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 As a number of veteran backpackers morph into the less budget-driven 'flashpacker' set, it has become increasingly important for hotels in Thailand - particularly those in destinations that rely on a rich artistic and cultural heritage – to combine local design and heritage-related activities with comfort, style, and convenience. A sincere and proven interest in 'giving back' to the community also helps.
Boasting an abundance of cultural heritage sites, and renowned for its expertise in the area of traditional arts and design, including the popular ‘Neo-Lanna’ design movement, Chiang Mai provides an ideal environment for the trendy flashpacker set.
Philanthropic undertones
The recently-launched U Chiang Mai bijou hotel caters not only to flashpackers, but to anyone who appreciates a quality hotel experience. Its appearance and decor incorporate local design features, while it offers cultural activities, comfort and convenience, and a host of unique service options seldom found elsewhere, such as the opportunity to donate a portion of the room rate to one of several local charities.
'U' equals unique, uncomplicated services
The hotel stays true to its unique, uncomplicated approach through the modest number of guest rooms (41), which all feature traditional Thai design with a modern accent. This gives the hotel a pleasant 'familial' atmosphere. On checking in at the lobby lounge, it almost feels as if you're checking into your own traditional Thai home.
Adding to the 'home-away-from-home' feel are the personalized (and hi-tech) services and amenities on offer, the most unique being a '24-hour' check-in service. This means that, for example, a guest can check-in at 2 am and check-out at 5 pm on the same day, while only paying for a single night's stay.
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Nature, heritage, and community activities
U Chiang Mai provides free daily bicycle tours of nearby cultural attractions, including the historic temple of Wat Chedi Luang, which is adjacent to the hotel. Those interested in touring in depth local sites featuring particularly interesting examples of cultural heritage or natural beauty may want to consider the U Discovery package program. This half-day tour program, including one night's accommodation plus breakfast, costs 5,400 baht (US$158).
There is also a range of community-oriented, charitable programs affiliated with the hotel, giving participants the opportunity to volunteer their time and energy towards the benefit of the local community.
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Prior to arrival, guests can select their own iPod songs or DVD movies for their room (iPods and DVD players are provided in each room). You can also choose from a selection of soaps, pillows, and teas by utlilizing the hotel's website.
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A definite highlight of the U Chiang Mai experience is the friendly, informative, and highly useful service of Alex Seengoen, the head host supervisor, and his team of staff. Seengoen, a Thai-American from Hawaii who recently relocated to the kingdom, says his main task so far has been showing staff how to provide 'proactive' versus 'reactive' service.
The style of service is definitely appreciated, as proactive and personal guest service appear to be something quite unique to many hotels in the kingdom.
 While scouring a local map in the lobby and attempting to determine certain market and club locations, Seengoen and his staff recognized my plight and helped locate exactly where I wanted to go. They also gave very useful 'insider' tips which only a local could provide.
And again sticking to its uncomplicated ethos, U Chiang Mai's simple, straightforward Thai restaurant - aptly titled 'Eat&Drink' - has a no-frills, no-menu policy, where the waiter/waitress presents the day's Thai specialties on offer by word-of-mouth.
Personal freedom and satisfaction are the 'order of the day' at U Chiang Mai. The hotel provides the guest with 'at-home' freedoms and comforts in stylish, traditional settings, in addition to providing unique amenities and services that are difficult, if not impossible, to find elsewhere.
U Chiang Mai Superior rooms cost 2,800 baht net per night, while deluxe rooms run at 3,800 baht net per night.
For further information or to make a reservation, call U Chiang Mai at Tel: +66 (0)53 327 000, or visit its website at http://www.uhotelsresorts.com/chiang-mai/.
-James Vernon can be contacted at jamesjvernon[at]yahoo[dot]com.
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