Chomdoi Condotel 1: Your Dream Nimman Escape Awaits (Chiang Mai Uni!)
Chomdoi Condotel 1: My Nimman Dream… Or Maybe Just a Really Nice Nap? (Chiang Mai Uni!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, folks, let's talk about Chomdoi Condotel 1. Is it really your "Dream Nimman Escape?" Well, that depends on what your dreams are made of, and frankly, after spending a week there, mine mostly involved avoiding the overly zealous sun and getting a decent coffee. But hey, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s break this down, shall we? And believe me, it's going to be more of a scatter-brained, half-formed thought dump than a polished travel brochure. Consider yourselves warned.
First Impressions and Getting There (Accessibility & Getting Around):
The good news: Getting to Chomdoi is pretty straightforward. It's close to Chiang Mai University (hence the tagline!), which means it's relatively easy to find a Grab (basically Uber) or a taxi. The airport transfer is a godsend, especially after a long flight. And let's be honest, after battling jet lag, the last thing you want is map-reading stress. They also have car parking , which is handy if you're renting a scooter (which you totally should, by the way). Oh, and it's car park [free of charge]! Sweet!
Accessibility: Now, this is where things get… well, they get a little fuzzy. The website mentions facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't see a ton of specifics. The elevator is key, though, especially if you're on a higher floor. I’d recommend contacting the hotel directly to clarify accessibility needs – don't just take my word for it. Because, you know, I'm just a rambling travel writer. I'm not a facilities inspector.
The Room (Available in all rooms):
My room? Okay, it was… comfy. Let’s go through the checklist, shall we? Air conditioning? Check, essential for surviving the Chiang Mai heat. Free Wi-Fi? YES! Thankfully, the Wi-Fi [free] actually was free and worked reasonably well. I could stream my Netflix shows without too much buffering, which, let's face it, is a travel necessity. Extra long bed? Also yes! I love a good bed, even if I do spend most of my travels complaining how my back hurts. Coffee/tea maker? Phew! A lifesaver. Complimentary tea? Even better. Free bottled water? Bonus! Mini bar? Yes to mini bar, but I definitely didn’t use it because I was too busy exploring the amazing street food. I can tell you all the places if you’d like.
The bathroom was… adequate. The shower worked, the toiletries were… well, they were what you expect – nothing to write home about. I will say I appreciated the slippers. Who doesn't like slippers? Hair dryer and ironing facilities were also available, which I didn’t use but thought they were nice.
Now, my BIGGEST gripe? The blackout curtains. They weren't quite blackout, which, if you're a light sleeper like I am and are trying to conquer the jet-lag monster, is a HUGE deal. That first morning, I woke up at 5 AM and just… sat there. Ranting silently at the rising sun.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important Stuff):
Okay, this is where Chomdoi shines. Cleanliness and safety are clearly taken seriously. Room sanitization opt-out available--this is one of my favorites! Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double-check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Triple-check. They've clearly put a lot of effort into the safety side of things, especially with the whole… you know… pandemic situation still going on. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere, which I appreciated, even if it did make my hands smell like… well, sanitizer.
They also had a front desk [24-hour] (THANK GOD), CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. They had smoke alarms and fire extinguisher in the room, and a safe box ! It gave me that sense of calmness. Security seems to be a top priority.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
Alright, food! This is where things get… interesting. They offer Asian breakfast and Western Breakfast at the Breakfast [buffet]. I'm not a massive buffet person, but the spread was decent. A lot of the usual suspects (eggs, toast, fruit, pastries). The coffee/tea in restaurant was okay, nothing to write home about.
There's also a restaurant with Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant options. Oh, and a coffee shop (again, okay). I didn't see a bar in the traditional sense, but the poolside bar served drinks, which was nice. They had a poolside bar. The bottle of water was a nice inclusion and I always enjoyed a salad in restaurant there because of all the food I was eating on the street!
The Downsides? The food, while edible, wasn’t exactly a culinary revelation. Also, this is a nitpick, but the happy hour was a little… disappointing. But hey, I had a snack bar and Desserts in restaurant available, and I enjoyed a few coffee shop runs daily!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa, Pool, Gym Etc.):
So, the highlight? The swimming pool [outdoor]. It's a gorgeous infinity pool with a view, which is as good as it sounds. I spent a lot of time there, just floating and trying to pretend I wasn't worried about deadlines and laundry. Seriously, the pool with view is worth the price of admission alone.
