With teak pillars lining the lobby, the Chiang Mai Orchid is a grand hotel in the old style. The rooms are tastefully furnished and trimmed with hardwoods. The lavish honeymoon suite is often used by the crown prince. You can dine at either the formal Le Pavillon, which serves French fare, or at Phuping, where you can enjoy Chinese favorites. The more informal Mae Rim Café features a buffet. Stop for a cocktail in the lobby bar where a pianist plays nightly, or the cozy Opium Den. The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the center of Chiang Mai. Pros: busy shopping street Huay Kaew Road is on the doorstep; lively in-house bar scene. Cons: pool and exercise room used by outsiders; some rooms in need of renovation.
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