Le Patta

A step above many of its budget-hotel neighbors, the Le Patta hotel is a simple mid-range property with a nice clutch of features for guests to utilize post sightseeing. Right away, the tidy entrance -- with its small pond and relaxed front porch -- sets the tone for a stay here. Inside, there's a red tiled lobby with a pagoda ceiling, typical of northern Lanna style. There are several cushioned sofas as well as four large armchairs to relax in during check-in, while the walls are adorned with a couple of contemporary Thai paintings. Potted plants and fresh flowers are a nice touch in this simple space. There is a lone computer on one side for guests to use, plus a collection of brochures and local information. Once checked-in, though, few travelers linger here. There's a small pool out back where some guests may be found -- it's never crowded, and most guests here are couples in search of an attractive and reliable place to crash at night after exploring the Golden Triangle region.

Le Patta is a great choice for those who want to be right downtown. The hotel sits just a block away from the Golden Clock Tower, Chiang Rai's tourist center. The bus terminal is a five-minute walk from the hotel and it will take 15 minutes to reach the night market on foot. Many of the city's best restaurants, as well as coffee shops, convenience stores, and shops, are all just outside the hotel's front door. The only real nightlife bar area in Chiang Rai is also just down the road. The airport is a 15-minute drive from here, and there are plenty of taxis and tuk-tuks available to travel around. It's also a 15-minute drive to Wat Rong Khun, the area's famous white temple. Though there is a lot of traffic out in front of the hotel during the day, it quiets down at night, and rooms are set back enough that noise is not an issue.

Rooms here are bright and pleasant, with simple, modern decor that includes wooden floors, white walls, and neutral colors brightened up by colorful accent pillows and striped bed runners atop white bedding. Funky, wiry light fixtures add a touch of contemporary style, and basic furniture has clean lines, though the lack of wall art makes rooms feel almost spartan.Each room has a small work desk and all rooms have private, furnished balconies. Modern conveniences include flat-screen TVs with cable movie channels, electronic safes, electric hot water kettles, and minibars. While the minibars don't have any alcohol, all the drinks and snacks are free and are replenished daily. Wi-Fi is also free. Bathrooms are modern, and most of them have walk-in rainfall showers, although some have bathtub/shower combos. There's a large range of toiletries provided, as well as bathrobes and slippers. They're done in a combination of geometrically textured white tiles and shimmery gray mosaic panels and are sharp. Deluxe Rooms are a bit larger than the entry-level Superior Rooms, plus they overlook the swimming pool and have DVD players. Suites have separate sitting areas as well as additional flat-screen TVs, while their bathrooms have both tubs and rainfall showers. 

Le Patta is a small hotel, but it has enough pleasant facilities to keep guests busy. Most travelers here head out for sightseeing during the day, so they don't spend too much time at the hotel, but when they do, they head for the small and inviting saltwater swimming pool. A surrounding wooden sundeck is lined with loungers, but the area only gets sun on one side for most of the day. There's also a small fitness room with a couple of cardio machines, and though it's not much, it's fine for a quick workout. For dining, Le Patta restaurant is a cozy niche with just seven tables surrounded by mirrored walls and a collection of artsy paintings. Free breakfast is served here -- though the selection can be limited -- as well as Thai dishes and European cuisine for lunch and dinner. There are also a couple of tables out on the front patio for those who want to sit outside. Other amenities include free bicycles, as well as a small secure parking lot (parking downtown can be hard to find). Wi-Fi is free throughout.