Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel

Like many of the large business hotels that stand well outside of the atmospheric Old City of Chiang Mai, things here are looking a little past their prime. Even so, despite the hotel's bland-box appearance from the outside -- and aside from the dated look of its interiors -- there are some ornate Thai touches to be found here. The lobby is ornate and grand, with rich rugs atop tile and wood flooring, plus large columns, statues, fountains, carvings, and huge chandeliers overhead. Hallways are equally grand, as Thai statues and carvings can be spotted all over. The gardens also showcase Thai statuary and fountains. The lobby offers multiple areas where guests can hang out, and there's a bar in the lobby as well, with live music some nights. In nice weather, guests can gather on the terrace, which is also used for events. With its convenient location and reasonable rates, this hotel draws all sorts of guests, including couples, families, groups, and business travelers. 

This hotel is located on busy Sridonchai Road, which is lined with restaurants, local shops, bars, and convenience stores. The city's buzzing night market is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and guests can reach the Ping River in five minutes on foot. The temple complex of Wat Chedi Luang can be reached in 10 minutes by car or just under 30 minutes on foot. Wat Phra Singh is a bit farther -- 12 minutes by car or 35 minutes on foot. The Chiang Mai Railway Station is a 12-minute drive from the hotel, and plan on about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Chiang Mai International Airport by car. 

Rooms are spacious and decorated with old-school Thai touches that won't appear very fresh to most modern travelers. The muted color schemes, patterned carpeting, tall decorative headboards, and medium-toned wood furniture. Flat-screen TVs sit atop bureaus. Other amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, kettles for tea and coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Tiled bathrooms feature marble countertops, toiletries, and shower/tub combos. Robes and slippers are provided. Views are of the city or the pool. Keep in mind that you're likely to hear traffic noise in some rooms, though many past guests have noted that noise tends to travel between the hotel's interiors as well.

This large hotel offers a number of features for both leisure and business travelers. Phaikum Restaurant serves international and Thai cuisine in a traditional dining room. A breakfast buffet is offered daily, with hot and cold Asian and Western selections including cereals, breads, fruits, meats, and cooked-to-order omelets. The lobby bar is outfitted with leather chairs and ornate Thai statues sitting on the bar, and it hosts live music on some nights.The large outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, and there are lounge chairs on the deck for relaxing poolside. Bussaya Spa offers relaxation space, as well as a variety of treatments in a traditional Thai space. Like most of the hotel, though, it could use an overhaul to lighten up the look. The spacious fitness center has windows overlooking the pool area. Equipment includes cardio and weight training machines plus free weights, although everything is outdated. On-site shops sell clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and gifts. The large business center is decorated in a traditional Thai style, and there are a couple of desks with computers and a printer for guests to use. Meeting space can accommodate a variety of business and social gatherings for up to 1,000 people. On-site parking is available for free, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.