dusitD2 Chiang Mai

"Directly next to the Night Bazaar, where bargains authentic and otherwise abound, this formerly banal two-star received an all-over makeover by the Dusit group in 2005. The now jagged-edged exterior takes frenetic, artful inspiration from Mondrian and Israeli architect Moshe Safdie. In the photogenic reception area, a sprawling handmade carpet welcomes visitors with rich brown swirls on sunny citrus shades. Beyond an amusing orange Plexiglas archway, the Siam soul soundtrack at Moxie Bar masks noise from blenders whipping up a non-stop flow of tropical daiquiris, though the scene remains spotty as guests nip out for more of the night market. At the back restaurant, decent Thai dishes are best enjoyed curled up among the suede pillows that line the dining pods cocooned in metal mesh. Upstairs, talented Thai interiors firm P49 did their best to spruce up the low ceiling hallways with mood lighting and more eye-catching carpeting. For the 130 rooms, the designers commissioned hill tribe weavers to sew up playful saffron pillows in raw Thai silk that resemble oversized basketballs and beg to be thrown around the boxy but well-lit space. Bedside reading lamps prove more powerful than those found in most first class business hotels. Quirkiness is of course a hallmark of the hippest accommodations. At d2, all needs can be addressed by pressing the “Desires” key on the telephone pad, though serious matters can be addressed to the Guru, a.k.a. general manager. Room service arrives in a flash, delivered by mop top well-spoken young men in uniforms accented with silk cravats and Converse All Stars. Don’t skip dessert, the homemade ginger sorbet makes the sweetest memory of all."