Four Seasons Chiang Mai vs Anantara Golden Triangle
 

I realize the hotel is not the way the choice of where to go is generally made, but I've wanted to stay at the Four Seasons (formerly Regent) for years. Is it worth the hype? Has anyone stayed in both and can compare? I have 3 nights in mid October and want to use the spa, perhaps cooking school and maybe a "soft adventure", but the hotel is very important!

Stayed there for 2 nights Jan 2003 and wish I could have stayed longer. Gorgeous hotel,rooms are nicest I've seen (stayed at Oriental and Rayavadee on same trip). Great service, food, pool etc. Only downside is distance from town.

eyeski- I'm assuming you're referring to the Four Seasons. Just want to clarify. Did you have an upper or lower room? Would probably go into town for the night market.

I've not stayed at the Four Seasons outside of Chaing Mai, but have stayed at the Anantara. As you know, the Anantara isn't nearly as expensive as the Four Seasons. It's a lovely property in a lovely setting with a great spa. I loved it and will return. However, I wouldn't expect it to be the kind of experience the Four Seasons is supposed to be. Is it worth that much more money? I guess that's your question.

I know I am in the minority but I was underwhelmed by the Four Seasons near Chiang Mai. There is no question that the rooms are gorgeous -- especially the bathrooms. But I found the service way below what I experienced at other deluxe asian hotels. It wasn't bad -- just not exceptional and a bit on the "cool" side. And it's an inconvenient location if you want to do things in Chiang Mai itself. Considering that I spent over $100 more than I did at the Oriental I did NOT think it was worth the price.

Is there anyone who has stayed at both? Should I skip the whole thing my first trip to Thailand and spend 8 nights in Bangkok? I was going to spend 3 nights in Koh Samui but the weather seems iffy...

IMHO staying all 8 nights in Bangkok would not be the way I would spend my time. I've stayed at the 4S in CM and loved it. The spa is amazing!!! The best massage ever and the facial was worth going back. We also had special experiences there...a National Treasure drumer from Japan and a Japanese fashion show. The service was outstanding. We had a sick grandchild and the hotel provided toys (the largest set of lego I have ever seen plus lots of other stuff). The food was excellent. But...we had special needs and so got lots of attention. When we stayed at the Oriental we were just part of the crowd and we did not think the service was "warm". The 4S is expensive but it sure was a great experience. The Anantara was not there when we went to the Godden Triangle. I was not overwhelmed by the Night Market in CM, but I was overwhelmed by the many amazing temples in CM. To me, CM is worth the trip. Hiring a taxi to take you everywhere is not expensive. FYI..the 4S has complementary van sevice into the city.

welch, you may have difficulty finding anyone who has stayed at both places as the Anantara at the Golden Triangle just opened in October, 2003.

I don't think you'd be making a mistake with either itinerary. There is more than enough to do in Bangkok to easily warrant 9 days and you can obviously stay in total luxury and have spa and cooking school experiences. But you will NOT have a resort experience. On the other hand, Bangkok is more weather proof and October can still be rainy (although I had perfect weather there last year at that time).

If u stay 2 nights at the Four Seasons Cm and focus on the spa and a cooking class I do think u will be disappointed. Save yr day in Bkk and don;t do the class at the Oriental. I agree that a 3 day "resort/spa" experience blends well with 6 days in BKk.

OOOOOPS - sorry - that should have read "do not think you will be disappointed" _ i was trying to suggest u go to the Four Seasons...haste makes waste, etc, etc - SORRY again...

hobbes- thanks..it's kind of what I had thought in leiu of a beach experience, and seeing something more than Bangkok. Aren't you the person who loves the Four Seasons in Bangkok? What kind of room do you stay in there? Ever upgrade to a cabana room?

I was referring to 4S, we had a rice paddy view on the upper level. Expensive, but worth it.

Yes, I do love the Four Seasons in Bkk and always say that it is a hard choice for me between the river and the Four Seasons. The Four Seasons is also very close to some of my fav shopping places - the Night Bazaar and Central Chitlom.

There is quite a price difference in mid October between the river hotels and the Four Seasons. A deluxe room at the FS is 179.00 weekends/230.00 weekdays b and b rate as compared to the Oriental- 329.00 deluxe and the Pen- sold out some of the nights! That did it for me. The only other thing that came close was the executive suite package at the Sukhothai for 245.00 (incl breakfast and transfers). Didn't think I wanted to be that "far out" on my first visit...