22 Twenty-Two Hotel: Mae Sai's BEST Kept Secret (Chiang Rai, Thailand)
22 Twenty-Two Hotel: Mae Sai's BEST Kept Secret (Chiang Rai, Thailand)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, cuz we're about to dive DEEP into 22 Twenty-Two Hotel in Mae Sai, Thailand. "Best Kept Secret," they say? Honey, after this review, the cat's definitely gonna be out of the bag. I'm talking full-blown, messy, honest, and possibly a little too real. Let's get started!
The Pre-Trip Brain Fog & Arrival
So, Mae Sai. Right? I booked this kinda last minute, chasing that elusive "authentic Thailand" vibe. Found 22 Twenty-Two online, and the pictures looked… well, pretty darn slick. Now, I’m usually a hot mess when it comes to travel. My airport checklist always misses something (this time, it was my charger of all things!), and I arrived at the hotel feeling like a wrung-out sponge.
Accessibility & Getting There (and the Great Charger Crisis)
First things first: Accessibility. I'm happy to report, the main areas, including the lobby and restaurant, seemed pretty accessible. There's an elevator, which is HUGE for someone with mobility issues, or, you know, just hauling luggage. I didn’t personally need a wheelchair, but I did see some facilities for disabled guests, which is always a plus. Getting to the hotel? Airport transfer is available, thank the heavens, because navigating Thai transportation after 20 hours of travel is… well, it’s an adventure i wasn't equipped to take that day. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] were available. Plus they even have a Car power charging station which is nice (I may never need, but it's the thought that counts)
Now, about that charger… Thankfully, 22 Twenty-Two has a conveniently placed convenience store at the front. They had a universal charger! Saved! The day!
Checking In & First Impressions (and a Slight Hotel Room Shenanigan)
Check-in was a breeze. Contactless check-in/out is a winner in my book, especially now. The staff was incredibly polite and helpful, dealing with my post-flight grumpiness like pros. The lobby? Stylish. Modern art, comfy seating, the works. I was feeling optimistic.
And then… I got to my room.
The non-smoking room was spacious, and the air conditioning was a blessed gift. There was a desk for working (more on that later…), a mirror to assess the travel damage, and a decent view. They even had a complimentary tea (which I promptly devoured). BUT, the view was partly of another building, which was not ideal for viewing the sunset, but not the end of the world. It does have blackout curtains, which could be useful.
The Room Deets - A Closer Look (and a Minor Complaint)
Let's get granular. You have your Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who even uses those anymore?!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (maybe I should'nt have eaten that extra mango sticky rice…), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. Phew! The whole nine yards, basically. They really thought of everything.
Internet & Connectivity - Because We're All Addicted (and it's crucial)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And it actually worked! I’m a digital nomad at heart, so reliable internet is a MUST. Internet [LAN] was available too. The Internet services were good. This is HUGE. You can get your work done and binge-watch something on Netflix, all in peace.
The Foodie Adventures! (Mmm, Food…)
Okay, this is where 22 Twenty-Two really shines. The food, my friends, the food…
- Restaurants: plural! They have multiple restaurants, and they don't mess around.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Absolutely!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Check.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was glorious. A mix of Asian breakfast, with delicious congee and noodle soups, and Western breakfast, with eggs, bacon, pastries. The croissants were phenomenal.
- Breakfast service: They also do Breakfast in room, which is perfect for those lazy mornings.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Good coffee! Crucial.
- Poolside bar: Sipping a cocktail by the pool with the view was also amazing.
I probably sampled everything on the menu. Okay, maybe not everything, but I came close. The A la carte in restaurant menu was huge too.
Desserts in restaurant Oh, that mango sticky rice… It was heavenly! I was definitely having Desserts in restaurant.
Happy hour: Yes! And quite happy it was.
Poolside bar: Perfect for chilling.
I might have eaten an ungodly amount of food, but hey, I was on vacation.
Ways to Relax & Unwind (Spa Time!)
The Spa was a highlight. Seriously, I'm talking next-level relaxation. I indulged in a massage (which was, like, the best massage of my life). They also offered a Body scrub and Body wrap to try.
- Fitness center: If you're into that sort of thing, they had a decent Gym/fitness center.
- Pool with view: The Swimming pool was just gorgeous, with a stunning Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Nitty-Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, & Those Little Extras
This is where 22 Twenty-Two really impressed me. They took cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products everywhere, Daily disinfection in common areas, and I felt completely safe. They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], and Smoke alarms.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They did a fantastic job with this without losing the charm.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Important!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You could tell. They were professional and friendly.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.
