>> ASIAONE / TRAVEL / PLACES & INTERESTS / INTERESTS / HOTELS & RESORTS / STORY
Fri, Sep 05, 2008
Daily Xpress
A real steal in Chiang Mai

By Veena Thoopkrajae

The name is Banilah, it's pronounced Ban-ai-lah and, when it comes to boutique hotels in Chiang Mai, it's the definition of "value for money".

Rooms at Banilah range from Bt300 to Bt600 a night, and they've all got TV and Internet access.

And, as for being taken care of, the staff here owns the hotel, so they're ultra-attentive.

Beautifully set in what looks to have once been a plain shophouse, the hotel has a cheery minimalist style with Lanna flourishes.

The lobby has a comfortable living-room feel with wooden and rattan chairs.

Snacks and beverages are available there, or they can be sent to your room, but you're only five minutes' walk from the celebrated Tanin fresh market, with its bulging array of great food.

There are tuk-tuks and songtaew waiting out front, or you can grab a hotel bicycle for free.

For a night out or an afternoon's shopping, Banilah's location is also ideal. It's right next to the most fashionable stretch of the Nimmanahaeminda strip.

Best to be travelling light: The hotel is a low-rise, so there's no lift. And with room rates as low as Bt300 (single, non-air-conditioned), don't expect a porter either.

The low prices also mean the hotel only accepts cash.

Fair enough - especially if you arrive in the cool season, when all you need in your room is a fan. Your savings on the lodgings will be swiftly spent elsewhere.

 

 
STORY INDEX
 
  A real steal in Chiang Mai
   
 
  Sleep on 'bed of straw' at this 'thousand-star' hotel
   
 
  Armani designs villas at $1.8 billion Egyptian resort
   
 
  Mammoth coastal resort complex slated for Taiwan
   
 
  Pampering in Maldives
   
 
  Boutique beauty in Chiang Mai's Old Town
   
 
  Get yourself pampered right here
   
 
  Slowly into the night
   
 
  Loads of room
   
 
  Bala's better than ever
   
We welcome contributions, comments and tips.
a1travel@sph.com.sg
   

Search: