POR Thapae Gate — Hotel in Chiang Mai Province

From check-in through to check-out and beyond my experience at Por Thapae Gate was wonderful. I was treated so kindly by the staff as if I was a member of their little family. Always greeted by a smile anytime during the day whether it be the morning for breakfast or after a long day of shopping, exploring and relaxing. The simplest of comments such as "Did you sleep well" or "How was your day shopping?" made all the difference in making the hotel feel like home. All of the staff were equally attentive, caring and professional. If requiring assistance with local navigation or recommendations of activities, shopping or food to eat, the staff at reception are eager to help and will guide you using Google Maps.

I stayed in a Double Room with Bathtub. The bed was comfortable and not too soft. The room was stocked with a refrigerator with multiple bottles of water in the signature recyclable Por Thapae Gate glass bottles. Environmentally friendly amenities such as bamboo toothbrushes were also available as part of the sustainability goals of the hotel. Although there are no onsite laundry facilities the hotel offers a laundry service partnered with a local provider at 50 Baht/kg of clothing and 100 Baht for shoes. This was convenient due to the twice daily laundry deadlines to have it washed and returned either the same day or the next morning.

The bathroom was the standout element of the bedroom. The bath was larger than most chain based hotels and for someone like myself who is 180cm tall I could easily submerge my whole body into the water without it either overflowing or feeling like I had to wrap into a pretzel to fit in, it was sufficiently deep and long for a bathtub. On top of this bath I was incredibly impressed with the rainfall shower. Most rainfall showers lack adequate water pressure, however the shower was equipped with immense adjustable water pressure that puts 5-star hotel chains to shame. Additionally, there was a handheld showerhead which could be used at the same time the rainfall showerhead was operating. Shower gel and shampoo were generously supplied in preloaded dispensers.

Breakfast was included in my booking and I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity in the menu. Each day included a combination of Thai and Western breakfast with bacon, eggs and a selection of bread available in addition to Thai desserts and various types of curry or Northern Thai dishes. The chef is incredibly talented and cooked many Thai dishes to a standard better than many restaurants that I have visited in the past. To compliment the breakfast options there were two coffee machines provided to make fresh coffee from locally sourced beans. The fridges were also well stocked with cold water, home-made jams, butter, milk, juice and fresh fruit. The water, coffee, biscuits and fresh fruit were made available 24/7 for

While the property may not have a spa, sauna or gym it does have a decently sized pool which is cleaned everyday by staff. The pool is not heated but with the consistent hot weather in Thailand it was often a refreshing treat each day to have a quick swim after a long day in the sun. Beside the pool are a few sun loungers and small chairs with tables for poolside reading/relaxing.

As mentioned earlier, the location of Por Thapae Gate is extremely convenient. Located right inside Tha Phae Gate on the Eastern border of the Old City and adjacent to the beginning of the famous Sunday Walking Street it makes navigating the city very easy. The nearest 7/11 is around the corner along with ATMs, Burger King and late night bars. Straight down the main road towards the opposite end of the Sunday Walking Street is Wat Phra Singh. The hotel also offers free hiring of their bicycles to ride and tour the city at a faster pace.

I miss the lovely staff of Por Thapae Gate so much and I can't wait to return to stay with them again. Thank you to the wonderful team for making my trip to Chiang Mai so much more comfortable, convenient and...

Unfortunately, the many positive reviews gave me a completely different picture than the one I got. The hotel is located in a dark alley, so you don't feel safe on the way home in the evening. At least my room 406 is very dark without daylight due to the lack of lighting, exacerbated by the dark room design. There are hardly any storage options. The luggage rack is so unstable that you are afraid that it will collapse the next moment and you will be called to account. The room is modern and design-orientated, but totally impractical. For example, the toilet and shower are in the bathroom, but the washbasin is in the room. So after washing your hands you have to go into the bathroom to dry off. I did not experience the helpful service: a simple question to give me an indication of the tuk-tuk prices was answered by saying that it depends on the driver. Unfortunately, I had to do without breakfast because there was nobody there to help me, e.g. where to get coffee. It is also not clear which part of the breakfast is offered at no extra cost. All in all, an unpleasant stay for me. I am disappointed. Update: First of all: the room size mentioned was not complained about, but that the room is so dark that reading, for example, is not possible without daylight. Since I have been travelling to Thailand 2 to 3 times a year since 2015, I am well aware that tuk-tuks do not have fixed prices. I kindly asked for guidance, which they refused to give me. I conclude from this that they are not interested in ensuring that foreign guests receive a fair price. I am surprised when I have to pay 250 THB in Chiang Mai for a comparable distance (3.5 km) that costs me 70 THB in Hua Hin (a week ago). In other hotels, this information is sometimes even given without asking at check-in to prevent the guest from being ripped off. After I was charged 150 THB for the daily 2nd coffee at breakfast in the final bill during another hotel stay in Thailand, which also included breakfast, I may be allowed to counteract similar disappointments during my last stay...

An ideal hotel to experience and explore Chiang Mai. So glad we booked our stay at the POR Thapae Gate hotel for our recent week long visit to Northern Thailand. The location is close to the center of action in the city but quiet. The rooms were clean, comfortable; the amenities were substantial and the staff was helpful, gracious, and brought a degree of Thai hospitality

Things we loved: Staff who greeted us every time we came into the lobby with a Thai greeting. 
They were so helpful with info on local temples, restaurants, things to do… going above just info and each time pulling up the computer map to show us exactly where to go with suggestions on what to do. They also helped us book a great driver to visit Doi Suthep and also our ride home to the Airport. We were greeted each morning with Thai greetings from the staff and a Lucious breakfast. It began with great coffee with an incredible buffet of hot and cold foods… from the fresh fruits and breads to the 6+ hot items. We loved that you included local dishes like satays and Northern Sausage as well as the daily Thai soup and the featured warm Thai dish with rice. Honestly some of our best meals in Thailand were at the hotel for breakfast. Fresh bottled water available 24 hours a day in the lobby and thru Water dispensers on every floor (Cold, fresh (room temperature), and hot). Rooms that were well appointed with sufficient power outlets, lighting and efficient air-conditioning. Also enjoying the option of the balcony with screen for fresh air in the morning and evening. A saltwater pool that was refreshing for a dip and lovely to sit around for breakfast and in the evening. As mentioned before, a location that was central to a lot of desirable Chiang Mai attractions but down an alley that provided a quiet place to sleep. Again - your staff. So accommodating...