The Chiang Mai Old Town in Chiang Mai City

I regularly travel and do my research before booking a place. While accomodation might not be important to some the place I stay is very important to me and is something I look forward to and I’m willing to pay the price for it. We chose to stay in two properties in Chiang Mai during our stay one was a dream the Maladee was something else! this was the complete opposite. This was a last minute booking that I regret based on wanting to be in old town. We stayed in a suite so the “best” room they have in The Chiang Mai Old Town and were extremely disappointed. The room was dark and depressing when asking to change they informed that they were booked out, it was comical I asked for a room with light and was informed our room had an outdoor courtyard - that faced a concrete wall covered in chicken wire, blocking almost all natural light (Photos provided).

The space felt dismal rather than relaxing so much so we dreaded going back to the property and roamed the streets like we were homeless till it was not possible anymore.

Breakfast was equally underwhelming. The staff seemed to lack energy or initiative while they are nice and sweet not one asked about our day or asked our names or remembered an order, something that did not happen at the Maladee. Several items were unavailable on our last morning the one dish we looked forward to being an avocado salad we were informed avocados was unavailable. For a property that charged me $450 a night I would expect avocados are not a difficult purchase. The couple next to us sent a dish back to the kitchen a few times in the end just giving up. The platter that items were served on at the buffet has a bucket under it to catch water and the toaster for a 5 star property was the saddest thing I have ever seen (photos provided). I was pouring some milk and spilt a small amount on the counter, the staff watched me clean it rather than assist and then went to check if it was clean after I had walked away.

I travel a lot and stay in various properties all being 5 star properties, this was booked based on it ratings and reviews but I’m not sure who is rating this place as it is nowhere near a 5 star property while it charges 5 star prices. I would love to get my money back but alas it was not possible.

We should have stayed at the previous property that was incredible in every way and gotten transport. This experience fell far below expectations.

Unfortunately, I would not book this place again nor would I recommend it. I understand that some reviews are based on staff but I have yet to meet anyone in Thailand that doesn’t have a smile on their face or isn’t willing to assist you. Do yourself a favor and book a different place