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Soaring tourist numbers—particularly young Chinese visitors with newly acquired wealth and the urge and freedom to travel—have fueled an unprecedented hotel building boom in recent years. Most of the new properties are in the traditional so-called Lanna style, and the most luxurious of them rival hotels in Bangkok. One, the Dhara Dhevi, justly claims to be among Asia's finest. Except for the high season, from December to February, prices are far lower than in the capital. Charming, modestly priced guesthouses and small hotels abound, and some are right on the water. Watch out for guesthouses that advertise cheap room rates and then tell you the accommodation is only available if you book an expensive tour. Always ask if there's a tour requirement with your room rate. All hotels and most guesthouses accept dollars, but if you are paying in greenbacks check the offered exchange rate carefully; it can be as much as 10% less than what is obtainable in banks and at exchange booths.
Although a bit dated, this overall contemporary hotel makes a complete break from the traditional Lanna style so prevalent in Chiang Mai. Clean lines, brushed-steel-and-glass surfaces, and Cubist upholstery set the tone in the interiors, from the airy lobby to the bright rooms, where a wealth of cushions compensates for the somewhat minimalist look. The hotel abuts the famed Night Bazaar and is surrounded by bars and restaurants.
Set around a 200-year-old tamarind tree, this serene oasis in the heart of the Old City has white stucco walls and terra-cotta roofs, evoking the image of a French-Indochinese mansion. Rooms are decorated with an emphasis on dark wood and local Thai textiles. It's conveniently located close to Wat Chedi Luang, one of Chiang Mai's most historic temples.
