De Naga Hotel

Young couples seem to be the main guests here, which isn't surprising given the hotel's artsy and stylish vibe. With boutique furnishings and art pieces everywhere, this small hotel sometimes resembles a museum, and indeed, the owner is an art collector and the hotel actually has its own gallery. However, it isn't a high-brow or pretentious place. The hotel's cute coffee shop and trendy-looking bistro are good places to sit and relax and watch the world go by, but these are about the only spots where guests can hang out. As the tremendously cute but tiny swimming pool is not a place to spend a vacation, most visitors here tend to be the on the go -- exploring the old city during the day, and looking for a quiet retreat at night. Families looking for space or those looking for a party crowd should look elsewhere, as this spot is best-suited for couples or single travellers.

The location of the De Naga is right inside the moat leading into the historical old city of Chiang Mai. This makes the hotel a great base for exploring the old town and its many temples, along with the nearby Walking Street weekend markets. There are also dozens of eating and drinking options in the neighborhood. It's almost the perfect location, except for the constant traffic that buzzes around the one-way moat roads just outside.

The rooms here have traditional teak wood furnishings, hardwood floors, comfortable beds, and are decked out northern Thai Lanna style. All rooms have work spaces, 26-inch widescreen LCD televisions, free tea and coffee making facilities, and excellent free Wi-Fi. For a hotel calling itself boutique, though, they have few amenities; the mini-fridge contains no items other than the several bottles of free water, and the bathroom's toiletries selection is nothing to write home about. The rooms have large windows, but the building is a low-rise set amid lots of other houses, so the views really aren't anything worth considering.

This hotel is small and charming, which translates into few property features. There is no fitness center or business center (just a few computers in the lobby). There is a small spa, and the swimming pool is one of the smallest pools you'll ever see (though there are a handful of cushioned loungers, and it's suitable for a dip on hot days). The hotel does have several eating options though, with a hip bistro out on the main drag, and the Naga restaurant for inclusive buffet breakfasts. There is also a cool hangout cafe called Kopi O which has a gourmet bakery and serves coffee drinks. The De Naga Gallery on-site is also an added plus; this is perhaps the only hotel in Thailand to have its own art gallery.