Chiang Mai Hotel Tips by Tusitala

At Niman Conceptual Home Hotel: Cool place in cool area At Niman Conceptual Home Hotel Review

To use a 70s word, groovy. Vivid colours set this hotel apart from the generic and each room is themed slightly differently for a personalised, customised feel hence the 'conceptual home' label. Strong local design aesthetic with modern flair. Only 8 rooms on 3 floors, and a little lap pool which looks very inviting for a midnight dip. Very romantic garden atmosphere.

At times, room service could be a little slow, but then this is northern Thailand, and you've gotta go with the flow.

Unique Qualities: Rooms quite small but well appointed, ie, dvd players and cd sound systems. Quiet and tucked away. New Morrocan-themed bar downstairs aims to be the coolest place for locals to hang out in, with dj spinning lounge-chill music.

Best thing is it's within an easy stroll of Nimm Road's hundreds of coffee shops, cafes, galleries, and almost adjacent the Monkey Club.

Address: 37 Soi 9 Nimmanhaeminda Rd., T.Suthep, A. Muang, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand

Comparison: about average

Directions: Off NImminheimin Road, turn down Soi 9 and follow it nearly till end.

Other Contact: atnimancm@hotmail.com

Phone: 053-224949

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.atnimancm.com

Ping Buri hotel: Comfortable home away from home ...

Although they've renovated the lobby, there is nothing fancy about Ping Buri, but it just feels comfortable and homely to me. This is my second stay here, this time for one whole month!

It's clean, comfortable, with a languid tropical Thai feel to it. No fuss, no bother. The only downside for the infrequent Thai-language traveller is the staff are mostly not conversant in English, although one or two are slightly. All are of course charming to a fault.

Even basic rooms are large, and rooms have nice quiet airconditioners. Breakfast is included in the deal, with choice of American, Thai, continental, etc. Sometimes local groups will break into karaoke around dinner time, so you might want to make urgent plans elsewhere!

Unique Qualities: Nice terracotta tiles, frangipani-laden courtyards and local decor and furniture lend a wonderful tropical Thai feel to the place.

Internet available in lobby (speed OK) for 2 baht/minute.

An interesting un-touristy neighbourhood. Just 300m around the corner gets you to the western side starting point of Sunday walking street. Front looks onto the historic moat.

Address: 49/7-8 Arak Road, Amphur Muang, CM, 50200.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Suan Dok Gate, near Doi Suthep Road on western side of town.

Other Contact: info@pingburi.com

Phone: 053-814-560

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.pingburi.com