Location Location Location…. In Chiang Mai
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chiang Mai has no public transportation system, so you will need to take tuk-tuks and songthaews in the city and will need to hire a taxi or car and driver for places outside the city. Traffic is very heavy. Really, other than places you might walk to from a hotel inside the walls, it doesn't matter where you stay, you'll still need private transport.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Kathie for your advice …. This really helps me on making a good decision on where to stay. What do you think about 137 Pillar house? Or a better question is what hotel would you recommend?
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 137 Pillar house is a very good hotel and right now my favourite hotel in Chiang Mai. However if you want to save money then there are other options such as the Ratchamangkla or the Tamarind village for tourism. If you've been before and only going for a business trip etc like I do nowadays then I just stay at the D2 or similar hotels.
#7
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You could also check out Baan Orapin www.baanorapin.com
It is close to the Ping River, old town, and the night bazaar. It has a pool and comes highly recommended on Trip Advisor forum.
It is close to the Ping River, old town, and the night bazaar. It has a pool and comes highly recommended on Trip Advisor forum.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Baan Orapin is certainly in a different class than 137 Pillar House. Baan Orapin is a guest house, much more basic than 137 Pillar House. There have been plenty of reviews here - all positive that I recall. Check their website, they now have a pool, which you would want.
#9
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kathie is right in that 137 Pillar House is more upscale/luxurious than Baan Orapin. BA is a boutique hotel of traditional style, 15 rooms. For the price which is 5x more than BA I would expect a lot of luxury but since we won't be spending a lot of time in our room we opted to go with BA. You will choose a place that is best for you.
The deciding factor for me was that what I'm paying for 5 nights in the same neighborhood/location is what I'd have to pay for 1 night at 137. With some of the money I'm saving I'm treating myself and my husband to a day at Thai Elephant Home. And plenty more to spend shopping!!
We are spending 3 months in SE Asia so have to be budget minded with a splurge here and there.
The deciding factor for me was that what I'm paying for 5 nights in the same neighborhood/location is what I'd have to pay for 1 night at 137. With some of the money I'm saving I'm treating myself and my husband to a day at Thai Elephant Home. And plenty more to spend shopping!!
We are spending 3 months in SE Asia so have to be budget minded with a splurge here and there.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
chris45ny - IMO Baan Orapin is more of a bed and breakfast and not a boutique hotel. Very nice if you wanted a local b&b and if you want to save even more money there are places in the 4 - 500 Baht per night range in the area as well.
#11
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're right. BA is a bed and breakfast but there was something about the place when I checked their website that tugged at me. It didn't hurt that I read so many good reviews either. One of the things my husband had requested was a pool so I have managed to book a place with a nice pool in almost every destination. I also like the fact that it is small/intimate and I love the decor.
Over the course of 3+ months we are staying at 17 different hotels/resorts/B&Bs. Prices range from $25 per night to $300+ per night.
Until I win the lottery I'll just have to deal with that nasty word-budget.
Over the course of 3+ months we are staying at 17 different hotels/resorts/B&Bs. Prices range from $25 per night to $300+ per night.
Until I win the lottery I'll just have to deal with that nasty word-budget.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chris45ny....Thanks for your input. I’m sure if we were staying as long as you are in SEA I would need to scale back a bit. However we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary and we’ll only be there for 3 weeks so I’m looking for a little pampering and plushness this time around. But I will certainly keep your suggestion in mind for future trips.
#13
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
manytravels-Ahh, an anniversary makes a difference. Now that you have told us about this very special occasion then yes, you need to pamper yourself. Congratulations!
My husband and I will also celebrate our anniversary on our trip-46 years. It will be on our first night in Bangkok so I need to research places for a special dinner. Thought about drinks after at one of the sky bars.
Every anniversary is special. Have a great trip!
My husband and I will also celebrate our anniversary on our trip-46 years. It will be on our first night in Bangkok so I need to research places for a special dinner. Thought about drinks after at one of the sky bars.
Every anniversary is special. Have a great trip!