On our previous visit to Chiang Mai, we had stayed a bit outside of the city in Bo Sang at a cooking resort. We enjoyed our experience there and while we went into the city center on several occasions, we came away from that trip feeling like we might have missed out on some of the central city life. So on this trip, location inside the walls of the Old City was a top priority for our hotel selection.

As a result, location was the first thing that attracted us to the Bed Phrasingh Hotel and it didn’t disappoint on that regard. There were lots of restaurants within walking distance including the famous hole in the wall SP Chicken literally on the edge of the hotel property. Also very close by are multiple ancient temples like the 14th-century Phra Singh Temple and just around the corner are spas for every budget like Oasis Spa Chiang Mai Lanna, Makkha Health & Spa and Kiriya Spa Vana.

You should note that there are actually 4 locations of the Bed Hotel in Chiang Mai. Not all of them are in the Old City but if our experience at the Bed Phrasingh is any indication, all are likely to be well run operations.

So we started with the excellent location and added in the very sleek and efficient inside and exterior design. Mix in modern amenities like the best Wi-Fi of any hotel we’ve stayed anywhere and FREE bottled water stations in the lobby and on every floor. Top that with everything in the mini fridge including beer and soft drinks free of charge and a smart, young helpful English speaking staff that couldn’t do enough for us and always with a smile.

It all added up to a great hotel. And the pièce de résistance was an expansive self-serve breakfast full of delights. A long table was laden with a mix of western and Thai dishes including 2 soups, salad, bread pudding, egg casserole, soft boiled eggs, fresh juice, lots of fruit offerings, crescents, baguettes, dumplings, sweet breads, noodle bowls, coconut and sticky rice treats wrapped in banana leaf, grilled chicken legs and the best pork skewers we’ve tasted anywhere in Asia. Plus the excellent fresh grind coffee station and hot tea (as well as) fresh fruit were available free of charge 24/7.

Rooms are not huge but adequate in size and bed was firm but comfortable. The TV received several stations in English and the WiFi signal was strong and fast. The bathroom was a little small but very efficient and there was plenty of hot water and large towels.

Our only real criticism was the tiles around the small outdoor pool just off the lobby were very slick when wet (which pool decks tend to be) and the step down into the pool was a little too long making entry and exit difficult.

But considering the price we were amazed at just how fine our stay at the Bed Phrasingh Hotel could be.