Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


	S.P. Publishing Group Co., Ltd. 11/1 Soi 3 Bamrungburi Rd., T. Prasingh, A. Muang., Chiang Mai 50200 Tel. 053 - 814 455-6 Fax. 053 - 814 457 E-mail: guidelin@loxinfo.co.th

LIVING IT UP:
Kantary Hills -
Luxurious Living Coupled with Five Star Facilities

Text: Finley B. Luge
Images: Apirak

Trekking, elephant riding and studying massage are still top of the activity agenda for the typical traveller; but when it comes to accommodation, even the most modest of middle class backpackers are looking for something other than the longstanding basic guesthouses around town.

Evidence of this trend is for all to see. The Night Bazaar now accommodates several beautiful five star hotels, as do certain parts of the old city and its environs. In line with this trend, the chic district known commonly to locals as "Nimmanhaeminda", has seen a number of small elegant boutique hotels and guesthouses mushroom up and down the famous boulevard in a brief passing of time. And at the start of last year, Kantary Hills became the latest addition to the exclusive Kantary Group of Hotels and Serviced Apartments, built right in the heart of this trendy locale.

Towards the end of the quiet Soi 12 of Nimmanhaeminda Road, this stunning property is an exceptional addition to the area boasting a range of five star services and facilities, with an understated yet opulent feel to both the communal and private areas. Each room is a true apartment complete with everything and more you will need for either long or short terms stays with a living room, dining area, elegant bedroom with adjoining balcony; a large stylish bathroom fitted with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower; and fully-equipped kitchen and pantry with all standard utensils, chinaware, refrigerator, cabinet, microwave oven and toaster. Other facilities include: split type air-conditioning; color TV with cable, satellite & NHK; stereo with DVD & VCD player; PABX telephone system; a full range of linens and towels; in-room safety box; door bell and electronic key card system; in-room internet line (with free WiFi provided in all public areas); and washing machines in all one- bedroom and two-bedroom apartments (also available in studio rooms upon request). For those looking to hire a car, a personal parking space is of course provided as a courtesy.

As a result of the hotel's U-shaped design, rooms are afforded a choice of three views - of either the striking swimming pool, majestic Doi Suthep Mountain or the hustle and bustle of the main road. No expense has been spared on the furnishings, from the wood floors, large lounge couches, and dining room set, to the big strong doors, which help guests obtain a sense of privacy and a feeling of being at home. Wide corridors on each of the five floors along which rooms have been situated so no two are facing each other, adds to the feeling of space, comfort and solitude.

Kantary Hill's excellent range of facilities includes a state-of- the-art fitness center and swimming pool, with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, with outside guests currently being offered the chance to become Fitness Club members at a very generous rate. Other hotel services are made up of a Business Center with secretarial service, fax, e-mail, computer and photocopying; five different-sized conference and meeting rooms; coffee shop & room service; an executive lounge akin to a reading room with complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks; a 24-hour front office, concierge, security, round the clock maintenance engineer and closed circuit TV; heat & smoke detectors and sprinkler system; limousine service; and housekeeping and laundry services.

Guests fortunate enough to reside here will also have the wonderful benefit of the hotel's contemporary modern restaurant, Nimman Bar & Grill, a classy yet relaxed place specializing in meats, with a menu that has the perfect amount of choice.

A spacious 60-seat outdoor dining area at the front of the restaurant is an enjoyable spot to enjoy a meal or cocktail and inside there is an equal amount of seating, plus a chic lounge bar and private dining room.

From 11.30 am until midnight the special set and regular menus are available. The 4-course set comprises of a choice of salad, soup, main course and dessert, with complimentary tea or coffee. For a reasonable 400 baht, you can choose a main from the fish, pork, chicken or different cuts of local beef, or for 650 baht from the cuts of imported Australian beef.

Deep fried Camembert cheese with strawberry jam (made in-house) is a choice appetizer, and from the selection of beef and lamb: fillet steak, lamb chops and rib eye are popular items. Pork cordon bleu (filled with ham and gruyere cheese); salmon steak with mustard sauce; seafood pizza; and spaghetti with clams are other stand-out main courses. All desserts, cakes and pastries are made in the on-site bakery, and if you want to finish your meal in style then order a Crepe Suzette comfortably big enough for two, cooked right in front of you on the flambe table. Live music (except Tuesdays) in the evenings and a quality range of well-priced wines will ensure you a memorable dining experience.

In short then, Kantary Hills is a must-see hotel either for its luxurious accommodations or its first class facilities, both of which come highly recommended from foreign and domestic tourists alike.