Escape to Paradise: House of Garden Chiang Rai - Thailand's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: House of Garden Chiang Rai – Is This Thailand's REALLY Hidden Gem? (Spoiler: Maybe… But with Quirks!)
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Chiang Rai, and let me tell you, "Escape to Paradise: House of Garden" is… well, it's an experience. Let's just say it's not your cookie-cutter, perfectly polished hotel. It’s got its quirks, its charms, and a whole lotta stuff crammed in. I'm going to lay it all out for you, messy, honest, and with a few (okay, maybe a lot of) tangents thrown in. Buckle up.
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Accessibility (and the Little Wins):
Let's start with the nitty-gritty. Accessibility is a big deal, folks, and House of Garden… tries. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and I’d need more concrete specifics. The elevator exists, which is a HUGE plus, and the entry was mostly ok (if a little bumpy). I’d advise checking with them specifically on your needs before booking. It’s not a hotel designed specifically for wheelchair access, so call ahead! The car park [free of charge] is a godsend, though. Parking in Thailand can be a nightmare!
Cleanliness and Safety (Pandemic Edition – Because, You Know…):
They’re clearly trying. There's hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff wear masks (though not always consistently). I saw the daily disinfection in common areas, and they boasted about anti-viral cleaning products, which is reassuring. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch. Room sanitization between stays is a huge plus, though I didn't see it in action. The staff trained in safety protocol seemed to be going through the motions more than enthusiastically embracing the protocols. I did, however, appreciate the cashless payment service.
The Room – My Sanctuary (Mostly):
Okay, let's talk room. I snagged a non-smoking room (thank goodness!), equipped with air conditioning (essential!), a refrigerator (hello, late-night snacks!), and free Wi-Fi. Winning already. They provided complimentary tea and free bottled water. You're given an alarm clock, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, and oh, a scale. I'm not sure who wants to weigh themselves on vacation, but hey, maybe it's a Thai cultural thing? The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those early morning flights, and I loved the window that opens. Little things go a long way!
- My Observation: The bed was so comfy, I almost melted into it! And the extra-long bed was a revelation for a tall person like me!
The private bathroom was… okay. It had a separate shower/bathtub (though the shower pressure could have been stronger), and the towels were fluffy. The bathroom phone felt a little… dated, but I suppose it’s nice to have in an emergency. The mirror was well-placed, the desk was functional (and I used it), and they even had a laptop workspace. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy (though I sometimes felt like they didn't really know what to do with the mess I left!) The Internet access – wireless was a breeze. The security [24-hour] was solid, so a good night sleep felt assured.
- My Moment of Truth: I confess, I’m a bit of a light sleeper. The soundproofing wasn’t perfect, but the quiet nights were great. No screaming monkeys outside my window like I've experienced somewhere else!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Gastronomic Adventure (With Ups and Downs):
Okay, food. This is a huge category, so bear with me.
(Rant Alert!) *Let's start with the breakfast. The breakfast [buffet] was…an experience. It had everything! They offered Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, with Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. And the coffee/tea in restaurant was okay. But…it felt a bit…chaotic. The salad in restaurant looked more like a slightly wilted green afterthought. The buffet in restaurant had a bit of the usual items… but for a proper restaurant that offers *so* much… it leaves something to be desired.*
The Silver Lining: The a la carte in restaurant options were actually pretty good! The soup in restaurant was hearty and satisfying, and the desserts in restaurant (hello, mango sticky rice!) were divine. The bottle of water in the room was a nice touch. The coffee shop was convenient for a quick caffeine fix. The poolside bar was a great place to unwind at the end of the day, watching the sunset.
Quirk Alert! Room service… they had room service [24-hour]! Which is great, right? Except ordering anything after midnight was… an adventure in translation. My attempts at ordering a midnight snack resulted in a plate of… well, I won't say, but let's just say it wasn't what I was expecting.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Paradise Found (Sort Of):
They really try here.
Spa Time! Hands down, the best part! The spa was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the massage, a body scrub, and a foot bath. The sauna and steamroom were great options before my treatment.
* My Emotional Reaction The massage was transcendental – sheer bliss! The therapist was amazing, and it was well worth the cost. I seriously considered moving into the spa.
Pool Problems: The swimming pool [outdoor] was clean and had a pool with view, which was lovely. The gym/fitness center looked decent enough, though I only glanced at it. However, the pool area was often overcrowded, which took away from the relaxing vibe.
