Sri Pat Guest House

Travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to budget guest houses in Chiang Mai's old city -- of course, the quality is always variable. Sri Pat Guest House is one of the most reliable choices in the area. It's nothing fancy, but the simple and clean interiors draw plenty of guests, many of whom vow to return. The lobby is elongated, with a bright tiled floor and plenty of color. At one end, there are a set of sofas and chairs with bright cushions and triangular Thai pillows, along with a gaily painted flower portrait on the wall. Everything is bright and cheerful, contributing to this hotel's popularity. With details like a fish tank, Chinese sculptures, and plenty of places to lounge if the mood strikes, the hotel's common areas have the vibe of a stately old Thai home. Perhaps the only blemish on this lovely spot are the frequent signs warning "don't touch," with threats of fines if one does. Still, these kind of admonishments aren't entirely uncommon in the center of Chiang Mai, given the number of backpackers who careen through town. Most guests here are couples, though some families and small groups of friends pass through as well. 

Sri Pat Guesthouse is situated just inside the historic old city area of Chiang Mai, along a narrow street in the area's northeast corner. It's an excellent central location in one of the more atmospheric parts of the city, and the surrounding streets are filled with artsy cafes, restaurants, massage shops, and other tourist-oriented services. The popular Breakfast Club restaurant, which has an array of local, organic, and vegetarian food (as well as an artisanal health-goods shop) is just around the corner on Moon Muang Road. It's less than a ten-minute walk to the Sunday market. Ornate Wat Chiang Man is just down the street, full of golden Buddha statues and old pagodas, and all of the old city's main temples can be reached in five to 15 minutes on foot. The city's night market is a 15-minute walk east, over the moat, and there are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants in that direction as well. Trendy Nimmanhaemin Road is a 10-minute taxi ride to the west. It's a 15-minute drive from here to the airport, as well as to the railway and bus stations, and tuk-tuks and taxis are plentiful around here.

There are only 24 rooms at the Sri Pat Guesthouse, divided between two wings. One is an older building that's been around since 2003 and houses the Standard Rooms. A newer wing holds the Deluxe Rooms. Standard Rooms are simple, with tile floors, rustic wooden furniture, carved wooden lanterns, and just one or two floral prints hanging on the otherwise bare, white walls. Deluxe Rooms have a bit more personality, with polished wood floors, heavy hardwood furniture, and ornate carved wood paneling. All rooms have flat-screen TVs -- larger in Deluxe Rooms -- plus mini-fridges, electric kettles, safes, and air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is also included for free in all rooms. Balconies come standard as well, though they have more space and seating in Deluxe Rooms. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and are tiled in funky colors or patterned tiles. We did spot some dirty grout, and there's little in the way of counter space. Deluxe Room bathrooms have rainfall showerheads. 

Sri Pat Guest House is quite small and doesn't have too many facilities, but there are a few that are handy to have -- even some that aren't expected. The small swimming pool, for instance, is almost unheard of for the two-pearl category in Chiang Mai's old city. It doesn't get much sun, but is fine for a quick dip when the weather is hot. There is no proper fitness center at the guesthouse, but they do have one cardio machine if anyone needs a workout (of course, a morning jog through the quiet streets of the old city might be a more attractive option). For dining, most folks go out to enjoy all the street food and nearby restaurants, so there isn't much demand for in-house eating. Sri Pat does have a breakfast-only restaurant serving various dishes including pastries and eggs. It's not included in room rates and can be pricey compared to other restaurants in the area. Bicycles can be rented from the hotel and there's a travel agency outside the lobby to help plan excursions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.