Lanna Tree Boutique Hotel

The staff at the hotel we thought we’d booked were friendly, and the rooms were clean and in a hip area. But there seem to be two hotels almost next to each other, and the one in the pictures may not be the one you get. We were taken around the corner to what felt like a hostel on a main road, and it was incredibly noisy. The rooms were small, and the unmanned entrance was beside a private house in the grounds. Nothing boutique about it. There are definitely better places to stay.

We booked ten nights for the Lantern Festival about three months ahead, then the hotel cancelled just eight days before we were due to arrive, saying the accommodation was closing. That left us looking for somewhere at the last minute and facing prices more than triple for anything similar in Chiang Mai. I can still book this hotel on other booking sites for much more than we originally paid, so I suspect the closure was an excuse to re-let the room at a higher price. I’d also asked them to confirm their address so I could send a parcel before arriving, and the booking was cancelled less than 24 hours after that simple request. Other reviews make this seem like a regular thing. Book if you want, but I wouldn’t trust that they won’t cancel whenever it suits them. Edit: Than asks silly questions like “what’s my booking number,” as if Google reviews were a chat platform. Why? To save face and look like you care?

The staff made the biggest impression on us. They were helpful, friendly, and spoke excellent English. During the hectic Lantern Festival, with the city packed, they managed to find us a taxi when it felt like a “mission impossible,” and we’re very grateful. The property is very clean and well located for exploring Chiang Mai. There’s no restaurant or breakfast or meal service at the hotel, but that wasn’t a problem with so many good cafes and food options just a short walk away. We did have a couple of inconveniences: the Wi-Fi wasn’t working properly, and the shower temperature in our room kept swinging between very hot and cold. Even so, the service and basic comforts make this a place I’d happily recommend.

The pool was a hit with our 6-year-old, and the staff even let us linger after the noon checkout so our child could swim while we waited for our flight. That kind gesture made the day much easier. From arrival onward, everyone was welcoming and attentive, starting with a very friendly receptionist. We had booked a triple room for our family. It was spacious, very clean, and had three comfortable beds, so it worked really well with a child. Restaurants and shops are all around the hotel, making it easy to find food, try local flavors, or pick up whatever we needed. Between the room, pool, service, and convenient area, we had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back. I’d recommend it to families looking for a welcoming place in a lively neighborhood.