Lavender Lana Hotel and CM trip

[PattayaMale]

I have a friend that is now living in Chiang Mai and thought I would go see him and take advantage of the Lavender Hotel since I am seen much written about it. The Lavender had a special rate of about 1000 baht including all taxes. I have not been to CM for at least 7 years and was looking forward to the trip

 

When I arrived at the CM airport a rep from the Lavender was waiting to take me to the hotel. Th car I was picked up in was a new black Honda City. The driver spoke very good English. It seemed that the trip to the hotel lasted less than 10 minutes. The transportation was free.

 

On entering the lobby, I was impressed with the decor. It was nice appointed, bright, comfortable seating, and had lots of flowers. As I approached the reception desk I was greeted by 3 smiling young men. One might have been new as he had a little problem working the credit card machine, but in a few minutes my bags and I were off to the room on the 10th floor. I noticed that workers were trying to finish some work in the hall way which led up to the roof where the "rooftop restaurant" would be opening soon.

 

I went into the room and truthfully was a bit, no very disappointed. It did not appear to be what I saw in their ads. I thought that maybe a mistake was made, so I decided to go back to the desk and inquire. There I met Tommy, the reservation/front desk manager. I asked him if he would accompany me up to see my room, which he was happy to do. When we entered I told him this is not what I thought the rooms advertised looked like. His eyes widened and he said, "Sorry, Sorry, mistake."

 

I had already booked a welcoming "stress release" (I like how the hotel named it) massage which was originally scheduled for the room. Tommy suggested that maybe I would rather have it in the massage spa while he gets my "correct room" sorted out. He was nice enough to escort me there.

 

The spa/massage is very attractive. You enter a big room and sit down so you can choose your victim. The guys actually sit behind a glass wall. At first I thought it might be a one way mirror. I waved to see if anyone could see me and since they all waved back I figured it was a glass wall. The guy I chose to do my "stress release" was very nice looking I thought, but did not speak any English. We went to the massage room which also was very nicely decorated and had mood lighting, candles, mood music, and a bathroom.

I did enjoy the massage but truthfully at least the person I chose needed a little more massage training.

 

After the "stress release" I went back to see if Tommy had solved the room problem. My new room was on the 7th floor and what a difference. Large flat screen TV, nice new sofa, new furnishings, a table and 2 chairs and a desk or make-up area. The bed was very comfortable and the room had a new air conditioner. It over looked the pool while my first room over looked the walled city. Both were nice views. I liked to pool view because it had 2 handsome workers finishing up the pool bar area. They were very playful with each other...

 

Very satisfied with my room and massage, I went back to the lobby to wait for my farang friend to show up. While waiting, I went over to the lobby bar and had a coffee. Another handsome waiter/bar tender made the coffee and was nice to talk with.

 

My friend showed up on his motorbike and almost across the street from the hotel is "Buddy's Internet" where they rent motorbikes. The bike was fairly new and only 200 baht a day. Close to there is a gay open air bar called "Soho" where we had a drink..Popy one of the bar tenders speaks very good English and is fun to talk with.

 

Then we went to Riverwalk for dinner and then Adams Apple for the show. Many will like their erotic show. Handsome men who show you all.

 

At the end of the night I went back to the Lavender and since it still before midnight I walked down the steps to the Power Boys Club. WOW! I only caught the last part of the cabaret show, but the male dancers did a great job. It was very uplifting, well done, and the lip syncing was right on. The bar waiters were very handsome attentive but not pushy

at all. They were fun though. They put me in a good mood, so I thought I would buy a bottle to share with the go-go boys. I realized that there were too many dancers for one bottle, but I did not want to buy 2 or 3. The head waiter suggested that I use their VIP room and just select the guys I want to join me for a drink. The VIP room is also well decorated and right at the rear of the club. I selected 7 guys to drink with me. They danced and laughed with each other while drinking. Then 2 of the show dancers can by to see if they could have a drink. I said NO!..........unless you just wear your underwear. So 2 more very handsome well built show dancers joined us. I am not like this in Pattaya, buy had a great time. A little later I thought it was time to go so gave each of the guys a nice tip and went back to my room.

 

I want to add that the Lavender is having some teething problems. I guess that is why they have the soft opening rate.

 

I do believe they have most of it worked out. I have seen other posts where some concerns are still not completely addressed. Like the breakfast buffet. It is basically Asian food; fried eggs, fruit, rice soap, a chicken and peppers dish, fried rice, toast and tea or coffee. I enjoyed it the first morning, but other mornings ordered the American breakfast for 120 baht and just supplemented it with extra coffee from the free buffet.

 

I read where some complained that Thai families where staying at the hotel. This does not bother me at all as I am used to staying at hotels where families stay all the time. Even the Golden Banana in Siem Reap, the Tarntawan in Bangkok and many many others where I might take a date back to my room have families there. This is a 110 room hotel with venues on premise that cater to the gay market, but not a 100% gay hotel. But it was no problem at all.

 

For me it was a good choice in a great location. Jay the owner is a very nice guy. I enjoyed talking to him and hearing some of his future plans. I have to hand it to him, he has put together a wonderful staff. They all seem to care about making me feel welcomed.

[Guest mauRICE]

It is basically Asian food; fried eggs, fruit, rice soap, a chicken and peppers dish, fried rice, toast and tea or coffee.

 

Did the "rice soap" leave you foaming at the mouth?

[fedssocr]

Thanks for the in-depth review.

 

I enjoyed the little bit of time I spent in CM a few years ago. Maybe it's time to go back.

