137 Pillars House offers a unique stay experience, not so much in the conventional hotel way but rather as an ultimate home-style residential concept
By Laurence Civil
137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai has its own vocabulary. The accommodation is referred in a Victorian-almost-military-style as “quarters.” They start with the 70sqm, one-king bedroom 20 Rajah Brooke Suites. An element shared by all 30 suites is the vintage-tiled veranda overlooking tropical gardens with cane shades for privacy, rattan planters’ chair, and plush daybed.
Likewise, in essence, the bathrooms are variations on the same theme: with spacious closet, the en-suite bathroom with dual washbasin, a sunlit WC stall, an indulgent free-standing Victorian bath, and separate indoor and outdoor garden showers. Butler service, free Wi-Fi, iPod dock, and Cremesso makers by Bon Cafe enrich the stay.
They become more spacious with similarly laid-out 75sqm- East Borneo Suites. Overlooking the historic pillars house, two-William Bains Terrace Suite sit on the upper floor spread over 100sqm, where one-king bedroom suites extend to a generous living room. The variation comes in the bathroom with a sunken bath facing tropical foliage and separate indoor and outdoor showers
The ultimate are the two ground floor, 135sqm-Louis Leonowens Pool Suites with a generous living room and super king bedroom, a user-friendly layout with access to the outdoor garden shower from both the sunlight WC, and the indoor shower. The private 5.5 x 2.5m-swimming pool has access (while dry) from the lounge with access back to the suite (while wet after a swim) through the bathroom suites’ French doors.
Wining and dining is in the old teak mansion. Walk across the lawn, climb either of the pair of teak staircases, and cross the family style drawing room. The room on the right is the Dining Room, home to their signature restaurant, Palette. Consultant chef Tammasak Chootong, owner of Suay Restaurant in Phuket, created its Western-style menu. “I wanted to create healthy dishes that are light and colorful, and with an Asian touch,” says Chef Tammasak adding that 90 percent of the vegetables they use are sourced from farms working under the Royal Projects. “We are creating culinary art and there has to be harmony; the colors and the taste of the food must match.”
If you are looking for an accommodation in Chiang Mai with that understated elegant Lanna-style, check in at 137 Pillars House.
Contact Details: 137 Pillars House, 2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Rd, Chiang Mai
www.137pillarshouse.com
