137 PILLARS HOUSE CHIANG MAI Thailand
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road, Tambon Watgate, Muang,
Chiang Mai, 5000 Thailand
www.137pillarschiangmai.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
2012
Hotel General Manager
Ms. Anne Arrowsmith
Hotel Positioning
5 star all-suite luxury boutique hotel
Development Strategy
A number of additional boutique properties are under development consideration both domestically in Thailand and internationally.
137 PILLARS HOUSE CHIANG MAI
History & Story
The award-winning 137 Pillars House is a stunning 30 suite boutique Hotel with a rich colonial past; built around the original colonial teak homestead which dates back to the late 1800’s. It is located in a leafy residential enclave a few minutes’ walk from the historical Watt Gate Temple, Ping River and trendy boutique shopping area. The Wat Gate area was originally designated by the government as the area where foreigners resided. Architectural historians and conservationists worked meticulously to reinforce the integrity of the original structure and our honoured guests can expect the same nostalgic ambiance in all 30 suites, along with the latest modern comforts and conveniences as well as a personal butler service.
Date Renewal
A refurbishment was completed in 2019. In addition to being returned to its original condition and maintaining the integrity of the colonial elegance of the property when it first opened, highlights of the refurbishment include the unveiling of a new suite category, softscape and landscape improvements, new gym equipment with and enhancements to the Spa. The newly launched boutique offers a range of unique handmade wooden home accessories and local silks textiles, together with gifts and souvenirs.
Date added extensions
See above – reconfiguration of 3 suites were done to create a new suite category – the David Fleming McFie Suites which are 80 sqm and ideal for a family of up to 4, or a couple wanting additional airconditioned living space with an al fresco conservatory.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Location in a leafy residential enclave. 30 exquisitely designed luxurious suites. Highly personalized Butler service. Rich colonial history.
Location
The award-winning 137 Pillars House is a stunning 30 suite boutique Hotel with a rich colonial past; built around the original colonial teak homestead which dates back to the late 1800’s. It is located in a leafy residential enclave a few minutes’ walk from the historical Watt Gate Temple, Ping River and trendy boutique shopping area. The Wat Gate area was originally designated by the government as the area where foreigners resided.
Key sites/activities in the area
The hotel is just minutes walk from restaurants, boutiuqes, galleries and the flower market. Their new historical tour, Tales and Trails of the Teak Wallahs takes guests on a day tour of historical buildings from the Old Teak House at the hotel to Lampang.
Fun Facts
Louis Leon Owens, the first occupant of the old teak homestead was the son of Anna made famous in movies, The King and I and Anna and the King. David Flemining McFie, the second manager of the Borneo Company was bestowed the Order of the White Elephant by King Rama V11 as he presented the king with at white elephant
Children’s Corner
While the hotel is popular with families, there is not a dedicated children’s corner. Amenities are provided pool side and the game of skittles and croquet are available to them.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
- Number of suites: 30 – as below
Rajah Brooke Suites – 12 (70 sqm)
These spacious one bed king bedroom suites each extend to an airy vintage tiled verandah overlooking tropical gardens with cane shades for privacy, rattan planter’s chair and plush day bed. Beyond a large walk-in closet, the en-suite bathroom with dual washbasins includes a free standing Victorian bath tub, separate indoor and outdoor garden showers. Can also be accommodated in Hollywood Twin bed configuration.
East Borneo Suites – 11 (75 sqm)
Each super king bed or twin bedded suite extends to an airy vintage tiled verandah overlooking tropical gardens with cane shades for privacy, rattan planter’s chair and plush day bed. Beyond a large walk-in closet, the en-suite bathroom with dual washbasins includes a free standing Victorian bath tub, separate indoor and outdoor garden showers. The plush divan can convert to a bed to accommodate a third guest. The East Borneo Suites also have a personal writing desk.
