84/1 Taiwang Rd., Chang Moi Subdistrict, Chiang Mai, Thailand | (888) 989-6591
15-minute walk from Old City and near the Ping River
Spacious rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and some with balconies
Free Thai-inspired hot breakfast
Car, bicycle, and motorbike rentals
Free Wi-Fi available throughout
Assistance with tour bookings
Located on a busy main road
No elevator
No swimming pool or spa facilities
The lower-middle-range Rustic River Boutique is set in a simple building with rustic, charming interiors a two-minute walk from the Ping River, on the outskirts of the Old City. While there's not too much in the immediate area, it's a 15-minute walk to the Old City. The 12 guest rooms are spacious with simple Thai-inspired interiors and amenities like flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Two of the rooms have a small private balcony. All guests receive a free breakfast, with options like omelets, fried eggs, fried rice, and noodles. The hotel can assist with local tour bookings as well as car, bicycle, and motorbike rentals. No swimming pool or spa facilities are available. Rainforest Boutique is an alternative similarly priced hotel to consider and it includes two swimming pools, though it's farther away from Old City.
Scene
Chilled out budget boutique hotel
Rustic River Boutique has a charming chilled out and rustic feel. Straight off the street is an outdoor furnished patio area which then leads into the inside dining, lounge, and reception area. Large wooden windows and a big door between the inside and outside area are kept open to create an airy atmosphere. The outdoor area is separated from the street with several plants, creating a relaxing green environment -- though traffic noise can still be heard. Plants (both real and artificial) and Thai-inspired decor and artwork are scattered throughout the lobby area. Above the ground floor lobby is a relaxing lounge set with Thai-style floor cushions and other seating options. The back wall of the lounge is made up of different shaped old wooden window slates and a bookshelf displaying a few interesting decor pieces and a couple of books. Overall, the atmosphere mostly appeals to couples and young group and solo travelers.
Location
Located just outside of Old City, two-minute walk to Ping River
Rustic River Boutique is located just outside of the central Old City area, just a two-minute walk from the Ping River. It's situated on a main road that leads onto NakhonPhing Bridge. Unfortunately, this means quite a bit of traffic noise can be heard. There's not much in the way of shopping and dining opportunities within the immediate vicinity. The local Warrorot Market is a six-minute walk away. Wat Ket Karam, a temple with a free museum, is a 10-minute walk across the river. The Chiang Mai Night Market is a 13-minute walk away. The Tha Phae Gate, which leads into the central Old City square area, is a 15-minute walk. About 16 minutes on foot from the hotel, the massive Sunday Night Market starts just past the Tha Phae Gate. Both the main bus station and train station are about a 10-minute drive away. It's about a 20-minute drive to Chiang Mai International Airport.
Rooms
Spacious Thai-inspired rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges
The 12 guest rooms at Rustic River Boutique are spacious and finished with fresh Thai-inspired decor. All of the rooms feature a similar look and feel with wooden floors, dark wooden bed frames, white walls, curtains, and black and white framed artwork on the wall. Beds feature colorful Thai-inspired throw cushions and bed runner; along with animal or plant-folded towels upon arrival. Each of the rooms include a seating area with two wooden chairs and a coffee table. There are two Deluxe Rooms which featre a small standing balcony. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, a fan, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, free bottled water, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms include walk-in showers and come with hairdryers and basic toiletries. Slippers are provided. There is no elevator in this hotel, meaning guests or staff will need to carry luggage up to rooms (highest is the third floor).
Features
Free hot breakfast, tour bookings, transport hire, and free Wi-Fi
Features at Rustic River Boutique are limited, similar to what one would expect at a hostel. It offers a free breakfast each morning, with a choice of 12 dishes including omelets, fried eggs, fried rice, noodles, congee (type of rice pudding), stir-fried vegetables with rice, and Thai-style pan-fried eggs with toast. While breakfast is the only meal served here, a variety of beverages (both hot and cold) are for sale at the bar in the front of the hotel. A small collection of locally-made clothing, including popular elephant-print pants, are available for purchase. Reception staff can assist with tour bookings as well as car, bicycle, and motorbike rentals (for a fee). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Additional services include a 24-hour reception and laundry service (for a fee). There is no swimming pool or spa facilities available.