De Chai Colonial Hotel & Spa

The De Chai The Colonial Hotel stands out for the right reasons, especially given its pearl-rating and location. It's design -- from the outside -- incorporates a mix of wood, glass, and concrete that looks ultra modern compared to most of the old buildings in the neighborhood, which is filled with small alleys and traditional homes. The hotel is just four stories, but it towers over most of the neighboring properties. Just past the entrance, a long pond is decorated with large vases and fountains on top; it divides the lobby from the outside patio. Inside, the lobby is small, but photogenic, with several four-poster daybeds covered with white netting, floral paintings on the walls, chandeliers designed like  fluttering leaves, a few art pieces, and mood lighting. It's a peaceful spot that sets the tone for the rest of the hotel. Most guests are couples on vacation, though some families pass through as well. 

De Chai The Colonial Hotel is hidden down a narrow alley right between the downtown center of Chiang Mai and its historic old city. It will take about 10 minutes to reach the night bazaar in the downtown area on foot. There are tons of eclectic vendors there, and the surrounding streets have plenty of bookstores, restaurants, bars, and shops. A five-minute walk in the other direction leads to the Tha Phae Gate, the entrance to the old town. From there, it will take 10 to 15 minutes to reach most of the area's major temples and sights. Given the number of narrow alleyways around here, one is bound to get lost in the first few go-rounds navigating the area. This may be off-putting to some, and exciting to others. Due to the somewhat hidden setting, there are no worries about noise in this neighborhood. Expect a 15-minute drive to the airport. 

There are 40 rooms at De Chai The Colonial Hotel, and they are all fairly similar, save for the room size and a couple of features. Rooms are decorated in soothing tones, with mostly soft wood and white plus pops of red in the soft furnishings. Attractive floral art hangs over the beds, which come with four-poster frames or canopies atop wooden platforms and surrounded by gauzy mosquito netting. It all comes together to create a romantic look -- not surprising given the number of couples that stay here. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, DVD players, minibars, safes, electric hot water kettles, bathrobe and slipper sets, free snacks, and Wi-Fi. 

Bathrooms have both bathtubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers -- not common in this category in Chiang Mai. Hairdryers and a full set of toiletries are included. About the only thing missing from are balconies or terraces. Rooms on one side of the building do have large windows, but they are rather dirty, and the view outside is only of local buildings. 

The Superior Plus and Deluxe Rooms have a layout that allows the bathroom area to open up to the main room via a large sliding window. Higher category rooms include a sofa. There are also a couple of fancier Suites and Family Rooms for larger groups. 

De Chai The Colonial Hotel has small list of features, though most are pleasant. There's a tiny covered swimming pool, which really is only useful for a quick plunge on a hot day. The pool area receives no sunlight, so it isn't a spot for lounging or sunbathing, and there aren't many loungers or chairs. There's a small spa for a variety of Thai massage treatments, with private rooms as well as open Thai massage mats.

For dining, The Best Taste restaurant is bright and cheery. Big glass windows let in lots of natural light and look out to the street. The hotel serves guests free buffet breakfast here, although the food is quite simple. The restaurant stays open throughout the day and evening, serving a menu of both Thai and Western cuisine. 

The hotel also has a comprehensive tour agency, which offers programs ranging from visiting ethnic hill tribes to tea plantations, as well as local trips around Chiang Mai. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property. Parking can be a bit of an issue here, as there are only three parking spaces. If these are full, the hotel staff will take your keys and keep your vehicle somewhere safe nearby.