[Guest TOQ]

Thank you for the report.. I plan on heading up to CM either in Nov or Dec for a week so the report is very helpful. I will give them a try.

 

john

[Guest fountainhall]

I went into the room and truthfully was a bit, no very disappointed. It did not appear to be what I saw in their ads. I thought that maybe a mistake was made, so I decided to go back to the desk and inquire. There I met Tommy, the reservation/front desk manager. I asked him if he would accompany me up to see my room, which he was happy to do. When we entered I told him this is not what I thought the rooms advertised looked like. His eyes widened and he said, "Sorry, Sorry, mistake."

 

My new room was on the 7th floor and what a difference. Large flat screen TV, nice new sofa, new furnishings, a table and 2 chairs and a desk or make-up area. The bed was very comfortable and the room had a new air conditioner.

 

Thanks for the excellent post. One query. Did the hotel every explain the difference between the two rooms? Had you booked a deluxe type of room rather than basic? And was the first one their 'basic' room and the second 'deluxe'? I am keen to know because I'm happy to give the hotel a try, but not if I am stuck in the 'basic' room.

[PattayaMale]

Thanks for the excellent post. One query. Did the hotel every explain the difference between the two rooms? Had you booked a deluxe type of room rather than basic? And was the first one their 'basic' room and the second 'deluxe'? I am keen to know because I'm happy to give the hotel a try, but not if I am stuck in the 'basic' room.

 

I think it was just a mistake. They are training several guys and it seemed that someone put me in the wrong room or a room they thought had been fully restored. The 3 days I was there the occupancy was over 70% I was told (Rama V holiday).

 

What you might do if you are in Thailand is make a reservation through their web site, and a few days before you travel there, call and make sure.

 

It had been years since I had been to Chiang Mai and have decided to go up for their Grand Opening scheduled for Nov. 20 - 22 since I had such a great time....this time with my Thai friend however.

[Guest jtrack33]

I have just returned from 3 nights at Lavender Lanna. I agree with everything PattayaMale said but have some additional comments. I drove up to Chiang Mai from Bangkok with no reservation at the hotel but thought worth a go if it has a carpark. That was a slight problem at night...carpark almost always full. Hotel was quite full with some pleasant families and gay couples. I was offered a Superior room at Bht650 including breakfast on 8th floor with good city/moat view. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the room...huge bed with high quality coverings and furniture. Bathroom is a little poky but what the hell, for that price! (I believe the room rates will virtually double starting November 1.)

This was my greatest CM experience ever...thanks to this hotel and staff.

As PattayMale says, the show is great and virtually runs continuously from 9:30 to 12:30 ish interspersed with go-go boy dancing. The boys sit off to the side during the shows, in briefs and numbers. The area is the same as where the customers sit by and large and so mingling is easy and rewarding. This is one of the few bars I have visited where every boy I liked...no podgies, retirees, spiky or orange hair dos. Just good ol' basic, charming hill boys. Some are Burmeese and others from Mai Hong Song and Chiang Mai itself. The boys are all appreciated and encouraged by the owner...a very pleasant young American guy...his choice in boys is the same as mine fortunately)All are delightful and fun to be with. The waiters are also fun, flirtatious and not pushy. The show is well directed with near perfect lip synching. I watched all the shows for 2(unfortunately wasted part of a night at the rather stale Adams) nights. The waiters are exceptionally warm and friendly and helpfull..like Ao and Den.

The advantage of this hotel is that the massage and go-go are all integrated into the hotel. At the poolside in the afternoon, some of the go-go and massage boys come for a swim and socializing with the guests. During my first afternoon at the poolside, I thought I had died and come back in heaven. Boys you can keep happy with drinks at regular restaurant prices! The poolside chairs/beds are really comfortable.

There was one boy there in the pool who had been dancing in the show the night before whom the waiter had not included in his list of boys who are gay. Consequently, I did not pursue a relationship at that time. But while in the pool, he brushed up against my leg underwater and then went into the pool-side steam room. I later followed and found him in the corner. He invited me for a massage in the massage area...some boys work as massagers in the afternoon and go-go at night. We went to a massage room and had a fine massage and then he unleashed his gay skills and was clearly a closet guy with weeks of pent-up stuff to release.

Most of the staff are friendly and some helpful above the call of duty. The cleaning lady found a shirt of mine after I checked out and came rushing down to the carpark with it.

There is free internet PC access on the 4th floor and a small fitness room.

What a great place.

[firecat69]

Jtrack,

 

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[Gaybutton]

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[PattayaMale]

I enjoyed Lavender so much I booked rooms for their Grand opening Nov 20-22.

 

The pool and steam room were not open when I was there. I think it opened the day after I left. But I saw the layout and it is nice.

 

I am looking forward to that weekend. I hope some other Pattayans can make it there that weekend. It should be fun

[Guest jtrack33]

The pool opened on Tuesday 27th. I tried it first on 28th. Steam room is quite large and has a discreet alcove. The go-go and massage boys love it. That having been said, I did not see or want any sex in and around the pool or steam room..there are families with children about...although none in the pool area while I was there. There are the rooms just a few floors up and so no need to be indiscreet in public areas. You seem to be welcome to take any willing member of staff to your room after paying a reasonable off fee of course...but outside joiners are welcome free. I did not feel I could find any boys any better outside so didn't bother.

 

One thing I forgot to mention is that the music and singing in the shows are not too load to drown out conversation and performed almost exclusively by handsome/cute/lovable straightly-dressed boys or very pleasant and personable ladies/look-alike-ladies. Very few if any, lady-boy/transgenderd folk.