Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand

The location and grounds around the giant rain trees. The size, style and cleanliness of the room, the breakfast and most of all the amazing staff. The lady that checked us in and took us to our room, the front desk and bell staff, the restaurant staff were all top notch. Although Marriott owns the hotel you get Asian style friendliness and service vs. the "service" you get from Marriott in the US. The the hotel was obviously designed and built before Marriott got involved. The front desk staff set us up with some great drivers/guides that drove all around the amazing region. Although it is a quiet river setting you are only minutes from town via TukTuk or private car. The fare to the airport about $2.50 and although the airport is close, flight noise was not an issue. Even at resort prices which probably double the in town prices food and drink were delicious and still much less than what you would pay for average food in the US. We stayed a few extra days and were upgraded from the normal mega room to the super mega room. The contemporary style is out of Architectural Digest and unlike some even 5 star room there were no rough edges or signs of wear in our room. The 3 level infinity pool with the infinity river lagoon pool and then the river with all the landscaping. You need to visit there to appreciate the design, attention to detail and superb maintenance. Even the maintenance stop there work to greet you. DON"T LOOK ANYWHERE ELSE IN CHIANG RAE!