- They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, so if you're super-conscious about it, they respect that, which I think is great.
For The Kids & Family Matters
I didn't need these, but I noticed they have Babysitting service, and say they're Family/child friendly. I think this would be a great spot for a family trip.
The Bottom Line & Some Honest Gripes
Look, 22 Twenty-Two is fantastic. It's stylish, comfortable, and the food is out of this world. Cashless payment service helps.The staff is top-notch. It's a solid choice and a great base to explore Mae Sai and the surrounding area.
My Small Gripes: The lack of a view from my rooms' windows OVERALL RATING: 4.5 Stars (losing half a star because of that window) They offer Luggage storage.
SEO Optimized Blurb for Booking
Unlock Mae Sai's BEST Kept Secret: 22 Twenty-Two Hotel!
Escape the ordinary and discover the ultimate Chiang Rai getaway at 22 Twenty-Two Hotel. Experience unparalleled comfort, exceptional dining, and a rejuvenating spa experience. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, luxurious accessible rooms, and world-class service. Indulge in our incredible restaurants serving authentic Asian cuisine and delicious Western cuisine, including a fantastic breakfast buffet. Relax by the pool with a view, enjoy a soothing massage at our spa, and explore the wonders of Mae Sai. Book your stay today and discover why 22 Twenty-Two is the perfect blend of luxury and affordability!
Book now for a truly unforgettable Thai experience!
Luxury Villas Oceanami: Your Dream Vietnam Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to the 22 Twenty-Two Hotel in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, and it's gonna be a chaotic blast of… well, mostly me rambling and trying not to spill my iced coffee. Here we go!
22 Twenty-Two Hotel Mae Sai: A Rambling Itinerary (and Probably Not a Great Guide) - Prepare for Mayhem!
(Day 1: Arrival, Exhaustion, and the Allure of the Pool. Also, Mosquitoes.)
1:00 PM (Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai) Oh god, the drive. The drive. Google Maps swore it was 3 hours. Google Maps, you liar! The roads were windy enough to give a seasick pirate pause. And the traffic? Let's just say my patience was tested, which, considering I have the temper of a caffeinated squirrel, is saying something. My back is already screaming.
- Side Note: Bring snacks. Lots of snacks. And motion sickness pills. Seriously.
4:00 PM (More or Less): Arrival! The 22 Twenty-Two. It looks…cute. Cute in that "I hope the air conditioning works" kind of way. Reception is friendly enough, though my brain feels like it's been rendered into a thick soup by the heat. Check-in is fairly quick. Relief: the air conditioning DOES work! Score one for the hotel. My room… well, it's fine. Clean enough. That's the important thing, right?
- Quirky Observation: The hallway smelled faintly of jasmine, which is lovely, unless you're allergic, and then, well, you're screwed. I'm hoping it doesn't become a sneezing contest later.
5:00 PM (Attempted Leisure): Pool time! I NEED the pool. The heat is relentless. The pool looks… appealing. It's small, but hey, I appreciate an intimate pool experience. Jump in! Oh, the water is refreshingly cool. Pure bliss. Pause. I think I’m in heaven.
5:30 PM (The Mosquito Massacre Begins): Oh, here we go. Mosquitoes. Tiny, bloodsucking ninjas. I am their buffet. I knew I should have brought the bug spray. I'm now conducting a frantic, slap-happy battle against the uninvited winged guests. It’s a lose/lose here, and now I’m covered with itchy welts.
7:00 PM (Dinner and a Prayer): Found a little restaurant a short walk from the hotel. Maybe. I think I’m a little lost, actually. It’s called "The Smiling Elephant" or something equally charming. The food is spicy. Too spicy, frankly. I'm sweating like a pig at a luau. But the Chang beer is cold! And the staff is super sweet. I pray the mosquitoes don’t follow me home.
8:30 PM (Unsuccessful Attempt at Relaxation): Back at the hotel. Too many mosquito bites. Can’t sleep. Curse these bloodsuckers! I’m going to need a whole pharmacy of antihistamines tomorrow. Maybe I’ll light all the candles.
(Day 2: Border Crossing, Market Mayhem, and Another Rendezvous with the Little Bitters.)
7:00 AM (Wake Up, Irritated): The alarm, the alarm! Ugh. I hate mornings. After a night of intermittent sleep and itch scratching, I am so tired. I need more coffee.
8:00 AM (Breakfast – Mostly Just Coffee and Hope): Breakfast at the hotel is included. It’s…adequate. The coffee is strong, which is exactly what I need, because apparently, the mosquito mafia is still actively plotting my demise.
