The hotels below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over THB 5,000)
$$$ (THB 1,000 to THB 5,000)
$$ (THB 500 to THB 1,000)
$ (up to THB 500)
The above rates are for a double room per night and include breakfast and taxes.

Dhara Devi
This elegant complex built in traditional Lanna style lies a couple of kilometers east of the city centre. Top-quality pavilions, villas and suites stand in the hotels own sprawling 24-hectare (60-acre) grounds, and look out over rice fields and gardens. Additional features include a large spa, craft village, shopping centre, swimming pool, tennis courts and three restaurants.

51/4 Thanon Chiang Mai-Sankamphaeng
Tel: (053) 888 888.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com
Price: $$$$

Baan Orapin
Small, intimate bed-and-breakfast style guesthouse, whose compound is set just off a fashionable street and surrounded by giant longan trees. There are just a handful of large, well-furnished rooms, decorated with northern Thai teak and rattan furniture, making this an exclusive retreat. Wooden floors, four-poster beds and balconies are also on offer in this quality guesthouse.

150 Thanon Charoenrat
Tel: (053) 243 677.
Website: www.baanorapin.com
Price: $$$

Galare Guest House
This well-established, family-run guesthouse is justifiably popular. Upmarket, comfortable rooms with air conditioning and hot water overlook a shady, peaceful lawn that leads down to a riverside terrace. An outdoor restaurant on the banks of the River Ping serves tasty Thai and western food.

7 Soi 2, Thanon Charoen Prathet
Tel: (053) 818 887.
Website: www.galare.com
Price: $$$

Gap's House
Centred on a leafy courtyard, this very popular, comfy house is littered with antiques and has plush rooms with air conditioning and hot showers. A simple breakfast and an evening vegetarian buffet are included in the price. Advance reservations aren't taken, with rooms allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

3 Soi 4, Thanon Ratchdamnoen
Tel: (053) 278 140.
Website: www.gaps-house.com
Price: $$

Eagle House 2
Run by an Irishwoman and her Thai husband, this friendly, three-storey guesthouse is relaxed and well-maintained. The spacious compound close to the old walled city is a great place to hang out, whilst the Thai cookery course at The Chilli Club is fun and educational. Well-organised treks with good eco-credentials are also available.

26 Soi 2, Thanon Ratchawithi
Tel: (053) 210 620.
Website: www.eaglehouse.com
Price: $