RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally receives high praise for its luxurious ambiance, excellent service, and picturesque riverside setting. Guests frequently describe it as an oasis of calm, combining traditional Thai design with modern comforts.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort consistently garners "Wonderful" to "Superb" ratings across major booking platforms. On Booking.com, it scores 9.2 out of 10 with over 572 reviews, while Agoda shows an "Excellent" rating of 8.8 based on 1,829 reviews. Hotels.com also rates it at 9.2 out of 10 based on 572 reviews. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently expressing a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the resort for its:

• Serene Riverside Location & Design: The hotel boasts a beautiful setting along the Mae Ping River, with water features throughout that create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, masking city sounds. The architecture and ambience are described as amazing and classically luxurious, with an authentic Thai design that guests love.
• Stunning Infinity Pool: The large infinity pool, sometimes spanning 1575 ft², with a swim-up bar, is a top-notch luxury and a favorite spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
• Exceptional Service: Many reviews highlight the friendly, attentive, and helpful staff as a significant asset.
• Spa Services: The on-site RatiLanna Spa offers a range of treatments, including Thai massages, facials, body wraps, and body scrubs, which guests find exceptional and reasonably priced.
• Tranquil Environment: The resort is often described as peaceful, quiet, and an "absolute paradise," ideal for couples seeking a relaxing break.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort are consistently described as spacious, comfortable, and beautifully appointed, combining wooden furnishings with traditional Thai décor.

• Size and Comfort: Rooms are large, with Deluxe Rooms starting at 40 square meters and Deluxe Balcony Rooms offering 60 square meters. Guests appreciate the excellent bedding and soft mattresses.
• Amenities: Each room features a flat-screen TV with a home theater system and DVD player. Bathrooms are well-equipped with a separate rain shower stall, a flat-screen TV mounted by the bathtub, and complimentary aromatherapy toiletries. Some rooms also feature a hot tub.
• Views: Many rooms offer beautiful views of the Mae Ping River or lush gardens.
• Cleanliness: Rooms are frequently noted as immaculately clean and well-kept.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers multiple dining options that receive generally positive feedback.

• Breakfast: A complimentary breakfast buffet is provided, often featuring a wide variety of both Thai and continental options, served in a serene environment overlooking the Ping River. There are also live cooking stations.
• Restaurants: There are two on-site restaurants, with Mira Terrace serving Thai and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in both indoor and open-air settings. Rio Restaurant & Bar offers buffet and barbecue dinners. Guests praise the high quality, presentation, and deliciousness of the food, often highlighting the lovely atmosphere of the restaurants.
• Other Options: Drinks can be enjoyed at the swim-up Dips and Sips bar or the Malin Pavilion, an outdoor lounge overlooking the river with live music in the evenings. Room service is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The service at RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort is frequently mentioned as a strong point, with staff described as brilliant, friendly, efficient, and incredibly kind and caring. They are noted for going out of their way to help guests, with some even providing exceptional support during medical situations. The concierge is praised for being amazingly helpful in booking activities and restaurants. The welcome at reception is often rated as five-star.

However, there have been a few isolated instances of negative feedback, with some guests reporting rude, unhelpful, or slow service, particularly concerning room service or specific billing issues.

6. Location & Accessibility

RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort is situated by the Mae Ping River in the Chang Khlan district.

• Distance to City Center: It is about 2.3 km to 8 km from the city center, offering a blend of serenity away from the bustling core but still with good access.
• Proximity to Attractions: It's a short 1-minute walk to the Riverside area and about a 13-minute walk to Elephant Parade House. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a 10-minute shuttle ride away, with the hotel providing complimentary shuttle services daily. Other attractions like Tha Phae Gate and Wat Sri Suphan are within a few kilometers.
• Airport Access: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is approximately 4.02 km away, about a 10-minute drive, and airport shuttle services are available for a fee.
• Transport: The hotel's location is considered convenient for exploring the city, and guests appreciate the availability of taxis for short rides to the Old City.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury resort, many guests feel that RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort offers good value for its price, with an average room price around $255. This is considered exceptional value compared to the average price of a hotel room in Chiang Mai, which is around $68. Guests often describe their stay as worth the cost, praising the facilities and overall experience as luxurious and unforgettable. Some note that food can be on the expensive side, but expected for a resort of this caliber.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Pool Chair Reserving: Some guests have expressed annoyance at others "saving" pool chairs with their belongings but not being present.
• Inconsistent Dining Experiences: While generally positive, a few reviews mention breakfast not always being "great" or specific dishes tasting off (e.g., a sweet omelette). There was also an isolated complaint about pork being mixed into non-pork dishes despite requests.
• Service Lapses: Although staff are highly praised, a few guests have reported slow service, particularly with room service or when requesting assistance for minor issues. One notable complaint involved issues with room doors not shutting properly, leading to insects entering, and slow response from an engineer.
• Minor Issues with Beverages: One guest noted a "joke" of a Bailey's pour, indicating unfamiliarity or stinginess from a bartender.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. hotels.com
6. com-chiangmai.com
7. expedia.co.th
8. ratilannachiangmai.com
9. planetofhotels.com