The perfect itinerary for Thailand in July
 

Yes, I'm going to Thailand for 8 days in July! I know the timing isn't ideal. But your advice on where to go (no more than three locations) and where to stay would be very helpful. We land in Bangkok and are planning to go to Chiang Mai. Is 4 days in each place the best option?

In Chiang Mai, we are completely stumped about hotel choice. This will be our one splurge. But should we stay at the Chedi, the Tamarind Village, the Meridien (we are SPG members so we get a discount)? We like air conditioning, comfy beds, relative quiet, and wifi, and lovely grounds would be a plus.

Your advice about activities, restaurants, etc. would be gratefully received.

How about 5 days in Bangkok and 3 in Chiang Mai? While some on this board are enthusiastic about CM, I am not - there is tons to do in Bangkok and its environs. And how about splurging in Bangkok on your hotel instead of Chiang Mai? The Peninsula is one of the world's finest. Regardless of what you do, you must stay on the river in Bangkok.

Give us some particulars on what you like to do so we can refine our recommendations.

For Chiang Mia here're my ideas for the hotels:

Regular splurges = Chedi
Super splurges = Oriental Dhara Dhevi & the Four Seasons.

Le Meridien is a big hotel situated near to the night bazaar and I consider that area as being too busy and noisy.

Take a suite room or townhouse like room at Shewe Wana in Chiang Mai, top notch service and close to city center. The breakfast is just average, limited but everything elses great. Most resorts in Chiang Mai are a bit far from town. I agree with Craig, splurge in Bangkok rather than Chiang Mai. In Chiang Mai, it's worth for longer if you're into checking out Northern Part, into Northern Lao, Mae Hong Son etc.. Yet, Chiang Mai people seems much friendlier, but Bangkok has a lot more to do.

Personally I would do 8 days in Bangkok and skip Chiang Mai.
There is so much to do and see in Bangkok and given that the weather will be very hot and humid you need to pace yourself accordingly and not try to jam too much into each day.
But if you must, limit your time in Chiang Mai to 2, at most 3 days. You don't mention what your interests are - that will help us give you more input.