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:
The Castle -
A masterpiece of design

Text: Finley B. Luge
Images: Courtesy of The Castle

Roman style

One of Chiang Mai's more interesting-looking accommodations has, as its name suggests, made castle living affordable for everyone, with beautifully appointed rooms, excellent facilities and a prime location. Opened just seven months ago, the design of this boutique guesthouse was inspired by the ancient styles of Roman castles, using a combination of stone textured bricks and wrought iron. Complementing the obvious theme of the hotel's design is the large tower that looms at the front of the compound, yet the architect has still managed to maintain the traditional feel of Chiang Mai, as reflected in the classic teak furniture and colourful northern fabric that can be found in every guest room.

Located along the Rajchaingsan Road, which was named after a former leader of the Northern kingdom of Thailand, The Castle is very close to the historic Chiang Mai Gate, the southern-most gate of the old walled city. Here you can find one of the most popular food markets in Chiang Mai, with locals swarming all around the area buying street food and shopping for groceries, and rickshaw drivers and bicycle taxis competing for the limited road space. The area is very well serviced by public transport, and is less than a ten minute drive from Chiang Mai's international airport, train and bus stations. On foot you can easily access some of the city's main tourist attractions, such as the famous Night Bazaar and Anusarn Market, and the Wualai Walking Street market held on Saturday evenings showcasing the area's most famous handicrafts in an open-air environment. This street is otherwise famous for its many silver shops that can be found along both its sides. Many of the city's oldest temples, such as Wat Daowadung and Wat Muang Mang are also just a brief stroll away, as are the more popular foreign hang outs along Moon Muang and Loi Kroh roads. Given The Castle's excellent location, the free shuttle bus service around the city is a wonderful additional service that guests regularly take advantage of, especially when walking or taking public transport seems like too much of an effort.

The Castle offers extensive leisure facilities for both communal use and for guests in each of their 17 guestrooms. Just beyond the hotel style reception and lobby area, guests will be in full admiration of the beautiful swimming pool with cross current jets that turn it into a large Jacuzzi, and ample sunbathing decking for those who are slaves to the sun.

Housed indoors in a lovely air-conditioned room can be found a library and internet corner with connecting living area that has an extensive DVD library plus a 42 inch LCD TV and DVD player. Free wifi internet access is available throughout The Castle, and every room comes with individual air conditioning units, 21 inch flat screen televisions with cable TV, refrigerator, and private en suite bathrooms with hot and cold showers. Of the 17 rooms, two are classed as superior, which are located at the back of the living quarters and come with two large balconies at the front and rear of the rooms, large enough for some comfortable chairs and an outdoor table. These two rooms are bigger than the other 15 standard rooms but all have a hotel quality finish and come with either large double beds or twin single beds.

Upon arriving at this diminutive hotel guests are welcomed with a cool drink and fresh fruit basket. Complimentary breakfast, which comes included in the price of the rooms, is served in the poolside restaurant and coffee shop.

Open from early morning until 10 at night, the restaurant's menu is made up of an equal amount of quality international and Thai fare. The burgers and sandwiches here are well rated and are excellent value for money, and of the Thai food, fried rice with chicken or shrimps, the sweet and sour sauce that can be ordered with vegetables or meat and served over rice, and the Penang curry all come highly recommended.

Striking elegance

With a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, The Castle can truly be your home away from home. The quality accommodation, excellent facilities and location aside, it is the service of this family-run business that really makes The Castle a wonderful place to stay at. Pearl and her family live on the premises and are ever present around the place. Their aim is to make guests feel as comfortable as possible, and given the excellent feedback from guests that have stayed here in the relatively short period of time since opening, it seems clear that The Castle will become one of Chiang Mai's best known local accommodations in no time at all.