Sa-Nguan Malee Mansion

My brother is studying at Chiang Mai University, so I chose to stay at this inexpensive hotel near his dormitory. While this hotel is not too fancy, the staff is kind and my room was spacious and very clean. The beds weren't so comfortable, but the view was lovely. I'd recommend for a brief stay or if you're visiting and/or are a student.

Located off a soi in Suthep (the university area in CM), this place has perfect real estate for the best local food Chiang Mai has to offer. The rooms are simple, with a hard pillow (you can ask for a soft one), but working AC and hot/powerful shower. If you want to see Thailand like a local, stay here.

I lived at Sanguan Malee for nearly two years while I was working at CMU. I had one of the "suites" on the top floor, facing east, with a nice view of trees (monastery grounds.) The rooms were spacious and very functional -- except its frustrating to not be able to cook at all (just a microwave/ hot water heater and sink.) It was remarkably quiet place for such a studenty area! The owners and the manager, Khun Pat, are all good people and they run a professional operation. I found that everyone's English skills were quite good -- unlike some places in Chiang Mai. However, they also are happy if you make an effort to speak some Thai. I like the fact that the place caters to all nationalities -- there are some Thai students, and Thai parents who come to visit their kids, as well as visitors from all over the world (Chinese, Japanese, Europeans, Australians (etc). In other words, its not just a "farang ghetto." I was paying 10,000 Baht/ month, which is a bit high for CM , especially for a place without a pool. You can rent a house for less than that. But I appreciated the convenience of a furnished and secure place and some cleaning service.(Supposed to be 2x month cleaning but in practice it worked out to about 3 times avery 2 months, due to difficulties scheduling.) Also good wifi situation. In all, its a good unpretentious place, very convenient for CMU faculty. It was easy to feel at home there.