Booking this hotel was not easy. Despite numerous emails backwards and forwards, when we arrived, their was no record of our booking. However, we were offered a standard double room which was ok and reasonably comfortable but looked VERY tired and frankly though originally when new this resort must have been quite a hot place to stay at, it now looks a little dated and the rooms really need a re-design as they are also badly planned with lots of doors going nowhere and a huge wetroom that is not really what one expects with only a moderate shower and enough room to get lost in. The public spaces are ok and the pool is sizeable and in a good position overlooking the river. This river is a bit dull though, with no activity of note. The breakfast is no more than satisfactory. What really rankled was the lack of a shuttle service to town which is quite a way off - more than a walk in this heat. Their were tuk tuks but no evidence of their availibility. Their was a distinct out of season feel. Overall, one gets an impression of a 3-4 star resort that needs an overhaul.

The Legend Resort at Chiang Rai was to be a bit of luxury after a hectic month of traveling and for most part if was. I booked a villa with a private pool and the whole layout of the unit is spacious, pleasantly designed and very well appointed. I needed to do some work and relied on the WIFI internet connection, but it only worked in the villa for half the time I was there. The private pool was perfect for relaxing and to work but private it was not with gardeners walking past all through the day and even a pool attendant came in to scoop some fallen leaves from the pool while I was there. The breakfast is great with a wide selection and generous servings of freshly made scrambled eggs. There was also the opportunity to make up your own muesli. For dinner I chose to eat out at the incredibly cheap and colourful night market in town, a 20 minute stroll away or a 50THB shuttle ride. The one tour I booked was expensive but the staff are very friendly and helpful. I'd recommend this resort for its location, style and friendly atmosphere.

MY TRAVEL STYLE: I hate business hotels and strongly prefer resorts that resemble the Four Seasons, Aman, and Oberoi but try to find similar properties at lower cost. I seek out the “wow” experiences and I encourage you to view hotels I have stayed at and their respective reviews (by clicking on my name). LOCATION: Great! Excellent views of the river and green grass and trees throughout. 5 minute ride to the night market. Local restaurants are a 5-10 minute walk from hotel. BEST WAY TO GET THERE: Taxi from Golden Triangle (Chiang Saen) cost 1100 baht one way. Not sure about cost from Chiang Rai Airport. Paid $2400 for private car from Chiang Mai to Chiang Saen (further than Chiang Rai) using Mr. Lee’s taxi service located in Chiang Mai. TYPE OF ROOM: Deluxe Garden View. BED/SHEETS/PILLOW: Bed is on the hard side but linens are very good and pillows are thicker than would prefer. LIGHTING: Excellent lighting in room and bathroom. BATHROOM/SHOWER: Shower and toilet are in different rooms. Toilet room is very small and basic, shower room is huge but shower floods the entire floor. Shower temperature gets consistently hot with less than medium water pressure. Bathroom area is more cabin-like than luxurious. TOILETRIES: Ok, may want to bring your own. CLEANLINESS: Room and bathroom is very clean. A/C: Didn’t use CLOSET SPACE: No doors on closet and not enough space for 2 people to unpack all items. STYLE OF ROOM: Very basic. I expected more. Furniture is basic and cabin-like. Definitely no luxury but comfortable. Many large windows in room were a plus but they are covered with a sheer curtain that cannot be moved so you never get a good view outside of the room. Good for some minimal privacy, but not good when want to see the outside garden and open up the room. No pictures in room. QUIET/MORNING LIGHT: No soundproofing in room. Nice that we could hear the birds/animals outside, but could also hear the gardeners in the morning and several doors slamming shut. The morning sun could be blocked to keep the room dark. FOOD: Only had breakfast here which was good. Choice of 2 cereals, 4 fresh juices, eggs cooked to order, breads, yogurts, and several Asian options. TV/INTERNET: TV in room is smaller than average but close to bed so it’s not a big deal. About 15 channels with about 5 in English, 1 movie channel. DVD player in the room. Wireless internet is available in the room for 100 baht for 70 minutes or the same price using the hotels computers in the lobby. Internet outside of the hotel is 10 baht for 1 hour. SERVICE: Staff is very pleasant and we experienced no issues. COMMON AREA: Nice gardens, trees, greenery, and views of the river. The pool is infinity edge and nice but could use some updating. The tiles are chipped and it ruins the beauty of the pool. No loungers by the pool as they are more upright and smaller. It’s like a half chair half lounger. ROOM & CITY TIPS: We stayed at Anantara & Mantrini as well (see my reviews). The best hotels are in the Golden Triangle area (Anantara & 4 Seasons). Tuk tuk from night market to hotel costs 60 baht. Hotel offers shuttle to the night market for 50 baht per person. Ride takes about 10 minutes. I liked this hotel very much but would recommend spending the extra money for the exceptional Anantara resort.

We stayed here for three days over Christmas and had a wonderful time. We have two children, aged 12 and 15 and the accommodation was perfect - two interconnecting 'bungalows' , one with a double and one with two twins, so it was just like being in one house which couldn't have been better for us. On Christmas Eve we had carol singers which unexpected but magical. On Christmas day we took a long-tail boat from the hotel upriver to a Karen village where we went on an hour's elephant trek - certainly a Christmas day we'll never forget. The staff in the hotel couldn't have been more helpful; the food was delicious. The infinity pool next to the river was lovely. We'd love to go back!