Sabai Sabai Chiang Mai

It feels more like an art gallery than a hotel, with different paintings in every room and hallway. The location is central and convenient, but the place itself is quiet, and there's plenty of parking. Services are simple rather than fancy, but comfortable and perfectly adequate. For the price, the quality of service felt like a good match.

The location is good, in a quiet part of central Chiang Mai and a fairly short walk from the old town. Our suite was enormous, with two bathrooms and lots of space. It was cheap and works as a budget option, and the hotel was relatively clean. For a single functional night, it might be okay. For a longer holiday stay, it didn't feel special or have much of what you'd expect. We didn't feel welcomed at any point. Staff seemed to rush us through things, didn't greet us in the lobby or at breakfast, and asked for our room number as if we were trying to steal breakfast. At checkout they never asked how the stay had been, seeming more concerned with checking the minibar than guest feedback. Housekeeping also seemed half-hearted, as if they only made the bed. One day they took the dirty towels but didn't leave replacements. A very apologetic housekeeper brought towels later that evening, which was kind, but it shouldn't have happened. The mattress was rock hard, almost orthopedic. That might suit some people, but I found it very uncomfortable for a hotel. Breakfast was poor, with few options, low quantities and generally low quality. We skipped it every day and paid for breakfast in town instead. The coffee was so burnt and bitter that I couldn't drink it.

The staff were very friendly and helpful, and we had high-quality service during our five-night stay. Our room and the rest of the boutique hotel were clean and quiet. We had breakfast included. There weren't many choices, but there was enough for everyone, it was delicious, and it was served from 6:30 to 10:00 am. The pool was good, and there's a small gym. Guests can get free coffee, water and snacks in the lobby. Parking is available, and the hotel rents scooters and bicycles.

This is a quiet, quaint colonial-style hotel tucked down an alley between Nimman and Old City, with rooms facing a village and away from the main road. Nearby, there are plenty of authentic restaurants that cost less than those in the tourist center. The room was clean and had everything I needed. Staff were friendly and helpful, and even didn't charge me when I lost a room key.