There is something about Chiang Mai that causes ‘most’ visitors to fall in love with the city dubbed the ‘capital of Northern Thailand’. Ask anyone who has travelled around Thailand and most will tell you that Chiang Mai is on their top three favourite destinations – and with good reason.
A far cry from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, and with accommodation to match the tranquil nature of the old town or the more cosmopolitan areas such as Nimman found outside of the old town, there is something for everyone in Chiang Mai.
I have visited Chiang Mai a few times, but during my last visit I was lucky enough to experience the Loy Krathong Festival – which is an incredible light festival that sees lanterns take to the skies and small lantern rafts released on to the Ping river – along with extravagant street parades. This meant that every single hotel room in the city was booked out – so a word of warning before I get in to my favourite Chiang Mai hotels, if you are visiting during November, and especially when the Loy Krathong festival is taking place – book well in advance!
Finding The Best Chiang Mai Hotel For Your Stay
Everyone has different needs, budgets and wants when visiting a city like Chiang Mai. Some will like the calm hustle and traditional low rise buildings found inside the old town walls, whereas others will crave the high rise modern hotels that loom over the city and afford incredible views towards the mountains.
I’ve done both, and I have to say that both options will offer you peaceful retreats. If being central to all the main action is important to you, then my advice would be to opt for an old town (or close to old town) hotel. If you prefer the malls and the uber-cool vibe of more modern neighbourhoods then go for Nimman.
The reality is that you’re never that far from anywhere in Chiang Mai, and although it’s certainly not a small city, it’s no Bangkok either. Taxi cars and scooters will get you anywhere you need to go quickly and affordably, so if you plan on spending some good down time in your Chiang Mai hotel, then I’d suggest going with something that really appeals to you.
Quick Verdict: My No.1 Recommendation
Having stayed in almost all of the Chiang Mai hotels on this list, there is one that stands out – and that was my most recent visit to Villa Sirilanna Hotel, slap bang in the middle of Old Town.
Within walking distance of Tha Pae Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, multiple temples, great local restaurants and the walking and night markets – its location could not be better.
With a fantastic pool area, gorgeous (and huge) traditionally styled rooms and the loveliest staff, if you want to experience Chiang Mai to the full this is a great location to base yourself. I stayed for 2 weeks here and was sad to leave.
1: Villa Sirilanna Hotel

Top of my list has to go to the Villa Sirilanna Hotel, which is perfectly located inside the old town of Chiang Mai. This stunning boutique hotel perfectly captures the essence of Northern Thai culture with its traditional decor and wood-carved furnishings – even the doors to each room are impressive (and pretty heavy too).
The rooms are very spacious and have a luxurious feel, featuring private jacuzzis and balconies. My room was absolutely huge – especially so considering I was staying there on my own – and as it was a ground level room it opened out on to the pool area.

The spa bath was just what you need after an evening of exploring the nearby Sunday Walking Market – of which you are literally almost right out on to it when you step foot outside the hotel – just turn left out of the front entrance and you can’t miss it.
The 48-inch TV was impressive (although I didn’t use it) and the free Wi-Fi was great for catching up on work which I did whilst sat on the balcony on a number of days.
The outdoor swimming pool was glorious, and considering I was staying when the hotel was fully booked it was always quiet at the pool.
For meals, the on-site restaurant served up delicious Asian and international dishes and breakfast was included with my stay which included a varied buffet of Thai and western cuisine, as well as freshly cooked to order egg options and freshly made juices and coffees.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always ready with recommendations for local attractions and I did indeed book a trip to the mountains with the hotel – with a nice discount to boot.

While the breakfast buffet was a bit limited, it was fine for me and the central location more than made up for it.
I easily walked to many of Chiang Mai’s top sights from the hotel (see quick verdict above for more on that).
For a taste of luxury and Thai hospitality in the heart of the Old City, Villa Sirilanna is hard to beat.
Location: 89/3 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 279 107
2: Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel
During my recent visit to Chiang Mai I was lucky enough to stay at the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel for two nights – giving me quite the opposite experience to what I had at Villa Sirilanna. It’s located about a 10 minute walk to the old town walls and very close to the Night Bazaar and Ping River.