9:00 AM (Border Bound! (and the Hopes and Fears for Today): Today: The Golden Triangle and the Myanmar border. Excitement and a little bit of trepidation. I’ve heard the border crossing is a bit of a… experience. I'm picturing something out of a cheesy spy movie. Hopefully, I don't accidentally end up on the wrong side of the law.
- An Unexpected Anecdote: Yesterday, right before dinner, I was walking and I ended up at a temple. Didn’t intend to, but I got the feeling I needed to go in. It was beautiful, quiet, and peaceful. It felt a little holy. I just stood there, and watched. Sometimes, the unplanned moments are the best ones.
10:30 AM (Border Crossing Adventure/Confusion): Okay, so it wasn't quite a spy movie. More like a slightly disorganized, slightly sweaty, slightly bureaucratic circus. Passport control, paperwork… thankfully, it all worked out. I am now officially, briefly, in Myanmar.
11:30 AM (Market Mayhem): Mae Sai market. So much stuff. So many smells. So many… things I have no idea what they are. Clothes, trinkets, questionable street food. I’m pretty sure I saw a guy selling live scorpions. Deciding against sample on that. I am buying a ridiculous hat.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed. Exhilarated. Slightly nauseous. I love it. I hate it. I love it. I want to buy everything and nothing, all at once.
1:00 PM (Lunch – Surviving on Noodles and Fortitude): Found a tiny noodle shop in the market. The noodles are amazing. Spicy, but in a good way this time. The lady running the shop doesn’t speak English, but we manage to communicate through a combination of pointing, smiling, and the universal language of “mmm, good!”
2:00 PM (More Border Confusion (and Back to Reality)): Back across the border. More paperwork. More waiting. More… the feeling that I'm going to get another bite. Can’t wait to write a letter to the Thai government about the mosquito scourge.
4:00 PM (Pool time Pt.2 - Mosquitoes, part de Deux): Back to the pool. Same scenario as yesterday. Mosquitoes. I should just bring a net. I'm starting to think I'm a mosquito magnet.
6:00 PM (Dinner Again! (and Possibly More Spicy Food)): I am going to have to find something with a mild flavor. This time, I venture out to another little restaurant near the hotel, determined to find something that won't set my mouth on fire. Let’s hope the food is edible.
8:00 PM (Bedtime Story and Dreams of Bug Spray): Back in my room. Itch, itch, itch. Planning on bathing in some sort of anti-itch lotion. Nightmare fuel.
(Day 3: Relaxation (Maybe?), Departure, and Leaving This Place with a Smile (and Maybe a Few Scars).)
8:00 AM (Breakfast: I Need to See a Doctor for This Itch): Last breakfast. Still, no matter. The coffee is still good.
9:00 AM (A Bit of Sightseeing (or at Least Attempting to)): I should probably see something else, right? Maybe a temple. Or a park. I’ll let you know how that goes if I make it out the door.
10:00 AM (A Second Attempt at a Relaxing Morning in the Pool): I have a feeling I am gonna be out of the mosquito trap. (I am not)
12:00 PM (Lunch and Packing): Lunch. Packing (a nightmare) and preparing for the long drive.
2:00 PM (Departure): Goodbye, 22 Twenty-Two Hotel! Goodbye, Mae Sai! Goodbye, you vile, buzzing, biting… okay, I’ll miss it. (Mostly). The hotel was cute, you know? And the people were nice. And okay, maybe I’ll be back. With A TON of bug spray.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (The long drive back): I am on my way back. I don't want to go.
(Post-Trip Reflections (Later, After the Itching Subsides):
Okay, so it wasn't perfect. There were definitely moments of…well, let's just say I can’t wait to be able to feel my legs again. But the good moments? The unexpected temple visit, the food, the fact that the sun sets and the sky is pink and orange,
Escape to Paradise: Bemo Corner's Bali Bliss Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea. Is 22 Twenty-Two Hotel really Mae Sai's "best kept secret" or is that just marketing hype?
Honestly? It's closer to reality than you'd think. I stumbled upon this place on a whim, a last-minute escape from the absolute chaos of Chiang Mai. And yeah, "secret" is apt. It's not plastered all over Instagram (thank GOD), but it's got this…vibe. Like you've accidentally wandered into a secret club that's incredibly chill. I mean, I remember pulling up, and the first thing I thought was, "Wow, this is not what I expected," in the best possible way. It's a bit off the beaten path, a little rough around the edges (in a charming, authentic way!), and full of surprises. And for what you get? Pure, unadulterated value. It's like they *want* you to have a good time.
