Chiang Mai Gate Hotel

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel is over half a century old, and from the outside it looks every bit an old-school Thai hotel. Inside, the lobby has a bit more charm, even if it's a clue as to the mixture of dated and modern styles travelers should expect here. There's a marble floor, painted columns, and an array of lotus lantern lights hanging from the ceiling that towers overhead. Thai angels and elephant statues accent the lobby, and a set of cushioned armchairs are available for anyone who wants to sit around and relax. Ultimately, though, this is a hotel for people looking to have easy access to the old town at often lower rates than staying right in the center of things. There are a few places to kick back after a day touring the city, including a spacious sitting area that's part of the pool bar, but it's a mostly quiet place. The clientele here are a mix of travelers -- mostly couples and friends -- looking for a good value stay close to the old city.

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel is located just south of the old town's moat, on a relatively quiet side-street lined with trees. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops around the hotel, so guests don't need to go far to eat or drink. The southern edge of the old town is a five-minute walk from the hotel, though many of the area's famous temples and markets are within a 15-minute walk. Chiang Mai's night bazaar is a bit far for an easy walk, and takes about five minutes to reach by cab. There are fewer tourists in this area than in the old city or downtown by the night bazaar, making it a great base to experience local life while still staying close to the sights and essentials. The airport is a 10-minute drive away, and the bus terminal and rail station can be reached in about 15 minutes. 

There are 121 rooms at Chiang Mai Gate Hotel, and there's a pretty significant disparity between the categories. While some are relatively modern, others are worn and dated. Entry-level Standard Rooms are the largest in the hotel -- some of the largest rooms that we saw in all of Chiang Mai, in fact -- but they clearly show the hotel's age. These rooms have beige carpeting alongside old satin bed skirts and heavy drapes plus outdated mid-tone wood furniture. Somewhat surprisingly, the bathrooms in Standard Rooms are tiny, with worn shower/tub combos. These rooms, like all others in the hotel, come with minibars, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, although there are no electric hot water kettles.The Superior and Deluxe Rooms are nicer, with a style that draws on northern Thai Lanna influences. Still, don't expect boutique-level style. These rooms are smaller, but have carved-wood details, vibrant wall panels, and soft furnishings in deep reds, burnt orange, and gold. The bathrooms in these units feature walk-in shower stalls and a decent amount of counter space. Air-conditioning units are also newer in these rooms.

While most hotels in and immediately around the old town area are small and lack much in the way of features, there are a few surprises here. The hotel has a swimming pool big enough to swim a few laps in, and sun loungers placed around the deck. There's also an adjacent pool bar that extends into a covered terrace that's pleasant for relaxing. There are some shops here, as well, including a small massage parlor and a tailor.For eating and drinking, the Palm Tree restaurant serves free buffet breakfasts for guests -- it gets mixed reviews -- and is then open for all day dining. The restaurant serves a mix of Thai favorites and Western dishes. Live music is played here in the evenings during high season. In addition to the aforementioned pool bar, there's also a lobby lounge and cafe, the Chill Chill Cafe, which serves cocktails, coffee, and snacks.Other facilities at the hotel include bicycle rentals, a parking lot, and a travel and tour desk in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.