As you might expect from a Marriott hotel, this is the epitome of modern luxury. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with comfy beds that left me feeling refreshed and ready to explore every morning. I particularly enjoyed the views of the surrounding mountains from my window.
The hotel’s pool area is a real treat. I spent hours lounging by the water, sipping cocktails from the poolside bar. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and markets. The pool on the fourth floor also offers some of the best sunset views from the infinity pool (or bar area) towards the mountains.
Food at the Marriott is excellent, but pricey compared to local Chiang Mai restaurants. I tried their Northern Thai dishes at the on-site restaurant and also ordered a pizza at the pool bar. The service could have been faster at the pool bar but the food was great.

The breakfast buffet is also impressive, with a wide range of both Western and Asian options to start your day right.
If you prefer a modern hotel but don’t want to be too far from the old town action then the Marriott is a great option.
Location: 108 Changklan Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 253 666
3: Na Nirand Resort
I stumbled upon a true gem of a hotel in Chiang Mai a couple of years ago – The Na Nirand Resort. This place is steeped in history, with a giant 100-year-old rain tree standing tall at its heart. I was amazed to learn it was planted by the first Conservator of Forests during King Rama V’s reign.

The resort’s charm lies in its blend of Western and Thai influences. I felt like I’d stepped back in time, surrounded by elegant buildings that whisper tales of the past. The original “Baan Thab Phaya” house still stands in place, adding to the atmosphere.
What struck me most at Na Nirand was the warm Thai hospitality – okay , you do get this everywhere but here the staff truly went above and beyond to make my stay memorable.

From the moment I arrived, I was treated like royalty. The attention to detail in every aspect of the resort is impressive.
Na Nirand’s location is perfect for exploring Chiang Mai, but it is further from the old town than most of those we have reviewed here so just be aware of that. It’s just a stone’s throw from the old Forestry Office, making it easy to dive into the city’s rich history.
Location: 1/1 Soi 9 Charoen Prathet Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 280 988
4: U Nimman Chiang Mai
One of the pricier options on this list of Chiang Mai hotels is U Nimman. This is a true 5 star hotel and although it’s not akin to the skyscrapers that Bangkok hotels offer it doesn’t miss out on any of the luxury.
Conveniently located near to the Maya Lifestyle shopping centre and Think Park, it is near to a whole host of quality restaurants and coffee shops.
The rooftop pool and bar are a real highlight of this hotel and like the Marriott it has some of the most incredible views over Chiang Mai.

The service at U Nimman is exceptional, and for anyone who has just flown in and might be struggling with the timezone, you can unusually have breakfast at any time up until 10pm in your room – or until 11am at the buffet.
The food, service and location are all excellent – as are the spacious rooms. If you want to be in the hear of Nimman then you can’t go far wrong with this hotel.
5: Chala Number 6 Hotel
I stayed at Chala Number 6 Hotel in Chiang Mai last year, and I was thoroughly impressed. This charming boutique hotel is tucked away on Prapokklao Road, right in the heart of the old city. Its location is perfect for exploring the area’s temples and markets on foot.

The rooms are a lovely blend of modern comfort and traditional Thai design. I loved the traditional dark wood furnishings and local artwork that adorned the walls.
The bed was incredibly comfy, and the room was spacious considering it’s right in the middle of the old town.

The staff at Chala Number 6 went above and beyond to make my stay special. They were always ready with a smile and helpful tips about the best local spots to visit. I particularly enjoyed their recommendations for nearby street food stalls which on this visit I used a lot.
One of my favourite parts of the hotel was the pool area, which just looks beautiful and is a real tranquil escape even though you are still in the centre of old town.
Location: 6 6 Prapokklao Road, พระสิงห์ Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Contact: +66 52 010 466
6: Smile Lanna Hotel
Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai is right on the edge of the old town, and I must say when I visited last year it was a delightful experience staying here.
The moment I stepped into the lobby, I was greeted by warm smiles and exceptional service that set the tone for my entire visit.

