Hello,

We'll be in BKK and Chiang Mai later this year (2nd trip). I really need some help choosing a moderate (ie: under $50) Chiang Mai hotel. We are trying to stay on a tight budget, so Yaang Come & Rachamanka are out, although they sound lovely.

Last time we stayed at Chiang Mai Plaza. Room was not bad, but a little dreary and out of date. (seems like a frequent comment in CM hotel reviews, which I have been pouring over on all different sites). Now my head is spinning with too much info!

Most important factors for us:
quiet & private
convenient location
clean
and of course, the price.

Here is a tentative list - could you maybe rate those you are familiar with from best to worst...or (dare I say it) possibly suggest some others?

Thanks so much, this is by far the most knowledgeable and informative board I have found.

Baan Orapin
(I know this is a B&B - is it a house with bedrooms like many B&Bs here in the US?? If so, don't want that.)

Central Duangtawan

Chiang Mai Plaza
(will consider again - good location and rates)

Imperial Mae Ping

Royal Princess

Rydges Tapae
(we like that this is a newer hotel, but reviews make it sound very basic)

Suriwongse

Many thanks.

Can't give you any comparisons, but website for Baan Orapin seems to give a pretty good feel for the rooms:

http://www.baanorapin.com/

Imperial mae Ping is similar to CM Plaza. Baan Orapin is wonderful. Your room will be in a separate building. They now have 12 rooms.

I usually stay at Imperial Mae Ping and it is good for the price. I upgraded to a deluxe room. It had an extra sitting room, where I stored my packages. I checked out Central Duangtawan and it looked great and is closer to Night Market. I will be staying there in Feb. I upgraded to Dynasty floor, many extras, and paid $60 on asiarooms.com

Central Dunagtawan is a good option, about UDD 42 including tax, service a breakfast, Imperial Mae Ping about 56-60 for either superior or deluxe but the Amora ( which used be by Rydges ) is still great value at about USD 46, and they are still doing the same bonus offer as they did when it was Rydges which is basicaly stay 3 nights and pay for 2, so you can stay 3 nights at a great 3 star + hotel incluidn tax, service and breakfast for about USD 92 which works out at just over USD 30 a night ! Even is you go for the deluxe at 55 for 3 nights it works out just under USD 37 a night twin. I always though the Rydges deal as one of the best CM deals going and glad to see it continues as the Amora, and stay 3 night they offer round-trip airport transfer as well. here are some recent reviews:

http://www.r24.org/beachsiam.com/chi...stapae/review/

That Amora Tapae( aka Rydges ) deal is certainly available on Beachsiam.com and other R24 sites :

http://r24.org/chiang-mai-hotels.itg...i/rydgestapae/

Well I think we have narrowed it down, thanks to your help, to:

Baan Orapin
Imperial Mae PIng
Amora Tapae

JamesA, thank you for pointing out the 3 nights for 2 offer, that would be a very good deal indeed.

Would you compare the deluxe rooms at the hotel to something like a Best Western here in the US? Just trying to get a better feel for what it will be like since 3-stars is so arbitrary.

Gloria, we think Baan Orapin looks great! And your recent report is very helpful. We just need to firm up our travel dates and then check their availability, which is why I want to have some other choices.

We stayed for 4 nights at Baan Orapin in August, in the middle of a three-week tour of the region. It was probably our favorite! The rooms are delightful, and the staff could not be friendlier or more helpful. It's not in the heart of Chiang Mai; it's right across the river, on a charming street with a number of art galleries and restaurants.

Without a doubt, Baan Orapin would be the only place I'd stay in Chiang Mai.

Anyone has stayed in this hotel? Other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

SURIWONGSE
110 CHANGKLAN RD., MUANG,
CHIANG MAI 50100 THAILAND

I'll be there with my wife and kids (boy 9yrs and girl 6 yrs). Would prefer somewhere near the night bazaar.

I've managed to get tickets on Tiger Airways flying from Singapore for SGD413 (approx US$253) inclusive of airport tax etc.