I recently returned from a multiple-nights stay at this resort, and concluded that some valuable info for prospective guests is missing. Following is an effort to reasonably objectively offer insightful review:
For the discerning traveler, you will find that either inconsistent attempts or a complete failure to complete construction interferes with your impression that the resort commands 5 stars. From the incongruous colors of external plaster to reconcilable but forgotten gaps between corners, tiles, and crowning, to the unkempt heated pool, you will again question how the resort bills itself as 5 stars.
To the less fastidious traveler, this resort will be a welcome respite from cliched, over-priced and characterless hotels you often-find yourself in.
Strengths:
1) Mature and varied landscaping. Having only opened 2 years ago, the resort developers clearly took great care in presenting a mature landscape.
2) Service. For all of its idiosyncratic shortcomings, the management has put together an excellent staff, who are attentive but not overbearing. Requests were met with prompt responses, questions were answered openly, and space and privacy were respected.
3) Restaurant. The management understands the importance of gastronomy. The head chef is approachable and clearly very good at his trade. The Thai food in particular was superb, as was the service on display in the restaurant.
4) Bird song and green vistas. Resort located on a hillside, to one side of which is another resort (same family ownership) and forest. The occasional staff motorbike was largely the only interruption of the otherwise pleasant natural music.
5) Walks. Nice walks on dirt roads in the area, which offered views of the surrounding valley.
6) Fitness. The small gym is reasonably equipped, and has a wall window through which you can enjoy the greenery in between reps.
(Possible) Shortcomings:
1) Construction. As mentioned earlier, construction was less than what one might expect from a resort of this caliber. The impression it left was that haste and carelessness are the plausible explanations for this disposition. Cost did not appear to be a factor in this calculus.
2) Isolated. While others, such as myself, may be searching for a degree of isolation, some, including myself, may appreciate having at least some other guests around. The near absence of other guests left a somewhat eerie feeling to the place.
3) Western food. The western food, aside from the buffet breakfast, which was standard aside from the resort's excellent home-baked breads, and the unique but delicious pizza, was not good. The Oz Burger was unlike any hamburger I have ever eaten, and Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato Salad was completely bland. (Note from above that the Thai food was excellent!)
4) Views. The nice vista is obstructed by much less than idyllic and inescapable views of bright orange dirt roads carved at the foothill of the resort. These roads are visible from nearly every room, thus making this eyesore central to the viewing experience.
5) Lake. There is no lake. Rather, there are several (man-made?) orangeish/dirtyish ponds where runoff from the hills flow. There is nothing objectively attractive about them, either the flows or the ponds.
6) Pool. Highlighted by a different reviewer, the pool system is in desperate need of attention. The main unheated pool appeared to be ok, but I did not swim.
Warning: Upon checking out, you should carefully check your bill for double taxation: When I checked out, I discovered that I had been service charged and taxed on all my food bills, which had already been service charged and taxed at time of my signing them.
In closing, I would say this resort is an excellent 3-star destination and offers good value if booked through a hotel-booking website. For those seeking a more refined experience or not purchasing through a hotel-discount website, you might want to consider 4 Seasons Tented Camp Chiang Rai or 4 Seasons Chiang Mai, both of which will provide you with that which you expect from a 5 star resort, if not more.
- Katiliya Mountain Hotel
- Katiliya Mountain Resort