They also have a fitness center (which I bravely glanced at from a distance, never actually entering), a sauna (I skipped the sauna too - I was already sweating plenty!), and a spa. I did have a massage, and it was heavenly. Worth every Baht! I didn’t get a body wrap or a body scrub, but I was very tempted.
Internet, Oh the Internet! (Internet, Internet Access - LAN, Wi-Fi in Public Areas):
The Internet access was… fine. Wi-Fi [free] in rooms, as I mentioned before, which is a massive plus. Again, it worked well enough for my needs (streaming, emails, the occasional frantic research session). I didn’t use the Internet access – LAN, but I’m sure it’s there if you need it.
Services and Conveniences:
They have the usual suspects: concierge, laundry service, dry cleaning, daily housekeeping (thank GOD. Someone to clean my mess!), luggage storage, currency exchange, and a convenience store. The cash withdrawal was handy. They also give an invoice provided.
For the Kids (Family/Child Friendly, Babysitting Service, Kids Facilities):
I didn’t travel with kids, but I did see a few families. They have family/child friendly amenities, so it seems like a good option for those travelling with little ones. But I also saw no kids facilities.
Final Verdict – Is It Your Nimman Dream?
Look, Chomdoi Condotel 1 isn't perfect. The food could be better. The blackout curtains could be, well, blacker. But it's a solid choice. It's safe, clean, well-located, and has a stunning pool. The staff are friendly and helpful. It's not the most luxurious place in the world, but it’s definitely a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the wonders of Chiang Mai.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Especially if you're looking for value for money, appreciate a good pool with a view, and don't mind the occasional minor imperfection.
Here's my slightly-rambling, very opinionated, but ultimately helpful, booking pitch:
Tired of generic hotels? Craving a Chiang Mai escape without the touristy BS?
Then ditch the endless scrolling and book your stay at Chomdoi Condotel 1: Your Dream Nimman Escape Awaits! (Chiang Mai Uni!).
Here’s what makes Chomdoi your perfect basecamp for adventure (and relaxation):
- Location, Location, Location: Close to Chiang Mai University (easy access to everything!), but hidden away enough to give you peace and quiet. Plus, free parking!
- Pool Perfection: Forget the world for a few hours. The infinity pool with a view is Instagram-worthy (and stress-busting!)
- Cleanliness & Safety First: Relax knowing you're in good hands. They take hygiene seriously, with top-notch cleaning protocols and staff who REALLY care.
- Room to Breathe: Comfy, well-equipped rooms with
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because this isn't your perfectly-edited travel vlog. This is… my trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. And listen, I'm more likely to trip over my own feet than perfectly curate a schedule. But, hey, that's part of the fun, right? We're going for real.
Home Base: Chomdoi Condotel 1, Nimman, Chiang Mai (University Area -ish. You know the drill.)
Okay, so first of all? Chomdoi. Surprisingly decent for the price. The aircon works (miracle!), the Wi-Fi (mostly) cooperates, and it had a little balcony perfect for nursing a Chang beer and feeling vaguely philosophical about life. It’s conveniently located, too. Close enough to Nimmanhaemin road to be a short ride via songthaew (that’s a red truck taxi, for the uninitiated -- highly recommend avoiding them during rush hour or you'll be regretting every single decision). Close enough to Chiang Mai University for a good walk, and close to enough food stalls to keep me fed. And that, my friends, is vital.
Day 1: Arrival, Street Food, and a Questionable Massage
Morning (Chaos ensues): Landed in Chiang Mai. After a brutal 14-hour flight on a low budget airline, I was a crumpled mess and the only thing keeping me running was the anticipation of pad thai. Now I'm on the "airport bus" which I later found out, was just a really nice bus.
Afternoon (Unpacking and Uncorking): Check into Chomdoi. Immediately dump luggage. Inspect balcony. Crack open a Chang. Take a deep breath of humid, glorious air. Repeat. Seriously, that balcony was a lifesaver. Good space to sit and think about everything.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (Food Glorious Food): Okay, so street food is the reason I came here. Found a little stall almost next to the condo – no English, smiles and gestures only. The first plate of khao soi (northern Thai curry noodle soup) hit me like a warm hug. A delicious warm hug. Followed that up with some mango sticky rice because, well, duh. Ate so fast my tongue was burned in the first place. A delicious, agonizing trade.
