137 Pillars House

137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property, consistently garners exceptional reviews for its blend of colonial charm, luxurious comfort, and impeccable service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for 137 Pillars House is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as an "exceptional" and "truly fabulous experience". It has achieved a remarkable overall rating of 9.2 on Agoda and 9.4 out of 10 from 197 reviews on HotelsCombined, and an "Exceptional" rating based on 53 reviews on Booking.com. The hotel is celebrated as a "very special stay" and a "luxury boutique that's more elegant than funky, more traditional than outré". Many consider it their favorite hotel in Thailand, praising its authentic feel, great food, and luxurious amenities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make 137 Pillars House stand out:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as amazing, incredibly helpful, attentive, warm, friendly, and efficient, with many noting personalized butler service.
• Design & Ambiance: The property's beautiful period architecture, built around an original colonial teak house from the 1880s, offers a serene oasis amidst the city. It blends historic Thai architecture with sleek modern design, creating a tranquil, sophisticated, and romantic atmosphere.
• Spacious Suites: The all-suite accommodation ensures luxuriously spacious rooms with thoughtful design and comfort.
• Luxurious Amenities: The stunning outdoor pool with a vertical plant wall, a well-equipped gym, and a tranquil spa are frequently praised.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at 137 Pillars House are universally described as spacious and luxurious, offering a blend of modern comforts and traditional Thai design. The 30 suites range from 70 to 135 square meters, with five different levels, some even featuring private pools. Key features include:

• Beds: Four-poster or super-king beds with 400-thread count linen and a pillow menu ensure a perfect night's sleep.
• Bathrooms: Marble-accented bathrooms come with freestanding Victorian bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and his-and-hers basins.
• Amenities: Suites feature private balconies or patios overlooking lush gardens, a free minibar, Nespresso coffee machines, iPod docks, flatscreen TVs discreetly covered by sliding wooden panels, and jasmine-scented Puripunn toiletries. Each room also includes air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a personal safe.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at 137 Pillars House is considered an impressive affair, with guests praising the quality and variety of food.

• Breakfast: A delicious and hearty mix of Western and Asian fare is offered, including fresh fruit, yogurt, omelets, bacon, pastries, waffles, pancakes, congee, and Asian favorites. It can be enjoyed in The Dining Room or on the open-air patio. Organic produce from Royal Project farms and the hotel's own garden are used.
• Restaurants: The hotel features two main restaurants:
  • Palette: An intimate dining room seating up to 24, known for its exquisite cuisine, encompassing Western, Asian, and Thai dishes, often using fresh, healthy ingredients. Many consider dinner at Palette "amazing".
  • The Dining Room: A stylish, cozy, and relaxing space offering refined Lanna and Thai cuisine, with an extensive menu of classic dishes often meant for sharing. Guests have described meals here as "sensational" and "some of the finest food" during their stay.
• Other Dining: Jack Bain's Bar offers a gentlemanly cocktail spot with a 19th-century ambiance, serving drinks and bar bites. The Parlor is perfect for refreshments or traditional afternoon tea.
• Cooking Classes: The hotel also offers popular on-property cooking classes.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff are consistently lauded as a major highlight, often cited as the primary reason for a memorable stay.

• Exceptional Hospitality: Guests frequently use words like "amazing," "incredibly helpful," "attentive," "warm," "friendly," and "efficient" to describe the team.
• Personalized Butler Service: A private butler service is included with each room, with butlers making contact days before arrival to assist with arrangements, tours, and bookings, and remaining contactable throughout the stay.
• General Manager: General Manager Anne Arrowsmith is noted for being warm, welcoming, friendly, and adept at anticipating guests' needs, often greeting guests daily.
• Attention to Detail: Staff members are praised for going "above and beyond" to ensure a perfect stay, remembering preferences and having a good command of English.

6. Location & Accessibility

137 Pillars House is ideally located in the "arty Wat Gate district," offering a peaceful and tranquil retreat while remaining highly accessible to Chiang Mai's attractions.

• Oasis in the City: It's described as an "oasis in the city," surrounded by high walls and lush gardens that provide a sanctuary from the bustling streets.
• Nearby Attractions: The hotel is a short walk from Wat Ket Karam temple and museum. It's also a leisurely 5-minute walk across the Ping River to the vibrant Warorot Market and the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar area. Tha Phae Gate and the city center are also within easy reach, about a 10-15 minute walk or short drive.
• Airport Proximity: The hotel is conveniently located just a 10-15 minute drive from Chiang Mai Airport.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests have praised the hotel's value for money, with an impressive rating of 8.8. While considered a luxury property, many feel that "every penny spent is worth it" for the exceptional experience. Rates for suites typically range from approximately $448 to $1,365 USD, depending on the suite type and season.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of feedback have been noted:

• Neighboring Condominium: One review mentions that the visual peace of the property can be slightly impacted by an "unsightly condominium development just next door," although this is not the hotel's fault.
• Food Portions: A few guests have noted that food portions can be "humongous," sometimes preventing them from trying a wider variety of dishes.
• Stairs: Older guests may prefer ground-floor suites due to the hotel having "lots of stairs".
• Limited Breakfast Options: One review mentions "limited breakfast options," though this is contrary to most reviews praising the breakfast variety.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. hotelscombined.com
4. michelin.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. frequenttraveller.com.au
7. thehotelguru.com
8. expedia.co.th
9. prestigeonline.com
10. ricepotato.co
11. slh.com
12. thesuitelife.com.hk
13. travelweekly.com
14. pureglutton.com
15. kayak.com
16. landlopers.com