Dusit Island Resort, Chiang Rai

Popular with business travelers, Dusit Island Resort, Chiang Rai, makes a strong first impression. One has to drive across a small causeway onto the resort's private river island. Flower beds lead the way up to the security gate and into the expansive set of parking lots. The large white hotel building sprawls up ahead, with a fountain and a covered arched walkway leading into the entrance. The lobby is also impressive, with a marble floor, an arched wooden roof, and a spacious carpeted area in the center, filled with plush cushioned chairs and sofas to relax on and enjoy the northern Lanna Thai decor. There is an exquisite statue of Thai "teppanom" angels holding a large traditional gong, with a small fountain pond behind it. Closer to the front desk sits a golden harp. Despite the crowds of travelers moving through the space, this central area is a relaxed reflective spot, as are the lovely grounds and a vegetable garden -- there's even a small chicken farm! Despite it's tranquil, out-of-town vibe, the hotel has lots of appeal for business travelers -- in part for the brand name and in part for the extensive meeting and event facilities on-site. Even so, tourists make their way here as well. 

Dusit Island Resort sits on its own small, tranquil island in the Kok River, a 10-minute drive from the city center of Chiang Rai. A small causeway and security gate separate the hotel's island from the road outside, and while there's no car noise, the drone of long-tail boat engines can be heard out by the pool and restaurants. Unfortunately, there aren't any restaurants or shops within walking distance. Those who want to walk to the heart of town should expect it to take at least 15 minutes, but closer to 20 depending on the destination. Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most sacred temple, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while the region's iconic White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, will take 20 minutes to reach by car. It's only 15 minutes by car to the airport. 

There are 269 rooms at the Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai, making it the largest hotel in the city. The majority of the rooms are divided between the entry-level Superior and Deluxe Rooms, which are virtually identical, save for the fact that the Deluxe Rooms are on higher floors and one wing of the Deluxe Rooms now have wood-laminate floors instead of the carpeting found elsewhere in the hotel. The best rooms are the Suites, which are on the upper floors and provide excellent river and mountain views. These rooms have separate sitting areas, small kitchens with sinks and cabinets, and large balconies. 

Overall, while the units here are slightly dated and some are a bit worn, they still are spacious and include large desks, sofas, chairs, small tables, and large windows. However, furniture is old school and done in mid-tone wood-veneer finishes, and wood paneling around windows and ceilings makes the rooms feel heavy and dark. Wicker pieces and off-trend upholstery in colors like mint and royal blue also contribute to aged effect. The lack of any meaningful or eye-catching wall art adds an additional spartan quality to the rooms. 

All rooms come with modern amenities like safes, minibars, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, kettles, and scales. They also have bedside control panels from which to control the lights, TV, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are even less impressive than the rooms, and have old fashioned shower/tub combos as well as separate walk-in showers with small showerheads. Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries are all provided. Pink floor tiles, discolored grout, and old granite countertops all contribute to the underwhelming impression.

The Dusit Island Resort has the one of the largest selections of facilities of any property in Chiang Rai. There is a huge swimming pool that sits next to the river, with a whirlpool as well as a kids' section. The far end of the pool is located well away from the main building and feels peaceful. There is also a swim-up pool bar. The small fitness center has cardio machines all lined up in a row and there's a whirlpool tub inside the locker room. The resort also has table tennis as well as some old tennis courts. The hotel's spa and beauty salon are an oasis of modern style in this otherwise older resort. It was added in 2016 and interiors are fresh and sharp, with a contemporary Asian style.

The resort offers a good range of restaurants, including the Island Cafe, where a large international buffet breakfast is available for a fee. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available and even the indoor section has large glass panels showing off much of the view. The restaurant also serves a la carte lunches and dinners, with a mix of Thai and Western cuisines. Adjacent to the Island Cafe, Chinatown is an elegant Chinese restaurant with river views and items such as Cantonese dim sum and Peking duck. It's open for both lunch and dinner. The aptly named Peak fine-dining restaurant is right on the rooftop and serves imported steak, New Zealand lamb, and other fine meats along with bottles of imported wine. Needless to say, the views from here are outstanding, and there's an outdoor balcony to go with the indoor tables. While the hotel has closed its former nightclub and dance bar, it still has a dapper lobby lounge serving up signature drinks. There's also an on-site gourmet bakery selling breads, pastries, plus local specialties such as northern Thai coffees, tea, nuts, and dried fruit.

The Dusit is also home to Chiang Rai's largest conference and function facilities, with a big ballroom and several meeting rooms for various group sizes. There are also several large parking lots and parking is included in room rates. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Everything from babysitting to laundry, dry cleaning, and private cars can all be arranged through the hotel.