The Rest: They also had a fitness center and a gym/fitness area. I didn't use them, I was too busy eating and relaxing!
Services and Conveniences – Helpful, but Sometimes Hit-or-Miss:
Convenience is Key: The concierge was helpful, but a bit overwhelmed at times. The cash withdrawal was a savior as well as the currency exchange. The dry cleaning and laundry service were decent, though a tad expensive. The gift/souvenir shop was fun for browsing.
The Frustrations: The air conditioning in public area sometimes felt…unnecessary, and stuffy. They had a business facilities that was useful, but for an "escape to paradise", I didn't want to work too hard. The food delivery service… wasn't obvious, and I had to make my own arrangements. I guess the car park [on-site] was a plus, but the taxi service was a bit expensive, and had to get some extra help from the doorman. The luggage storage was useful before check-in and after checkout.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly (But with Caveats):
- Family Focused: *This place *tries* to be family/child friendly. They have babysitting service available (good to know!), but I didn’t see a lot of kid-specific facilities. If your kids are easygoing, they’ll be fine, but don’t expect a dedicated kids’ club.*
Getting Around:
- Transportation: They have airport transfer, which is essential, and a taxi service (a bit pricey, but convenient). The car park [free of charge] is a huge plus if you’re renting a car, and the bicycle parking area might be useful for local exploring.
In Conclusion – Is it a Hidden Gem? …Maybe Not, But Still Worth It:
"Escape to Paradise: House of Garden" is a mixed bag. It's not perfect. It has its flaws. It has its quirky moments. It might not be everyone's idea of a "luxury" hotel, though it is clearly trying to provide a lot. But it also has charm, fantastic spa treatments, and a location that's fairly central.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a flawless, predictable hotel experience, this might not be the best fit. However, if you're open to a little bit of "realness," a dash of imperfection, and a whole
Escape to Paradise: Blossom Eco Luxe Villas in Bali Await
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished travel blog. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-burnt-at-the-edges account of my Chiang Rai House of Garden adventure. Prepare for whiplash.
Chiang Rai Chaos: A Slightly-Organized Itinerary (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & Architectural Overwhelm
Morning (ish - jet lag, you know?): Landed in Chiang Rai, a little bleary-eyed, a little hangry. Finding the hotel transfer… a comedy of errors. My luggage? Apparently, it has a mind of its own and likes to take scenic routes. Finally, collapse at House of Garden. Seriously, the lobby? Stunning. Like, "I'm not worthy" stunning. The gardens… well, I'll get to it.
Mid-day (after a LOT of coffee because, jet lag): Settled into my ridiculously charming room. (Think: Four-poster bed, mosquito net draped just so, and enough space to swing a cat – which, by the way, I almost did when I saw the price of the local street food). The view? Lush green, just what the doctor ordered. Except… I forgot to pack my medication. Oops.
Afternoon (hmmm, where was I?): Okay, so I got my act together and actually ventured beyond the confines of my room. First stop: a wander through the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Okay, okay, so everyone goes there. But seriously? Jaw. On. The. Floor. The level of detail is mind-blowing. Like, "did a deity design this?" kind of mind-blowing. It's just… a lot. You know? Almost overwhelming. My inner artist was screaming with excitement, my inner critic? Well, it was saying, "You'll never paint anything this epic." Rude.
Evening: (Okay, now we're talking): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food? Flavour explosions! The red curry was actually worth spilling on my shirt. Sat by the pool, a bit tipsy, and the conversation… pure gold. With a local, an expat couple, and a random dog. Beautiful, as much as the location.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and Total Exhaustion
Morning: This time, I ate breakfast BEFORE venturing out. Big win. A visit to the Black House (Baan Dam Museum). Yikes. Spooky, thought-provoking, and definitely not for the faint of heart. The artist's concept? Absolutely unique. Maybe a bit much on the animal carcasses though. Seriously, a lot of them. I had the urge to light a candle and leave as quickly as possible as my gut feeling was off.
Mid-day: Tried to find my way to a tea plantation. Which involved a lengthy tuk-tuk negotiation that made me feel like I was haggling for a kidney. Managed to wrangle a decent price, but I was left with a vague paranoia that I'd been massively ripped off. The tea? Delicious, but the view? Priceless. Rolling hills, emerald green, the kind of place where you could totally lose yourself… and maybe actually relax. The smell of tea and nature was intoxicating.
