Elegant & beautiful, a pretty perfect south-east Asia hotel

Two years ago I had dinner here after stumbling across it when wandering round the old town of Chiang Mai. I immediately had hotel envy and as soon as I decided to come back to CM I knew I had to stay here. I was not disappointed. The beautiful courtyards unfold before you, each one shady and alluring, housing antique furniture and prints down the side galleries, and with frangipanis and palm trees dotting the central space, one of them enclosing a lovely quiet pool, another an exquisite library. This is the kind of building you often find yourself paying to wander round, to stay here was a privilege and I loved it. Every detail here was considered and I would definitely recommend it. My only comment to the owners is that the bathrooms need some love and attention, compared to everything else it felt shabby (but in fact, it was absolutely fine and with lovely Molton Brown toiletries – it just didn’t live up to the quality of the rest of the experience). Location-wise it’s also great, down a small back street inside the old city walls and a five minute walk from the main temple complex and one end of the night market. I was sad to leave, you’ll be delighted to arrive.