Violet -- you can also see photos of Chedi on expedia (which also states that there is a pool) and there is a review on tripadvisor.com

Karinthip seems to be centrally located and at least one review talks about a nice pool. My sense is that this hotel is not as deluxe as D2 or Chedi but I could be wrong.

anyone ever stay at the Sunkatara Cascade restaurant? its outside the city but looks nice/peaceful

I got the same impression of the Karinthip not being as luxurious as the chedi ... so we decided to book the Chedi, but have just been on their website and it is closed due to flood damage until 1 March 2006!

Oh well, back to the drawing board ...

I am looking at the Karinthip too, 31 Dec - 3 Jan....rates are good, except they charge $40 pp for a compulsory New Year's Eve dinner...which I don't want to use

I am looking at the Karinthip too, 31 Dec - 3 Jan....rates are good, except they charge $40 pp for a compulsory New Year's Eve dinner...which I don't want to attend

almost every place will have a mandatory New Year Eve dinner.

Anyone know anything about Baan Deva Montra?

Found another one ... Botanic Resort?

Looks good, but again, not sure about location??

By Botanic's own admission it is 35 minutes from Chiang Mai center. Baan Deva is 25-35 minutes away. Tri Yaan Ros would be closer than either one of them.

Violet-- you might also check out Central Dungtawan Hotel. Here are some reviews from www.asiahotels.com

http://www.asiahotels.com/hotelinfo/...el_Chiang_Mai/

It's not a resort but well located and supposedly has a nice pool. I am sure D2 is more luxurious but rates here are so low you could go for one of their deluxe rooms on the executive floor.

If you really are looking for a resort then you either have to stay at Kanathip or stay way out of the city. Or if money is no option stay at the new Mandarin which is about 20 minutes outside of the center -- closer than many of the other places you were looking at.

has anyone stayed at the Sheraton in CM? I'm going for New Year's and so far can only find that and the Karinthip having availability.

I would NOT recommend the Sheration. Lousy location and needs a major rehab. If you're staying at the big commercial hotels you would do much better at the Imperial Mei Ping, Chiang Mai Plaza or Dungtawan.

thanks gloria...i want to avoid the Sheraton, just having trouble finding alternatives....looks like it will be the Karinthip!