Staying at Shangri-La Chiang Mai with my two teenage children was an excellent experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, the luxury, style and attention to detail were evident — from the foyer to our suite. Having stayed at Shangri-La Singapore and Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang before, I’ve come to appreciate how consistent the brand is in delivering thoughtful luxury and genuinely usable family comfort. Chiang Mai carries that same standard, but with a distinctly northern Thai atmosphere.
Executive Suite Connecting With Horizon Deluxe Room
For this stay, we booked an Executive Suite connecting with a Horizon Deluxe Room, which proved to be the perfect configuration for a family with teenagers. The setup included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate powder room and a spacious lounge positioned between the bedrooms. There was so much space — far more than a standard hotel layout — which meant we could all spread out comfortably. The kids had their own room and privacy, while I had mine, yet we still had a shared living area where we could sit together, watch television or plan the next day.
There were three televisions in total — one in the lounge and one in each bedroom — with streaming services such as Netflix included. For travelling with teenagers, that small detail matters more than you might expect. It made downtime easy and familiar.
Horizon Club Benefits
Premium guests have access to the Horizon Club, which was one of the most valuable aspects of booking this room category. The Club lounge offers a full breakfast each morning, all-day tea, coffee and soft drinks, and a beautifully presented complimentary afternoon tea with savoury quiches and finger sandwiches, alongside cakes and delicate mini desserts.
In the early evening, the lounge transitions into cocktail hour, where guests are served complimentary alcoholic beverages and a generous assortment of canapés — including cheeses and a rotating selection of hot dishes such as fish, chicken, beef, salmon and vegetables. It’s substantial enough to serve as a light dinner if you choose. More importantly, it provides a calm, elevated space to unwind after a busy day exploring Chiang Mai.
Facilities & Onsite Experiences
The hotel facilities are extensive and well maintained. The expansive outdoor pool became a daily ritual for us — large enough for proper swimming, yet relaxed enough to lounge beside with a book. The gardens surrounding the pool are beautifully landscaped, and from certain vantage points you can see the mountains rising beyond the property. It feels spacious and serene rather than built up or crowded.
The fitness centre is modern and well equipped, overlooking greenery so it doesn’t feel enclosed. There are also tennis courts, table tennis facilities and yoga sessions available, giving families options beyond the pool.
Cooking Class: Learn Local Flavours
One of the most memorable parts of our stay was participating in a private cooking class organised through the hotel. Together, we made chicken khao soi — the signature dish of northern Thailand and widely regarded as one of the world’s great soups — as well as som tum (green papaya salad), one of Thailand’s most iconic dishes. The balance of spicy, sweet, salty and sour flavours in som tum perfectly captures the essence of Thai cuisine. Cooking as a family added another layer to the experience; it wasn’t just about eating local food, but understanding it.
Chi Spa: Signature Lanna Massage
I also booked the Signature Lanna Massage for my daughter and I at Chi Spa, the hotel’s wellness sanctuary. The 60-minute treatment draws on traditional northern Thai techniques and was exactly what I needed after days of sightseeing.
Breakfast Worth Getting Up For
Breakfast each morning was impressive in both variety and quality. The buffet includes a broad selection of freshly prepared Eastern and Western dishes — from made-to-order eggs and pastries to fresh tropical fruit and cereals. Thai favourites such as pad Thai sit alongside international classics, making it easy to satisfy both adventurous and familiar tastes. Everything felt authentic and freshly cooked rather than mass-produced.
Practical Services for Families
Beyond leisure facilities, the hotel also offers practical services that make travel seamless — a business centre, tour desk, car rental assistance, currency exchange, babysitting services, luggage storage and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Explore Chiang Mai: Culture & Markets
The location is another strength. Positioned just outside the old city walls, the hotel provides easy access to key cultural attractions including Wat Phra Singh, the iconic mountain temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and the vibrant Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. After exploring, returning to the quiet calm of the resort felt like stepping back into a retreat.
Overall, Shangri-La Chiang Mai delivers what I value most when travelling with my children: space, comfort, reliability and thoughtful luxury that works in real life. The Executive Suite connecting with a Horizon Deluxe Room offered exactly the right balance of togetherness and independence for our family dynamic.
It isn’t just about beautiful design or attentive service — although both are there. It’s about how easy the hotel makes your stay. And for us, that made all the difference.