Hi,

Any suggestions for Chiang Mai hotels that are in the $100 - $200 range. I know i could spend less for something comfortable, but given the $$ I'm hoping for something a little more personalized and luxurious. I'm only there for 3.5 days and I'm thinking of just booking a driver to go to the elephant camp, take a cooking class and do some sightseeing at waterfalls/temples. So based on that:

1. Should I stay in or outside the city?

2. Any thoughts about RarinJinda?

3. Baan Rai Lanna? Too far?

4. The Field Village - pics and reviews on Tripadvisor look awesome

Any thoughts/details would be much appreciated

There has been sooo much written here on Chiang Mai hotels, it's hard to believe you couldn't find anything by doing a simple search.

Rarinjinda is primarily a spa. Do you want a spa experience?

I would stay inside the city. Otherwise you will need a driver to go or do anything. If you want something very personal, try Baan Orapin. Others have enjoyed Yang Comme Village and a chiang mai resident whom I trust has suggested the Suri Hotel.

Thanks. I did actually do a search but hadn't seen a thing about RarinJinda or field village. The last guy who posted about field village didn't get too much of a response.

Anyway thanks for your help. I'll do some more research on Tripadvisor.

We just got back from our trip to Tahiland & we had a 5 day tour in CM & CR.We stayed at The River View Lodge in CM our first 2 nights & our last night. It was a small botique hotel with lovely grounds. Sgt. Kai got us the room in our package but I don;t think it was very much. This included breakfast every morning. The rooms were clean |& roomy enough-a balcony so we could sit outside & have a drink. There were lots of different sitting ares on the grounds as well as a pool.

Just got back my fifth trip to Thailand. First time to CM. Solo trip. Five nights at Yaang Come Village. Truly delightful. I checked on 10/31 and went to breakfast the next morning. Halfway through, staff gathered around me with a cake and sang me 'happy birthday.' They'd seen it on my passport at check-in. A wonderful spot. Easy to get around from. You must do the Sunday Night market in Old City. Much better than Night Bazaar.

Will Yaang Come have too many children though? It seems like a place for families or maybe I'm confused.

I've decided that staying close or near to the city will be important. As long as it's not more than a 15 min drive outside of the main city i think we will be ok.

I was considering the rachamankha but I've heard some not so great reviews on this place - given bang for the buck. Spending close to $200 with a bathtub seems strange.

Will have to do some more digging. Thanks for all your thoughts!

There were only two children at the hotel when I was there a couple of weeks ago. Mostly couples in their 40s and 50s without kids. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. You won't be disappointed if you stay there.

We are staying at Rarin Jinda right now. It is excellent, very serene, clean, and great location.
Just avoid room 102, for some reason has very noisy plumbing issues.
Its in the "Ping" district on the river. On a map it may look far, but is less than 10 mins walk to night bazaar and less than 5 to the Sunday market.
The hotel is directly opposite the well regarded Riverside restaurant which is part of a strip of great restaurants, galleries and hotels. Fairly touristy, but more upmarket.

oh and yes I agree, the search function on this forum is poor.

I should point out that Rarin Jinda was recommended to us by the owner of Baan Orapin.
They were booked out and he interrupted dinner with his family to offer us advice on alternative lodgings & restaurants.
He is without doubt the nicest most genuinely helpful person we have met in Thailand. If you were looking for a hotel without the spa (and less expensive) then I would highly recommend the Baan Orapin.

I think in Chiang Mai, the important thing is about transportation. You might need to ask hotel about the hotel taxi, that you can go anywhere in Chiang Mai.

We have stayed at both Yaang Come Village & Rachamankha -- no children at either place when we were there. We liked both, but neither place is what I would consider Luxurious. At rachamankha we had a shower -- no tub -- and at Yang Come village I think there was both a walk-in shower & tub. Rachamankha is a bit over-priced for the room and bathroom, I think, but it is lovely place, with low-key tasteful decor in the courtyard reception and sitting areas, and antiques scattered around. Though we haven't stayed there, Baan Orapin and its owners get rave reviews.