The Empire Nimman

You can get to shopping, food, bars and massage places easily from here, and the airport is 8km away. The rooms are clean and spacious, and there’s plenty going on in the center of Chiang Mai. Planes flying overhead might be a concern. I’d avoid a room facing the main street because it can be noisy, and recommend a higher floor. Dec, Jan and Feb are great months to visit.

Everything is right nearby: One Nimman, MAYA, cool bars, coworking spaces, a cheap coffee vendor downstairs and the Friday 6 Nimman walking market at the doorstep. The central location is super convenient if it’s your first time in town and you want to get a feel for Nimman. We asked for a quiet room but got a corner one facing the main street 😂 The soundproofing is poor, with gaps around the rubber seals on the sliding doors and windows, so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. The water pressure was just as bad. You can see the wear and tear, but it didn’t bother us.

We asked for a quiet room but were put right near the street, and it was very loud. The room is somewhat rundown, though it’s big and comfortable, and the balcony is nice but could use some cleaning. The hotel’s in a great spot for walking to Nimman area attractions, and the airport is about a 15-minute drive away.

Breakfast was disappointing enough that I only tried it once before finding food elsewhere. If a good hotel breakfast matters to you, this may not be the place. The room and bathroom are huge, with so much space you might consider doing cartwheels. The balcony over Nimman’s main street is a highlight, though it’s noisy and you’ll hear planes from the nearby airport. I didn’t mind; it made the place feel lively and connected to the city. One odd policy is a single key card for two guests. They’ll give you another if you ask, but it costs a few hundred baht, which is an unnecessary annoyance. The shower swings from steady to hot water being optional. Staff are friendly, cleanliness is generally good, and the property feels spacious and easy to navigate. It’s a great, walkable base in the heart of Nimman, just be ready for the shower, breakfast and key card quirks.