The Kodchasri Thani Hotel located in Chiang Mai’s old walled city is a gem. Its architecture harkens back to the Franco-Thai style of the early 1900s but is so well maintained that it appears almost new. As one who lived in Bangkok and Chiang Mai for extended periods from the mid-1970s through the 1980s and who has made extended visits to both cities many times, I chose to stay at the hotel for nearly three weeks due primarily to its evocative memories of Chiang Mai’s more peaceful past. The hotel itself is literally an island of tranquility in today’s expanding city, yet within walking distance or short taxi rides of its many tourist sites and restaurants.
On approaching the hotel, one sees the character of its period architecture but on entering might be somewhat disappointed by the plainness of its reception area. Don’t be fooled: once you pass by reception you are met with an extremely well-maintained tropical garden cooled by circulating water in a narrow pool. Moving further towards the wings housing the majority of its rooms and the hotel’s new and rapid three floor elevator, there is an expansive sheltered resting area bordered and cooled on three sides by a large koi pond. The rooms themselves are relatively large and well-maintained by a conscientious housekeeping staff. The restaurant offers a good quality breakfast of salads, yoghurt, omelets and Asian food and inside or poolside dining.The breakfast staff is polite and attentive, as is the reception staff.