Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [249]
Chedi ( Map; 0 5325 3333; www.ghmhotels.com; 123 Th Charoen Prathet; r 16,200-24,000B; ) Chiang Mai’s most ambitious homage to modernism, the Chedi has transformed the former British Consulate into a minimalist sculpture with bento-box glass-fronted rooms and restrained Zen-like grounds. The club suites have more amenities (complimentary mini-bar, laundry and airport transfer) than the compact deluxe rooms. Despite its riverfront location, only the top floor and the corner rooms have water views. It’s all very sleek and stylish, but for the price we’d rather stay on New York’s Central Park.
West of the Old City
Several Thai-style business hotels are clustered on Th Huay Kaew near Kad Suan Kaew shopping centre. The sois off Th Nimmanhaemin have sprouted some new ‘guest-tels’ (a cross between a guesthouse and a hotel). Prices tend to be a little higher here than in the backpacker areas but you’re closer to Chiang Mai University.
Uniserv-International Center Hostel ( Map; 0 5394 2881; off Th Nimmanhaemin; r 500-800B; ) Looking for a place to stay close to the university? You can’t get much closer than this hostel, which shares space with CMU’s busy International Center. The rooms are straightforward concrete blocks all with TV and fridge. Rates include breakfast and monthly rates are available.
Baan Say-La ( Map; 08 1930 0187; www.baansaylaguesthouse.com; Soi 5, Th Nimmanhaemin; r 500-950B; ) The same owners as Yesterday the Village run this bohemian-chic guesthouse. Rooms have four-poster beds, rattan furnishing and cable TV. Black-and-white photography decorates the walls, and the shared seating areas have large easy chairs. The 500B rooms have shared bathrooms. Downside is that it is behind the ‘Fine Thanks’ live music bar, so some rooms may be noisy.
International Hotel Chiangmai ( Map; 0 5322 1819; www.ymcachiangmai.org; 11 Soi Sermsak, Th Hutsadisawee; r 600-900B; ) Quite possibly the ugliest building in a country where the competition is fierce, this local branch of the YMCA redeems itself with some excellent bargains for rooms with a view of Doi Suthep, and a pool. Skip their overpriced dorm beds. The residential neighbourhood of flower gardens and single-family homes is another plus and the hotel is conveniently located between the university and the old city.
Pann Malee Home ( Map; 0 5328 9147; www.pannmalee.com; off Soi 17, Th Nimmanhaemin; r 1000B; ) This converted townhouse has four rooms that feel as if an arty Thai friend has let you crash at her house. In a way you are. The owner decorated each room to reflect the personalities of her family members.
Pingnakorn Hotel ( Map; 0 5335 7755; www.pingnakorn.com; 4 Soi 12, Th Nimmanhaemin; r 1500-3000B; ) Mainly an extended-stay residence, this multi-storey tower at the far end of the soi has smart and breezy apartment-style rooms with all the amenities. Monthly rates start at 10,000B plus water and electricity charges. Rates include breakfast.
Yesterday the Village ( Map; 0 5321 3809; 24 Th Nimmanhaemin; www.yesterday.co.th; r from 2000B; ) The new breed of lodging, Yesterday does a quick trip backwards to the near past. The common spaces of the converted apartment building are artistically decorated with vintage prints, old phonographs and the soon-to-be-extinct tube televisions. The deluxe rooms have more panache than the superiors but both are spare. There aren’t a lot of midrange options on Th Nimmanhaemin but this one is a tad self-inflated.
Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel ( Map; 0 5322 2091; www.chiangmaiorchid.com; 23 Th Huay Kaew; r from 2000B; ) Classy in a time-capsule way, Chiang Mai Orchid is oriented towards business travellers and package tourists and has a central city location. The recently renovated rooms were a lot more appealing. They also have smoking and non-smoking floors. There’s a fitness room and a business centre and it is next to Kad Suan Kaew shopping centre.
Amari Rincome Hotel ( Map; 0 5322 1130; www.amari.com; 1 Th Nimmanhaemin;