I would be grateful for comments/advice regarding Chiang Mai hotels from a recent experience. I've done a lot of research and looked into several choices, including Tamarind Village, River View Lodge, Sheraton, Mae Ping, and a few others. My preference is to stay near and around the Old City. So far, I've read really mixed reviews on everything. (I realize you can't please everyone, but we're talking about 50-50 good/bad.) There is a new place called D2 that has some raves after a shaky opening, has anyone stayed there recently?

I'd recommend Yaang Come Village - very Thai ambiance. From the outside, the D2 has all the ambiance of an institution, a prison perhaps. I've read good and bad reviews of D2. I guess it depends on what you are looking for.

Kathie: Thanks for the suggestion. YCV was one of the many options that I checked into. I found some great reviews, but there were also complaints about mosquito infestation, dirty pool, and indifferent service. Did you find any of that to be true?

You can read my comments from my November, 2006 trip report, called something like Kathie's Penang, Chiang Mai and Bangkok Trip report.

The only real problem we had there was that they offered us transport for various things and changed the prices. That was just weird. The rooms were really lovely (we opted for a deluxe), the pool was nice, the service was good (except for the transport issue). The food in the restaurant was very good, except for the night of the dance show. We had no trouble with mosquitos.

I stayed at the Tamrind Village in Nov 05 (before renovations) and for the money it really does represent fantastic value (£30 per night). I also thought the location to be great

Kathie: I did see your extensive report. I'm glad to hear no mosquitoes. I plan to travel in Dec. so hopefully my experience will be similar to yours last Nov. How did you book your room? Some booking sites currently only go through October 2007.

I booked at www.sawasdee.com

Living in Chiang Mai we have many visitors from abroad and arrange hotels for them. Here are our thoughts on the mentioned hotels and a few recommendations.

Most of the Thai Boutique hotel have nice gardens and ponds so there will be a few mosquitoes outside from 5 to around 7 PM.

Tamarind Village, in the heart of the old city and the Sunday walking market is right in front of the property. The draw back is they sometimes overbook and you find yourself being taken to a different hotel. Stay on the second floor as you can here people walking above you if on the first floor.


River View Lodge, On the river with rooms like a motel. Staff very pushy about touring and/or trekking with them and not very friendly.

Sheraton, used to be the Westin and a little run down now. 2 kilometers from the city center. Just another Sheraton.

Mae Ping, typical large hotel but OK for the price. Rooms a little small.

Yaang Come Village, nice Thai boutique hotel. Avoid the tour counter. Good location.

Tri Yaan Na Rose Colonial house. Only 8 rooms with small pool. very cosy and romantic, excellent staff and food, located on Wailai road in the old silver making district. 10 minute walk from the city center. The Saturday walking market is in front of the property on Wualai road.

The Nest Bed and Breakfast, although not in the city center the staff, accommodations, food and price makes it all worth it. Close to Cental Paad Suan Kew shopping mall, 5 minutes by taxi to city center.

Randy and Ning

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts.

We loved Yaang Come Village. Pay $10 more for the Deluxe room. Make sure you face into the property.
And avoid the tour counter, or negotiate with them extensively; they can be talked down, especially if you tell them you have a better offer.

Dear Alibi13: I'm not quite sure what you mean by "face into the property." Please elaborate just in case I do go with this hotel. I emailed them direct for a rate in late December, and it's pretty pricey at 7,000B for a deluxe double. Other booking websites don't yet have rates that far in advance. Do you have any tips in this regard based on your experience?

Ask for a room facing the pool.

yes, that's what i mean, a room facing the pool.

Has anyone heard of Rim Pai Cottage hotel?? I found it on a CM google search. It looked very interesting-rooms or suites that you can hear the river and tree houses-I am going on a tour of the area with Sergeant Kai per all the reccomondations from Fodorites-Thanks Chris