Night (Misguided Relaxation and Regret): Decided to be "adventurous" and wander into a seemingly reputable massage place. Let's just say… it wasn't. The oil was cheap, the masseuse had hands of steel (not in a good way), and I’m pretty sure she spent half the time on her phone. Left feeling more tense than when I went in. Lesson learned: next time, do some research. Or, y'know, just stick to more street food.
Day 2: Temples, Tears, and a Turbocharged Bike Ride
Morning (Temple Time and Existential Crisis): First time seeing the Chedi in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. And then, just as I'm admiring the view of Chiang Mai laid out before me, I'm hit with an overwhelming feeling of… nothingness. Don’t get me wrong, the architecture itself is beautiful. But the vastness, the history… started thinking about time, my place in the universe. Cue the internal monologue of "why am I here?" and “what even is a meaning for my life?!" But then the monks started chanting, and the incense smoke, so I took a deep breath and moved on.
Afternoon (The Bike Ride From Hell): Rented a scooter. Big mistake. Now, I've ridden bikes before. But Chiang Mai traffic is a beast. I think I screamed half the time from panic. Somehow managed to avoid crashing. Saw a few more temples, almost lost my sunglasses three times. The heat was brutal. Seriously considering just hopping on the red truck for my next destination and never looking back.
Evening (So Beautiful I Cried): Went to the Night Bazaar. So beautiful! I bought so many things because of this emotional reaction. So many. And then went to get a meal. And ended up talking to a couple from New York about their relationship and their trip, how they’ve been together since high school. I cried (again) when I remembered how lonely I feel.
Day 3: Cooking Class and More Street Food
Morning (Masterchef, Sort Of): Cooking class! This was actually amazing. Learned how to make green curry, pad thai (again! No regrets!), and mango sticky rice (again! No regrets!). The chef was hilarious and super patient with my clumsy attempts. Actually managed to make something edible. Might start incorporating more Thai cuisine into my repertoire when I get back home. Maybe. Probs not.
Afternoon (Food Coma): Ate everything I made. Rolled back to Chomdoi in a blissful food coma. The only thing on my mind was thinking of more food to try.
Evening (Nimman Revelations): Strolled along Nimmanhaemin Road. So many cute cafes and art galleries. But the real star of the show? The street food. Sat on a little plastic chair and ate some grilled skewers. Seriously, Heaven on a stick. Then some delicious Thai ice cream with coconut milk and whatever fruit was on hand.
Day 4: Elephant Sanctuary and a Gentle Soul-Melt
- All Day (Elephant Paradise): The ethical elephant sanctuary was the highlight of the trip. No riding, just feeding, bathing, and observing these majestic creatures. It was truly a magical experience. One of the elephants reached out and touched my arm, I swear to god. Just… melt. All the way down to the core. I just stood there and cried. It was the best cry I've had in forever.
Day 5: Departure (Bittersweet Goodbyes and a Promise to Return)
Morning (Last-Minute Shopping and Regret): Scrambled for last-minute souvenirs. Realized I hadn't bought enough mango sticky rice. Sad.
Afternoon (Airport Adventures): Said goodbye to Chomdoi. Said goodbye to Chiang Mai. Felt so sad as I left. Started planning my return trip before I'd even gotten on the plane.
This, friends, is Chiang Mai. It’s not perfect. It’s messy. It’s funny. It's humbling. And, most importantly, it’s utterly and completely unforgettable. And the food is amazing. So, yeah. Go. Just… go. And bring me back a kilo of mango sticky rice, please.
Unbelievable Baguio Family Suites: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, so, like, *what is* life? Seriously. Don't give me Wikipedia answers. Real talk.
Ugh, *that* question. Okay, deep breath. For ME? Life feels like... a really long, unsupervised science fair project. You're given a bunch of weird ingredients (your body, your brain, other people), and you're just... *supposed* to figure it out? Sometimes you make something awesome, like a killer cake. Other times... you accidentally create a sentient bowl of green slime that judges your life choices (and honestly, my life choices are *questionable* at best). It's a mess. A beautiful, terrifying, hilarious mess. You'll get the "life is a journey" shpiel, and it's true, but also the journey often feels like you're wearing socks on a wet floor. You slip, you fall, you get back up (usually covered in something embarrassing), and you just... keep going because what else are you gonna do? You're stuck at this point, so enjoy!
