Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts - SHA plus

The daily cooking demo at lunchtime was a real treat. A staff member made a different dish each day, and we got to eat it afterward. There was complimentary fresh coffee or very good iced Thai tea too. Our room had a lovely wooden ceiling and a big balcony facing the hills, where we could watch the sunsets. It was clean, nicely presented, and serviced daily with fresh towels. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom modern and clean, and the air conditioning worked well. There was also a large TV. Breakfast was a broad Thai buffet, with noodles, fried rice, curries and dumplings, plus Western choices like bacon, sausages, ham, omelettes made to order and cereal. The dining room was spacious, and the staff there were cheerful and efficient each morning. Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts is right by Chiang Mai’s old town. We’ve stayed everywhere from five-star resorts to small boutique hotels, and nowhere has given us such a warm welcome or such friendly service from the staff and management. It really felt like home. Easy 10/10 for us, and we’ll be back.

The staff are friendly and speak English well, and the location is quiet and convenient. The room was comfortable with a large balcony, and the terracotta style carries through from the attractive exterior into the rooms. Still, it feels like a place made for photos, with not much in the way of facilities. The restaurant only serves breakfast. The pool and sunbeds were very dirty, so we didn’t want to spend time there. I was also given wrong opening-hour information a few times, and the taxi they were meant to order for us never showed up. I think there are more interesting hotels to choose from in Chiang Mai.

The location made it easy to explore: Old Town is walkable, and we wandered around inside the walls. The hotel is near the edge of OT, so the bars and restaurants outside it are easy to reach too, and they have a slightly different feel. There’s a daily market close by with food, clothes and morning carts, plus plenty of food carts at night for late snacks. We liked having breakfast included, and it was worth it. There are also coffee shops with food just a 1-3 minute walk away. The staff were welcoming and attentive, and the rooms are gorgeous. The bed was a bit firm but still comfortable. Complimentary snacks and water were a nice extra. A couple of things could be better: the room lighting was so poor that shaving was difficult for my husband. The shower was only lukewarm at best, though we’re not sure if our water heater was the problem.

The breakfast is worth recommending, especially the green curry. Service was excellent and everyone was friendly. As a solo traveler, I couldn't have picked a better place to begin my Thailand trip. My balcony room was lovely, with a great view, and everything felt clean and calming. One small tip if you’ll use the pool a lot: ask for extra beach towels when housekeeping comes. They like used towels returned, and having to request one from the front desk every time was a little inconvenient.