It can be a difficult balancing act,combining ancient with modern. The risk of misjudging one’s surroundings and appearing to ignore tradition can lead some ambitious developments to appear garish or gaudy. When judged correctly however, these brave designs can add new elements that redefine the traditional landscape, and paves a new course. TheDusit D2 in Chiang Mai has judged this balance to perfection.
Set in the heart of one of Thailand’s most historic and culturally preserved cities, the Dusit D2 was brave enough to believe its brand concept would adapt and add to the Chiang Mai’s cityscape. And on the doorstep of the serene temples, ancient city walls and bustling night bazaar lies the ultra-modern, uber-chic Dusit D2 Hotel.
Located just off the famous Chang Klan Road, the 131-room D2 makes a refreshingly bright, clean-edged change from its time-weathered surroundings.The warm interior of whites, oranges and browns exudes contemporary Thai sophistication,while the staff make an equally charming impression with the unique hospitality for which Northern Thailand has become so famous.
The guest rooms continue the theme; crisp colours fusing with softfabrics and state-of-the-art technology, including flat-screen LCD television,DVD player and high-speed Internet access. The superb views across the old cityadd an extra sense of the ancient-modern juxtaposition.
With the Thai government’s recent pledge to help expand MICE tourism in Chiang Mai, the Dusit D2 is in an ideal position to benefit. The hotel offers a range of different sized meeting rooms, all equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities one would expect from a modern hotel. All meeting rooms overlook the hotel’s tranquil, water-based grounds, creating a relaxing environment for even the most stressful of meetings.
The one area where the Dusit D2’s ambience changes slightly is the pool area, which feels as if it could be attached to a Mediterranean resort, with its light terracotta walls and sun-drenched patios.The mountainous Northern Thai climate is such the sweltering Asian heat often eases to more comfortable Southern European temperatures, and for those escaping the energy-sapping humidity of Bangkok,this is certainly no bad thing. The Thai feel returns fully however at the hotel’s Devarana Spa, where one can relax after a hard day’s sight-seeing with a traditional Thai massage.
The Dusit D2 is a perfect example of how Thailand is changing. As Thailand’s tourism tastes become more refined, chic hotels like the D2 thrive, combining legendary Thai service and hospitality with slick design and state-of-the-art facilities – all within the bustling heart of one of Thailand’s most beautifully historic cities; Chiang Mai.
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