What's the deal with relationships? Why are they so damn complicated?!
Oh, honey, relationships. Where do I even *start*? Remember that sentient slime I mentioned? Yeah, sometimes relationships *feel* like you're trying to negotiate with that goo monster, trying to guess its mood and what it wants. They're complicated because, newsflash, *people* are complicated. We're all walking around with our own baggage – some of it designer, some of it duct-taped together from the bargain bin. You've got expectations, communication breakdowns (the *bane* of my existence), and the ever-present possibility of ending up with your heart in a blender. Honestly, I think the key (and I'm still figuring this out, mind you) is radical acceptance. Accept that your partner will annoy the living daylights out of you sometimes. Accept *you* will annoy *them*. Accept that you’ll probably hurt each other eventually. Then? Love each other anyway? That's the *goal*, at least. Easier said than done, I confess.
How do I deal with failure? Because, let's be real, I'm *really* good at it.
Ah, failure. My old friend. We've shared a *lot* of awkward silences. Okay, so, failure is inevitable. It's like the universe's way of saying, "Hey, you, wanna learn something? Try this epic fail!" I, for example, tried and failed to bake a souffle *three* times last week. Three times! It's embarrassing, and honestly? Annoying. The first time, I was all "Oh, I'll just... *ignore* the burnt bits and serve it anyway!" (Never do that!). The second time, I cried (salty tears – the best kind, right?). The third time? Well, I ordered pizza and ate it with a spoon. The point is? Don't bury yourself in the regret room. Acknowledge it, grieve it a bit – then dust yourself off. Learn from that souffle! Find out what went wrong. Then, for the love of all that is holy, *move on*. Because dwelling just makes you feel worse, and then you will overeat pizza.
I'm stressed. Like, *really* stressed. Any advice?
Honey, join the club! I think stress is the default setting for humanity. The best I can offer is chaos management. First, recognize it. Are you *always* running late? Eating junk comfort foods? Snapping at people? Yeah, you’re stressed. Next? Find your "off switch." For some, it's meditation (bleh, a bit boring for me). For others, it's exercise (I used to hate it, now I hate it less). For me? It's a hot bath, a good book, and a giant glass of wine. (Okay, maybe two.) The important thing is to *actively* carve out time for yourself. It might feel selfish, but trust me – you'll be a better person for it. And if all else fails? Scream into a pillow. Seriously, it helps!
What about… work? I hate mine.
Ugh, work. The thing we're *supposed* to do to make money so we can, you know, live? The good news? You're not alone. Most people I know are either actively looking for a new job or fantasizing about quitting and opening a goat farm (which, honestly, sounds pretty appealing). The bad news? Sometimes, you gotta stick it out. Seriously. I have a horror story! I had a job where the boss was convinced the office air conditioning was some kind of government conspiracy. I ended up in the bathroom, crying and trying not to scream. And I stayed! I mean, not forever. Eventually, I got a new one. But, like, give it some time, and explore your options. Look into new skills, learn how to get a pay raise, and make a plan. Don't just wallow in the misery. Because I did that, and I can tell the difference.
Is there a meaning to life? Do I need to find it?
Oh, the Big Kahuna! The whole "meaning of life" thing. Okay, so, here is my very unscientific opinion. I think… maybe? Maybe not? I don’t think you *need* to find it, and if you spend your life searching for it, you might miss the actually *living* part. Someone very smart once said, "The meaning is what you give it." And I believe it. Embrace the mess. Love the people you love. Be kind to yourself and others. Laugh. Eat good food. Travel if you love it, and if you can't? That's fine too. Live the bits you can, and *that* becomes your meaning. Don't overthink it. Just… *be*. And maybe enjoy those slices of pizza.
Okay, but what about money? I'm broke. All the time.
Ugh, money. The uninvited guest that always seems to be on your doorstep. Okay, let's be real. It's tough out there. The prices are going up, and paychecks are not. This is where the messiness really kicks in. Budgeting is key. I hate it. It's boring, and feels like trying to tame a rabid squirrel. Seriously, *trying* to stick to one, or even just being conscious of where the dollars and cents flow. Cut back on the things you *can*. Those daily lattes? Maybe make them at home. Cook your food and stop eating out. Get a side hustle. Beg, borrow, or steal (just kidding! Mostly...). Most of all, remember that money can be a tool to support your life, don't make it the main part of your life. Because you know, it's not like it's going to love you back!
