79 / 3 Sirithorn Rd., Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai, Thailand | 66 53 212 516
Quiet location away from hubbub of tourist areas
Sharp Thai-style wooden rooms with air-conditioning, minibars, and flat-screen TVs
Some rooms have large outdoor spaces overlooking gardens
Lovely outdoor pool with lounge chairs
Restaurant serving Thai cuisine for all meals
Breakfast available, and is included in some rates
Massage treatments and cooking classes available
Popular yoga classes and multi-day yoga retreats
Free use of bicycles
Hosts traditional Thai weddings for up to 200 guests
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Removed from city center and attractions
Mosquitoes can be annoying at times
Pool is small
The 13-room Ruen Come In is an upper-middle-range boutique property in a quiet neighborhood away from the tourist hubbub of Chiang Mai. You'll need to budget 10 to 15 minutes by taxi to reach the Old City center. That distance aside, this is a peaceful place, with lovely Northern Thai and Lanna-style wood rooms featuring air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and kettles for tea and coffee. Some have large outdoor spaces overlooking beautiful gardens. The restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine for all meals, including breakfast, which is included in some rates. The outdoor pool is a nice place for relaxing, and yoga classes are offered daily. If you'd prefer something a bit more contemporary and slightly closer to the Old City walls, opt for the Hotel des Artists Ping Silhouette instead.
Scene
Peaceful family-run guest house suitable for travelers seeking a quiet getaway
This little family-run boutique property is housed in lovely wood buildings surrounded by lush gardens. The main building -- which houses reception, the restaurant, and suites -- is crafted of golden teak wood. Guests are welcomed in the small, open-air lobby that features wooden seating, though you're unlikely to spend much time here. Instead, the grounds themselves are lovely. Stone walkways are lined with flowers and greenery, and there's the occasional colorful Thai mural to be spotted as well. It's a serene setting that feels far removed from the hubbub of Chiang Mai's busy tourist areas. The Ruen Come in is especially popular with couples seeking romance, though be prepared for a commute to the major sights of the region.
Location
Tranquil location, though expect 10- to 15-minute cab rides to get anywhere
This hotel is located in the quiet neighborhood of Chang Phuea, to the north and east of the Old City. There's little of interest immediately surrounding the hotel, and the neighborhood isn't exactly pedestrian friendly. However, guests can reach Nimmanhaemin Road for shopping in 10 minutes by car and the center of the Old City in 15 minutes or so depending on traffic. Guests also can use the hotel's bicycles to explore the surrounding area for free. Plan on a 20-minute drive to Chiang Mai International Airport.
Rooms
Thai-style wooden rooms and suites with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and minibars, some with outdoor spaces
Rooms and suites are situated in Northern Thai- and Lanna-style wooden villas. They're spacious and lovely, with minimal decoration, white bed linens, white drapery, and little rugs atop wood floors. Elephant lamps provide a nice local touch in some, and despite the ostensibly old-school construction of the units, the feel is modern overall. Suites are extra spacious and have separate living areas with a sofa. The Grande Suite features details like a romantic canopied double bed, plus rattan and teak lounge chairs and settee. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, simple minibars, safes, kettles for tea and coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms and suites have large outdoor spaces overlooking the beautiful gardens. Bathrooms have open tiled showers with rainfall showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some rooms have separate tubs. Robes and slippers are provided. The Grande Suite bathroom features a large jetted tub and a sauna cabin.
Features
Restaurant serving all meals, outdoor pool, massages, yoga, and cooking classes, plus free bikes and Wi-Fi
Features aren't numerous here, but what's on offer helps make it a comfortable place to stay given the distance from the Old City. The restaurant is in the main building, and guests can dine inside or out. The menu features Thai and Northern Thai cuisine along with a variety of fresh fruit juices. There also are some cushioned wicker lounge chairs where guests can relax and watch TV. Breakfast is available, but isn't included in all rates. Guests who'd like to learn how to cook local cuisine can take cooking classes at the hotel. The outdoor pool isn't particularly large, but it's a peaceful, relaxing space with lounge chairs on the wooden deck and lush greenery and flowers along one side. There's a whirlpool at one end of the pool. Massage treatments and aromatherapy are available, as well as daily yoga classes. Guests can use the hotel's bicycles for free. Traditional Lanna wedding ceremonies for up to 200 guests can also be hosted on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.