Greg Morton
Google
We booked this place knowing full well how close to the airport it is and read nearly every review beforehand about aeroplane noise, but the design and architecture of the hotel was just too tempting not to and we felt there was nothing else in Chiang Mai that matched it from that perspective. Bolt taxis into town were 10 minutes and 80 baht and 15 min walk to the Suthep road food market where a lot of food tours go. On balance, we feel we made the right choice and overall we were very impressed.
The authentic Thai houses are done out immaculately and the central swimming pool is just amazing. The villas might not be your cup of tea if you are only used to ultra sanitised big name resort hotels but we liked the history of the rooms and found them extremely comfortable - you couldn't do more without faking them. Big comfy bed, huge bathtub, dressing area, air conditioning and a Japanese toilet. All the staff were great and super attentive. You jump in the pool and they are there with towels and water. You come through the front gate, they are there to greet you and carry your luggage.
Breakfast was very tasty and the local and Vietnamese options were a good addition, particularly the Khao Soi. We actually liked the order-the-night-before process as it meant you simply walk down, sit down and chow down. No menus, no 30 minute back and forth of waiting, menus, drinks, wait, drink, wait, food, wait, eat nonsense.
Anyway, the big question people are going to ask is about the proximity to the airport and we can say confidently the planes were far less of an issue than some other reviews make out. Firstly, you only hear takeoffs - no taxiing, no landings. Secondly, they last 20-30 seconds. Thirdly, all of Chiang Mai is affected by aeroplane noise as the airport is nearly in the middle of town. Fourthly, it never once affected our sleep - the planes don't fly super early and they don't fly beyond 11pm, at least in June. The best way to explain aeroplane noise in relation to this property and Chiang Mai in general is would you rather have a short, sharper noise or a more drawn out fairly loud grumble - you can hear the planes from the top of Doi Suthep mountain! Besides the aeroplane noise this is likely quieter than somewhere in the center of town - traffic was pretty minimal except for the odd scooter.
If this place was more centrally located, it would without a doubt be the most in demand property in Chiang Mai. It's not that big of a city so if you can handle a few aeroplane takeoffs and taxi into town you will have a great time.