Sheik Istana Hotel Chiangmai

We were moved around after arrival: a room number had been assigned, but by check-in it had gone to someone else, so we got a temporary room before being shifted again. There are two nice pools, and the location is quiet, though a bit far from things. Breakfast was decent but had few choices. The room floors were dusty, with no slippers, robes or toothbrush. The shower curtain looked badly stained, and the lamps had no nearby outlets. The safety deposit lockers had been removed, with marks showing where they used to be. Only one receptionist spoke English. She offered free late checkout, but then she and housekeeping kept knocking for us to leave, so the service gets no stars from me.

Pu was a huge help. She spoke English, gave us recommendations and arranged things for us. On my first morning, I had an hour by myself, and she quickly found a driver to take me to several Temples and a market. It took exactly an hour and was amazing. The room was basic but clean, with a nice little balcony. The pools were immaculate, and breakfast looked lovely, with perfectly cooked eggs made to order every day. I expected cooking supplies in the kitchenette, but you need to bring your own; there was a kettle, mugs and glasses. Restaurants and markets were walkable. The staff were always ready to help us get a Bolt or Grab into the city, and we had a lot of fun taking a Tuk tuk back from the old city a few times.

The hotel’s in-house cat is adorable and very friendly. We had a good three-day stay at Sheik Istana, with a lovely backyard and a view over the river ping. Rooms were comfortable, but cleaning could use more attention and the water pressure was a little low. Breakfast runs from 7-10, which is handy, though the same food was served all three days. More variety would help.

The location is peaceful and pleasant, but far from everything, and Grab took a long time and cost a lot. There are two pools, though the poolside washrooms and changing rooms were filthy, with cigarette butts and no soap. Breakfast choices were very limited. Bring your own toiletries: there was no toothbrush or toothpaste, conditioner or soap, and no slippers, robes or extra pillows. In our bathroom, a live wire was sticking out of the wall. Staff didn’t speak English, and the receptionist laughed when we raised the problems. No stars for service.