I recently visited Chiang Rai and stayed at the Wiang Inn Hotel for 2 nights. Travelling by bus from Chiang Mai, I hadn’t pre-booked any accommodation but was looking for somewhere fairly central. The Wiang Inn is located on the main Phaholyothin Road just a few minutes walk from the night market.
Reception quoted a price of 1800 Baht for the room which they would discount to 1600 Baht for single occupancy. As I was expecting the rack rate to be at least 1,000 Baht more than this, I was happy to check-in. The room was spacious, light, clean and had a view over the pool. The bed was softer than I’m used to, but comfortable all the same. With a decent air-conditioning system, mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities and a bathroom with bathtub as well as shower, the Wiang Inn made for a pleasant place to stay for a few nights.
Breakfast was average. I’ve found this to be the case in many hotels in Thailand where it’s fairly standard for guests to help themselves from a buffet arrangement consisting of toast, eggs, bacon, pancakes, Thai food and fruit. One member of staff was a little hasty in trying to clear away plates from the table before I’d finished eating, but overall the hotel staff were polite and quietly efficient.
As I didn’t use any of the hotel’s facilities I can’t comment on how good they were, but the Wiang Inn has a tour office, an outdoor swimming pool, Thai massage, internet service and karaoke club.
Don’t be put off by the outside of the hotel which looks a bit dated because inside it is clean and well maintained. The key factor for me was the central location with the excellent night market just a few minutes walk away from the hotel. Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh are a bit further afield, but still within comfortable walking distance as are the Hill Tribe Museum and Cabbages and Condoms restaurant. If you want to go down to the river or see some of the other sites, tuk-tuks and songthaews are easy to get just outside the hotel on the Phaholyothin Road.
Recommended: Yes
Stay Again: Yes
Overall Marks (out of 10): 7.5
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