rosemary that come fully loaded with fries and sides for a staggeringly low 85 baht is a choice item. The Lanakara salad akin to a Caesar salad but with a homemade sauce, and the kicked up tuna melt are highly recommended, as are the plates of spaghetti with a variety of sauces, all made in-house. Under the kick-up menu, set meals are provided for 89 baht, made up of a main dish such as stir-fried rice with seafood, American fried-rice or stir-fried egg noodles with beef; a soup or appetizer, such as mushroom tom yum, spring rolls or extra crispy chicken wings, and all come served with a coke.

Opened daily from 8am until 10 pm this is a real gem of a restaurant in part due to its privacy and calming ambience within a trendy neighbourhood, but mainly due to the well-thought out menu that has brought together genuinely tasty fare to suit all palates.

All members of staff have been trained in every facet of hotel service, ensuring they have high levels of competence, professionalism and attitude. Coupled with the casual atmosphere that the hotel has endeavoured to create, guests will feel like they are at a home from home with all the facilities of a top hotel but without the pretence.