We have made a few poor decisions with hotels recently, so I thought we should ask you all if we have chosen wisely, or if there are any BETTER alternatives in this price range? Any help would be greatly appreciately. Thank you

It has been many years since we stayed but prior to that ( when there was not such a large choice as now ) being a Novotel it was good, location is not great but reasonable value.
Having said that, there are 'so many' places that have opened in recent years and many are very good.
I think best if you tell us exactly what you are looking for, large hotel, boutique place, whether you want to be in the center or out of town, also price range ( and when, as that affects the rates ) - I am guessing for Novotel you would be paying something like AUD 60 - 80 including tax, service, breakfast range depending on time of year ?

Amora Tapae ( used to be Rydges ) is in the AUD 60-70 ( B 1750-2000 ) range depending on time of year and that is good value for the price.

But, there are many regulars here who freqquent Chiang Mai more often than us and there are some very good choices, depends what sort of hotel you want.

Lots of better options: Baan orapin, Chiang Mai Plaza, Imperial Mae Ping, Dungatawan to name a few. You can also check out reviews on tripadvisor.com

We have not been there before and are happy to pay in the range of AUD 100-150. Also we are planning to visit the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School on Moon Muang Rd.for a day or two. I am not sure what the accomodation is like there at their Jasmine Spa and resort. Other than that our focus is on walking / treks and the main tourist activities there. Thanks for your help.

Then definitely stay at Baan Orapin. It is a wonderful place and well located. But it gets booked very far in advance so you should book now!

Do have a look at http://www.sirahotel.com/ good location, nice staff and probably cheaper than the Novotel

Sira Hotel looks great!

Thank you Gloria, James and Tangata. Chiang Mai Plaza and Baan Orapin look good. I wonder about Jasmin Spa at the Cooking School which seems a bit out of town.I guess the important thing for us is how good the grounds and location are, that large beds are available and that it is great enough a property to be a honeymoon venue without being too crowded. If anyone has any further thoughts we would be greatful for the tips.

I wouldn't stay at the cookery school. It is 35 minutes out of town. That venue did not seem appropriate for a honeymoon.
Chiang Mai Plaza is in a good location (between the river and Yaang Com Village. A five minute walk to the night market, very friendly staff and lovely lobby.

Hi Tweety. Have you been to the Cooking School there ? We were planning on going there for a day or two. Maybe there are better ones ? !