What's the vibe like at 22 Twenty-Two? I'm picturing either a sterile, modern hotel or a creepy, abandoned building. Which is it?
Neither! Thank goodness. It's got this…relaxed, almost bohemian feel. Think comfortable, with a dash of quirk. The rooms are clean, but they aren’t aggressively minimalist. You can actually *relax* in them. There's this courtyard with comfy seating, and the whole place just has this…chill energy. Like, you could wear your pajamas to breakfast (and I may or may not have done that…ahem). It's not stuffy. It's genuinely welcoming. I've stayed at hotels that felt like they were judging my life choices, and this place is the opposite. It's the kind of place where you can actually *breathe* and feel comfortable.
The location? Sounds like it might be miles from anything interesting. Truth or lie?
Okay, so Mae Sai itself isn't exactly buzzing with nightlife like, say, Bangkok. But the hotel is conveniently located. Mae Sai is the northernmost town in Thailand, right on the border with Myanmar. You're close to the Golden Triangle, the border crossing, and some local markets. It's a great base if you're interested in exploring the area. Plus, the hotel staff can help you arrange trips and transportation. Remember that whole "secret" thing? It's a secret *because* it's not in the middle of the tourist crush. It's quieter, more authentic, and gives you a better understanding of the area. Honestly, I preferred it that way.
Let's talk Rooms: What are they actually like? Photos can be deceiving, after all.
Okay, let's get real. I've stayed in some truly horrific hotel rooms in my day, rooms that looked like they hadn't been updated since the 70s. The rooms at 22 Twenty-Two are…decent! Clean, comfortable beds, and basic amenities. Not the Ritz, mind you, but perfectly fine for a good night's sleep. And the air conditioning works. That's HUGE in Thailand, let me tell you! I remember one room had this amazing view of the courtyard, and I could just sit on the tiny balcony and soak up the atmosphere. The bathrooms? Clean, functional, and the water pressure was actually good. That's a win in my book. Honestly, after days of traveling and exploring, a comfortable bed and a hot shower are all I need.
Food, Glorious Food! What's the deal at the hotel restaurant? Is it edible?
Okay, so the food at the hotel is… surprisingly good! I wasn't expecting Michelin-star quality, but it was delicious. They had a decent breakfast buffet included in my stay, with all the usual suspects: eggs, toast, fruit, and some local Thai dishes that were a real treat. I remember the mango sticky rice was divine. I almost ate myself into a coma! They also serve lunch and dinner, with a selection of Thai and Western dishes. The Pad Thai was fantastic, and the staff was always happy to help me navigate the menu since my Thai is nonexistent. It's a relief when you don't have to venture out into the unknown for every single meal and are actually enjoying the food.
Is the staff friendly and helpful? Because, let’s be honest, a grumpy hotel staff can ruin a perfectly good vacation!
Oh. My. God. The staff at 22 Twenty-Two are actual angels. Seriously. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care that you're having a good time. They greeted me with the warmest smiles, and were always ready to offer suggestions, help with directions, or just have a quick chat. My flight was delayed, and I arrived at the hotel at like 3 AM, but the person at the front desk couldn't have been more helpful or friendly. I’d asked about tours and they helped me find the best ones for me. I felt like I was staying at a friend's house, not a hotel. They made the whole experience so much better. I actually felt sad saying goodbye to them, which never happens.
Any downsides? Because every place has 'em. Don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, fine. Let's get the nitpicking out of the way. The WiFi wasn’t the strongest, and it cut out a couple of times. The location is further away from some of the attractions. And it wasn’t the most flashy hotel. That's about it, though. Really! Sure, it might not have every single luxurious amenity under the sun, but honestly, I'd take the friendly service and overall value over a fancy hotel any day. The slight imperfections added to the charm. And honestly, I wasn't there to be glued to my phone all day, I was out living life and seeing the world.
Would you go back? Honestly. And why?
100% yes. In a heartbeat. I'm already plotting my return trip, actually. It's the kind of place that stays with you. It was the perfect mix of comfort, affordability, and genuine hospitality. It wasn’t just a place to sleep; it was an experience. I loved the relaxed vibe, the friendly staff, and the feeling that I was genuinely getting away from it all. Plus, I miss that mango sticky rice. Yeah, I’d go back for the food alone! It's a true hidden gem.
Anything I should bring? Any insider tips?
Bring an open mind and a sense of adventure! And maybe some bug spray, just in case. My insider tip? Chat with the staff! They're a goldmine of information and can help you plan some amazing experiences. Explore the local markets – they're a feast for the senses. Don't be afraid to try the street food (with reasonable cautionFind That Hotel
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