37 Nimmandhaemin Soi 9, 053-224-949 - With an emphasis on exclusivity, it only has eight-rooms, and attracts the likes of Ananda Everingham and Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, it’s not surprising that they offer one of the more expensive beds in town. What you’re paying for is classy Indo-Siam décor and furniture, the graceful staff clad in designer uniforms and the secluded courtyard swimming pool. www.aaitaam.com.

Rates: A night in one of their graceful room sets you back B7,000, inclusive of daily minibar and afternoon tea by the pool.

The Chedi

123 Charoen Prathet Rd., Changklan, 053-253-333. www.ghmhotels.com.

With Asian contemporary design and muted tones, The Chedi is elegantly minimalist. The hotel boasts over 80 rooms—each with its own private balcony. It also comes equipped with a pampering spa, a restaurant, a cigar lounge and a fitness center.

Rates: Contrary to the minimalist design, The Chedi’s rates are maxed-out. A deluxe room is B13,700 (inclusive of breakfast), while a club suite is B20,600 (inclusive of free transportation to-and-from the airport, breakfast, free laundry, daily minibar and evening cocktails).

21 Ratchamanka Soi 2, 053-208-907. www.denagachiangmai.com.

A short walk from Tha Pae Gate is De Naga Chiang Mai. As its name suggests, the interior at this teakwood hotel draws inspirations from the Naga and sculptures and carvings of the mystical serpent can be found throughout the hotel. 

Rates: Through Oct 31, prices range from B2,300 for a deluxe room to B5,700 for a suite. Once the high season starts in November, the rates go up, starting from B3,800 for a deluxe room. Prices include daily breakfast for two, free wifi and daily free minibar (two waters, two beers, two soft drinks).

Imm Eco

109 Bamrungrad Rd., 053-247-111. www.immhotel.com.

Who says backpackers can’t live the high life? At the nine-month-old Imm Eco, budget travelers can get nice, clean bunk beds in a funky dorm. There’s also a swimming pool, where you can sit back and relax over a chilled beer. Wifi internet is available throughout the hostel.

Rates: B1,200 for a private ensuite room, and B400 per bed in a dorm.

Le Meridien Chiang Mai

108 Chang Klan Rd., 053-253-666. www.lemeridien.com/chiangmai.

The newest addition to Chiang Mai’s booming hotel scene, Le Meridien Chiang Mai, will officially open on Nov 1. Standing a few blocks away form the Night Bazaar, the hotel offers 384 rooms which fuse warm earth-tones with Lanna-style décor and hi-tech touches (cable TV, wifi etc…).

Rates: Its Discovery Package (B4,900/night) includes an accommodation in a deluxe room for two, breakfast, a complimentary gift upon arrival and a voucher for a complimentary stay at Le Meridien Bangkok. Valid from Nov 1, 08-Jan 31, 09.

69-73 Charoenraj Rd., 053-262-882.

If simplicity is what you are after then this old guesthouse, packed with knick knacks, is an ideal destination. There are only six rooms. No air-con, sorry. But you do get a fan and an in-room shower, and its serene location by the Ping River more than makes up for its lack of facilities.

Rates: As pocket-friendly as B500 per night, exclusive of breakfast.

70 Ratchadamnoen Rd., Sri Poom, 053-327-000. www.uchiangmai.com.

Designed with “you” in mind, U Chiang Mai allows you to choose how you want your pillows, music and soaps. Thanks to its Breakfast Whenever/Wherever which is available as late as 11:30pm, you don’t have to drag yourself out of bed after a night of hard-drinking night just to get your “paid-for” morning meal. Converted from a Chiang Mai governor’s former residence, this 41-room hotel is just a few minutes away from the city’s leading temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. On Sundays, just step out the hotel and you’re in the Sunday Walking Street.

Rates: B4,800 for a superior room and B5,800 for a deluxe. Through Oct 31, take advantage of its introductory rates, inclusive of breakfast for two: B3,400 for a night in a superior room and B4,400 for a deluxe room.

Yesterday

24 Nimmandhaemin Rd., 053-213-809. www.yesterday.co.th.

This cozy boutique hotel looks to transport you back to yesteryear. It is fitted with charming furniture your grandma would be proud of, but at the same time offers all modern facilities from an air-con to a hot shower and a cable TV. The perfect place to stay for those with a penchant for all things vintage.

Rates: Through Oct 31, you can still enjoy its low-season rates, starting from B1,200 for a superior room (for two guests) to B3,000 for a two-story villa (for up to three guests). Breakfast is included.