David Fleming Macfie Suites – 3 (80 sqm)
These suites provide a luxurious haven and spacious living area for a family of up to four or a couple wanting additional airconditioned living space with an al fresco conservatory. The King bedroom suites include a customized divan that provides comfortable seating during the day and converts to a bed at night. The adjoining spacious tropical vintage-tiled conservatories have the option of being enclosed and air conditioned, or open-air and are furnished with a plush daybed that can be made up in the evenings, rattan planter’s rocking chairs and cane shades for privacy. The suites also feature large walk-in closets, en-suite bathrooms with Victorian freestanding claw foot bathtubs and separate indoor and outdoor showers.
William Bain Terrace Suites – 2 (100 sqm)
Overlooking the historical homestead, infinity pool and feature garden wall from the upper floor, both super king bedroom suites extend to a generous living room and airy vintage tiled verandah overlooking tropical gardens with cane shades for privacy, rattan planter’s chair and plush day bed. Beyond a large walk-in closet, the en-suite bathroom with dual washbasins includes a sunken bath overlooking tropical foliage as well as separate indoor and outdoor garden showers. The oversized couch can convert to a king or Hollywood twin to accommodate two people.
Louis Leonowens Pool Suites – 2 (135 sqm)
Our two top-tier incredibly spacious ground floor suites include generous living rooms and super king bedrooms with French doors overlooking the infinity pool, feature garden wall and historic homstead. Beyond a large walk-in closet, the en-suite bathroom with dual washbasins includes a sunken bath overlooking tropical foliage as well as separate indoor and outdoor garden showers and a private 5.5 x 2.5 metre swimming pool. The oversized couch can convert to a king or Hollywood twin to accommodate two people.
- Number of Luxury rooms: 30 (the 2 Louise Leonownes Suites have plunge pools)
- Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 30
Restaurants & Bars
- Palette Restaurant in the old house awarded as “Michelin Star Plate” – 24 diners – serving western cuisine – dinner only
- The Dining Room – Thai cuisine with seasonally inspired international dishes serves breakfast lunch and dinner, and has al fresco terrace overlooking tropical gardens
- The Parlour – inside the Old House for afternoon Team
- Jack Bain’s Bar in the old house, serving craft colonial and Asian inspired cocktails, premium whiskey, sabered champagne and bespoke spirits
- Executive Chef – K Mam
Wellness
- Nitra Spa & Wellness
- Gymnasium
- Swimming Pool (25m)
Corporate & Celebration Events
- Palette (24 diners) – elegant western cuisine (sole use for events available) – dinner only
- The Dining Room – Thai cuisine with seasonally inspired international dishes serves breakfast lunch and dinner, and has al fresco terrace overlooking tropical gardens
- The Parlour – inside the Old House
- The Lawn – for bespoke weddings, events and special occasions
Extra Notable Features
- Thai Cooking Classes
- Outdoor Yoga, Tai Chi (arranged by appointment)
- Massage Lessons
- Neighbourhood Programme
Hotel and restaurant Awards
- Smart Travel Magazine (HK) – Best in Travel 2016 Poll – 137 Pillars House included in Top Ten Boutique Hotels in Asia
- Luxury Travel Guide (UK) – Traditional Restaurant of the Year (Palette) – August 2016
- Travel + Leisure Magazine (USA) –World’s Best Awards 2016 – # 1 The Best Resort Hotels in Southeast Asia
- Travel + Leisure Magazine (USA) –World’s Best Awards – #5 The Best Resort Hotel in Asia
- Travel + Leisure Magazine (USA) –World’s Best Awards -#37 Top 100 Best Hotels in the World
- Tourism Authority of Thailand 2016 People’s Choice Awards Thailand “Top 10 Boutique Hotel”
- Thailand Tatler – Best Restaurant Award 2016 for Palette (fine dining)
- TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice 2016 “Top 25 Hotels in Thailand” in the categories “Best Hotels”, “Luxury” and “Romance”
Number of employees
90