Afternoon: Found myself back at House of Garden. Decided to write and read. I'm a writer so I took a seat near the quiet swimming pool and wrote about the experience. The hotel really has all that I need.
Evening: I decided to eat at the hotel again.
Day 3: The Elephant Encounter (and My Emotional Breakdown)
Morning: This was the day I'd been dreading/anticipating: an ethical elephant sanctuary visit. Okay, so here's the truth: I'm obsessed with elephants. Like, borderline-unhealthy obsessed. And I wanted a responsible experience. The sanctuary was… well, it was a mixed bag. The elephants were incredibly beautiful. They had their own personalities. We had a guide who was clearly passionate about the animals. The animals… well, there was some interaction, but the whole thing was somewhat manufactured. I felt a strange guilt, a mix of awe and a deep sadness. I teared up. I wanted to fix the world. The whole situation was emotionally draining. This experience consumed my entire day.
Afternoon: Continued exploring the elephant sanctuary. I felt very conflicted. I guess that's the point. The world isn't perfect. And this trip isn't perfect. Sometimes you just have to accept it.
Evening: Back at House of Garden, I had a long bath, contemplating my life choices, and watching my favorite show.
Day 4: Farewell, For Now (and a Vow to Return)
Morning: One last, lingering breakfast in the garden. Savoring the papaya, the coffee, the glorious sunshine. Checking out… wishing I could stay.
Mid-day: A quick trip to the local market – one last chance to stock up on souvenirs and to people-watch (which, let's be honest, is one of my favorite pastimes). Managed to completely botch my attempts at haggling for a scarf. Whatever, it's the thought that counts, right?
Afternoon: Off to the airport. Heart a little heavy, head full of memories, and stomach a little unsettled from the street food. Overall, a success.
Evening: Flight home. (Or, more accurately, the first leg of my journey home.) The end.
Escape to Paradise: House of Garden Chiang Rai - Let's Get Real, Shall We? (FAQs, Maybe?)
Okay, So Is This Place Actually 'Paradise' or Just Instagram Filter Paradise?
Alright, buckle up, because real talk time. House of Garden? Yeah, it's *pretty* damn close to the real deal. The photos? They don't lie, which is rare these days. BUT – and this is a big but, like, a 'I ate too much delicious Thai food' big but – paradise isn't perfect. Expect: occasional mosquito attacks (bless you, repellent!), the odd stray doggo wandering past (usually friendly, sometimes needy), and maybe - just maybe - your aircon will decide to take a nap at 3 AM. I learned that from personal experience. My first night, I was sweating like a politician on election day. I nearly lost it, but then, the morning views? Worth it. Every. Single. Drop.
The Rooms: Are They Worth the Hype (and My Hard-Earned Cash)?
Okay, the rooms. Oh, the rooms. I stayed in the Garden Villa (treat yo' self, I say!). Honestly? I'm still dreaming about that bed. That's a *bed*, people! Not just a place to sleep but a freaking *experience*. Super comfy, clean, stunning view. The bathroom? Open air! You're showering under the stars! (Kinda. In a very private, luxurious way. Obvs.) My only *slight* grumble? The water pressure in the shower *could* have been a bit stronger. Minor detail. Overall? Absolutely worth it. Book the best room you can afford, trust me.
Food Glorious Food: What's the Grub Like?
The food? Oh. My. God. Where do I even begin? Breakfast is included, and it's a stunner. Fresh fruit, Thai classics, the works. Dinner? Order the Pad Thai. Seriously. I'm not kidding. I ate Pad Thai every single night and I have zero regrets. Actually, no, scratch that. My *one* regret? Not getting the recipe. The restaurant is amazing, and the staff are so lovely. Just… be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two. You WILL gain weight. Enjoy every single bite.
Location, Location, Location: Is It Actually Easy to Get Around?
Okay, it's a little outside of the city center. You can get a taxi or a tuk-tuk. It depends how much you're willing to spend. Honestly though, it's worth it, being away from the madness. It's so peaceful! The House of Garden has a shuttle service too, which is great. Just plan ahead, and you'll be golden. I used Grab and it was fairly easy, but sometimes the pick-up location was a bit vague. I blame my terrible sense of direction. No, on second thought I blame the heat.
Deals & Discounts: How Can I Save a Buck?
Look for deals online! Checking forRest Nest Hotels
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