My room was a haven of comfort and style. The modern decor blended seamlessly with traditional Lanna touches, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
The hotel’s facilities were excellent.
I spent many relaxing hours by the outdoor pool, soaking up the sun and enjoying refreshing drinks. Although this didn’t have the same feeling of calm and serenity as my more recent stay at Villa Sirilanna, it was still an incredible experience and a wonderful hotel.
The fitness centre was a real plus and was actually quite well-equipped, perfect for maintaining my workout routine while travelling.

One of the highlights of my stay was without a doubt the breakfast. The choice was impressive, offering a mix of Western and Thai dishes that certainly appealed to me. I guess this is the benefit of a slightly larger complex as there are more guests. I particularly enjoyed the fresh tropical fruits and made-to-order omelettes.
All in all, Smila Lanna is a lovely hotel, is well located – especially for the Saturday night market near Chiang Mai gate – and I would happily stay here again.
Location: 129/1 Chang Lor Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 282 899
7: RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort
If you want something a little further out of the city and want a true resort experience then why not consider an incredible stay at RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort in Chiang Mai? This place is nestled along the banks of the Ping River and is totally different to anything else on our list.
This resort has some of the most stunning Lanna-inspired architecture and decor and as it’s located in a much quieter area of Chiang Mai it’s much more relaxed.

The rooms are absolutely exquisite. They’ve managed to capture the essence of Lanna culture perfectly, with traditional art and craftsmanship on display everywhere you look. I felt like I’d been transported back in time to the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
Food lovers won’t be disappointed here. I had some amazing meals at Mira, the resort’s restaurant. The authentic northern Thai dishes were a real treat, and the panoramic views of the Ping River made dining there even more special.

The spa is another highlight of RatiLanna. I treated myself to a massage using locally-sourced herbal products, and it was pure bliss.
The resort’s private pier is a nice touch too, giving guests easy access to the river – the lifeblood of Chiang Mai.
Location: 33 Changklan Rd, Pa Daet Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 999 333
8: Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai
I was instantly charmed by Maladee Rendezvous Hotel during a recent stay in Chiang Mai. This small luxury hotel used to be a family’s private house, and it shows in the warm, homely atmosphere.

The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring Chiang Mai. I loved being able to step out and find myself right in the heart of the city, with its vibrant markets and stunning temples just a short walk away.

What really stood out to me was the authentic local experience. The staff went above and beyond to help me discover the true spirit of Chiang Mai. They suggested hidden gems and local spots that I might have missed otherwise.
The rooms are beautifully decorated with a mix of modern comforts and traditional Thai touches. I particularly enjoyed relaxing on my private balcony, taking in the mountain views with a cup of local tea.
Location: 150, 1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 53 270 081
9: Melia Chiang Mai
I’ve not actually stayed at the Melia Chiang Mai, but I have visited a few times and have travelled with friends who have stayed here – who tell me how good this hotel is.
The hotel’s prime location next to the River Ping puts you right in the heart of the action, with the vibrant Night Bazaar just a stone’s throw away. It’s a little further to the old town but it’s still walkable. This means you do escape a little of the hustle and bustle that you get around the walls and inside old town.

The rooftop Mai The Sky Bar quickly became my favourite spot.
Sipping a cocktail while watching the sun set over Chiang Mai’s skyline was simply magical. The glass walkway connecting the two bars is a bit nerve-wracking but offers unbeatable photo ops. This is possibly my favourite view from the whole of Chiang Mai.
Food at the Melia is excellent as you’d expect. I’ve eaten at the Mai Restaurant & Bar many times and never been disappointed.
The open kitchen adds a fun, interactive element to the dining experience.
My friends tell me that breakfast at Laan Na Kitchen was equally impressive, with a wide array of both Western and Asian options.

So, there you have it. A range of hotels to choose from in Chiang Mai. You can’t go wrong with any of these above and there’s so many more too – just be sure to check the reviews before booking and ensure you have air-con – as you’ll need it.
Location: 48 Charoen Prathet Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 52 090 699