Sinthana Resort

Not sure that they are operating fully as a hotel these days. More a student residence - very close to Chiang Mai University. No breakfast, no meals on site but you are spoiled for choice in Soi Wat Umong and at night outside the university on Thanon Suthep where there are many eateries and stalls. It's also outside the central city area. Not a problem going into town in the morning (30BT) but it's harder and dearer picking up a rot daeng to come back in the evening. But it is a friendly, clean and comfortable place to stay. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. And if you take an early morning walk up the soi you will come to the beautiful Wat Umong.

At first we focused on what the room lacked -- a shower curtain (never learned to shower without getting water everything), an iron & ironing board, a flat-screen TV, clothes hangers (2 only) -- and when we left we were grateful for the things we did have during our stay -- strong wifi, hot water, refrigerator, elevator, clothes hangers (2), AC & windows we could open, one English channel on the TV. The hotel is across the street from 7-11 store and only half a block from main street with many restaurants. The breakfast served at the hotel is plentiful, if standard. It is made extra special by Naan, the host. He was so kind and helpful! The front desk persons were also very accommodating -- printed airline information, managed laundry requests,kept extra luggage safe when we went on excursions, etc. We were almost sorry to say goodbye after 8 days.

I think they should delete the word Resort from the name, as it creates expectations. The only thing resort like were the trees and small garden - I quite liked sitting outside enjoying a cold beer of an evening. But as a hotel, it's fine - nothing particularly special. The University is at the end of the lane, there is plenty of street food on Su Thep Road as well as cafes and restaurants, with Nimmanhaemin Road not too far away. The bed was on the hard side, but the wifi and fridge worked well (the fridge actually froze my bottled water). Plenty of space in the room, although it was quite austere - really needed the wooden furniture to give it any character. The breakfast was not to my taste - cold eggs, noodles and fried rice which didn't appear to have much added to them. One wing seems to have been taken over by semi-permanent residents - students at the nearby language schools and University I suspect.