A Pillar of Calm Away From Chiang Mai’s Old Town
137 Pillars House feels like a deliberate step sideways from the cityTucked away in the Wat Ket area, a quiet pocket of Chiang Mai well clear of the chaos of the Old Town, at 137 Pillars House you’re close enough to dip in when you want to, but far enough out that the noise never follows you back. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where mornings start slowly, perhaps with a quick trip to the nearby Lung Khajohn Wat Ket, one of the city’s best rice roll spots, or a plate of Neng’s Clay Pot Roast Pork (insanely delish!), before retreating back to the calm of the hotel gardens.The hotel is built around the former East Borneo Trading Company headquarters, dating back to the late 19th century, and that sense of history is woven into the experience. The original teak house still stands at the centre of the property, its dark wood and shaded verandas setting the tone for everything around it. The newer buildings have been designed to sit quietly alongside it, similar in style with clean lines, lots of glass and plenty of greenery.There are just 30 suites here, which goes a long way in explaining why the place never feels busy, even when it’s full. Rooms are generous, starting at a size that would pass for a suite elsewhere, with high ceilings, freestanding tubs, outdoor showers, daybeds and outdoor terraces that invite lingering. The sense of space is consistent throughout the property, from the wide walkways to the gardens that wrap around the buildings and soften every view.The pool is a particular highlight. Flanked by palms, it’s a great shape and temperature for lengths, something that’s harder to find in Thailand’s city hotels than you’d think. There are loungers and comfy sofas across the public spaces too, so there’s no shortage of spots to properly switch off.Design-wise, 137 Pillars strikes a careful balance. There are plenty of nods to Lanna heritage in the materials and textures: warm woods, neutral tones, curated antiques and contemporary furniture. References to the property’s past run throughout, from the names of the rooms to the hotel’s own museum and artworks connected to former owners of the site.Breakfast is another strong point. There’s a standout spread of fresh tropical fruit, well-executed local dishes and a whole host of healthier options.What really sets 137 Pillars House apart, though, is the atmosphere it manages to maintain. There’s no sense of rush, no background buzz, no naff lounge cover music and no feeling that you’re part of a crowd. It’s a place for slowing down, long swims, good food and quiet evenings, with the city close by but firmly at arm’s length. For Chiang Mai at its most relaxed, it’s hard to beat.Key InformationAddress | 2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road, Tambon Watgate, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand50000For more information | 137pillarshotels.com
Comments (0)