Swiss-Lanna Lodge

Swiss-Lanna Lodge is housed in a traditional Thai teak home that's over 80 years old, and it's an atmospheric place full of character and homey charm. The dark-timber building is fronted by a small garden with a hammock strung between trees, immediately creating the impression of relaxation that's part of the reason travelers choose to stay on this side of the Ping River. Inside, the lobby is a small and simple space, with a white tile floor and just a few conveniences: some snacks are for sale here, and there are plenty of brochures and maps. A small wooden desk is occupied by a computer for guests to use, and above it, wooden shelves are stocked with a selection of books. A small outdoor patio off of the lobby -- where the daily breakfast is served -- features wooden tables and chairs. Other common areas include a terrace upstairs with lounge chairs including traditional Thai cushion mattresses, and views over the leafy neighborhood. Given the wide array of rooms on offer and the intimate vibe, it's not surprising that most guests here are solo travelers and couples. 

For those looking to explore a more authentic slice of Chiang Mai life, this hotel will be a fine option. It's located on a quiet side street on the less touristy, quieter east side of the Ping River. There are lots of local restaurants, cafes, and shops along the river, just a five-minute walk from the hotel. The city's gourmet supermarket, Rimping, is a 15-minute walk away, and the train and bus stations are a five-minute drive from the hotel. Additionally, the Iron Bridge can be used by bicycles and pedestrians to access the night market and the downtown area (a 20- to 25-minute walk). The trip to the night market can easily be done by taxi in 10 minutes or less. Unfortunately, the guesthouse isn't convenient for exploring the atmospheric old city on foot. Instead, it will take about 15 minutes to reach the area by taxi. The airport can also be reached in 15 minutes by car. 

There are only seven rooms at Swiss-Lanna Lodge, but they come in an array of different sizes and types, but all are charming and homey, with interiors made of gorgeous teak wood and peppered with details like artsy lamps, funky canvases, or bouquets of fresh flowers. There are four Standard Rooms upstairs and three Deluxe Rooms on the ground floor, but within these categories there are also divisions. Some of the Standard Rooms share a bathroom. These rooms are quite basic, with no TV, safe, or minibar, and have only ceiling fans, twin beds, small cabinets, mirrors, chairs, a couple of towels, and free bottles of water -- plus Wi-Fi is free. The shared bathroom is small, but clean and tidy, with a toilet and shower.

The Lanna Family Room is suited for families traveling with kids, as it has a bunk bed as well as a large private bathroom with a urinal, a toilet, and a walk-in rainfall shower. This room, along with the Elephants Room, have air-conditioning as well as fans (the Elephants Room throws in an electric hot water kettle). All of the Standard Rooms share a common mini-fridge in the hallway, plus there's an inviting upstairs terrace with mattresses, chairs, and cushions to relax on. 

All of the Deluxe Rooms have private en-suite bathrooms, outdoor rainfall showers, and amenities like flat-screen TVs with satellite and cable channels, electric hot water kettles, minibars, fans, air conditioners, and private outdoor terraces. Rooms here range from the Majestic Tree Room, which is a single room with a carved tree as a bed, to the poshest digs, the Pasha Room, which has a whirlpool tub in its private backyard. It's also the only room that comes with an electronic safe. Note that some guests have complained of noise issues due to thin walls and creaky wooden floorboards.

This small property doesn't offer too many amenities, though there's a small open-air eatery that serves up breakfast in the morning, as well as drinks and snacks throughout the day. Breakfasts are diverse, ranging from avocado and blue cheese sandwiches to homemade yogurt, muesli, and Thai khao tom rice soup. It's not included in room rates. The guesthouse also rents out bicycles and motorbikes, which can be handy for reaching the old city and downtown via the Iron Bridge. Common areas include a small front garden with a hammock, and a lovely terrace with seating. Guests can book various trips and excursions at the tour desk. A computer is available for guests' use in the lobby, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout.