Kate and Hasu Boutique Chiangmai

Occupying a modern five-story building, Kate and Hasu Boutique Chiangmai makes a polish first impression with its white facade trimmed in slat-wood balconies. Throughout, the small, family-owned hotel cultivates a chic, modern look with a white-on-taupe color palette and a friendly vibe. Inside, the narrow lobby features a long marbled desk and a wall of windowed doorways that sit open during the day, so that seats and tables can sit right along the narrow, lap pool that abuts an ivy covered-wall. What would look cramped in some spaces, manages to look stylish and airy here, though this is undeniably a compact property. There’s plenty of comfy and inviting seating including fluffy white bar stools, taupe suede couches and ottomans, and a rustic wood table with oval-backed dining chairs. The hotel attracts a strong share of Western tourists, especially couples, as rooms can only accommodate two and guests under 12 aren’t welcome.

While not in the heart of the tourist areas, the Kate and Hasu Boutique Chiangmai is well located along a quiet back lane tucked off the main road, between the Old City and the Night Bazaar, each about a 10-minute walk. Restaurants, bars, and shops are all in walking distance. It’s a six-minute walk to Tha Pae Gate, a 10-minute walk to the Sunday Night Market, and a 12-minute walk to The Warorot Market. Chiang Mai International Airport is about a 20-minute drive. 

No two ways about it: The minimalistic, modern guest rooms here are tiny. But guests prepared for cramped quarters come away pleased, as rooms are stylish, clean, and comfortable to sleep in. With fresh white walls, light wood floors, and natural wood furnishings, the rooms have a neutral, IKEA-chic vibe. Stylish accents include transparent desk chairs and marbled accents on the desks. Simple platform beds have safes inside of them to save on space, while other helpful extras include small shoe racks with slippers, little desks with mini-fridges tucked under them (the sodas and bottled waters inside are free), and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. There are also tissues, drinking glasses, full-length mirrors, and well-functioning AC units. Wi-Fi is free, too.Bathrooms are thematically on-point with floor-to-ceiling white tiling and sleek chrome fixtures, but they’re snug as well, and some guests complain that, without a raised edge to delineate the shower space, the rest of the bathroom can get wet. Plus, there’s not a lot of space to put things down. Hotel toiletries are tucked on shelf under the sink, and rooms also have hairdryers.Twin Rooms have two single beds, while Double Rooms have a single queen; apart from the beds, the rooms themselves are the same and sleep two people. (There’s no space for more.) Guests on floors four and five often have excellent views, and there’s elevator access all the way to the top. All rooms are situated along open corridors. 

While on-site common areas are somewhat limited, Kate & Hasu packs a surprising amount of extras in a tiny space. The lobby has lots of chic spots to sit and doubles as a breakfast area in the morning, where guests can order made-to-order eggs, toasted sandwiches, bread products, and other simple morning meals, included in the rate. The excellent coffee is also worth mentioning. A narrow pool is tucked alongside the lobby, also abutting a tiny “gym” with a couple pieces of modern cardio equipment and a handful of dumbbells. The hotel’s other main common space is a rooftop lounge area, which features several pod-like wicker cabanas and a view, but little else. Free parking is available, but spaces are limited and can’t be reserved in advance. Note that only children ages 12 and up are welcome on the property. Reception is open 24 hours, and front desk staff are helpful and friendly and can make recommendations or book tours.