ASIA Travel Tips.com

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For years Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, was home to just one major international standard five star hotel or resort, The Four Seasons, which was previously known as The Regent Chiang Mai. This exclusivity though, is fast becoming something of the past.

Recently the unique destination in itself, the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, opened its doors or villas to be more precise, and more major five star resort and hotel operators are staking their claim on the growing number of five star business and leisure travellers to the city. Sheraton may well dispute what we have just said, but what was previously the Westin is very much a standard 'city' style hotel and we would rate it more upper four star than a true five star product.

If you are a beach person, then Chiang Mai is not the right place for you as it is inland and does not offer a beach. Some of the resorts in Chiang Mai though have managed to achieve a true resort feel, where you can be left wondering which way the beach is.

While it took some time for the five star brands to open in Chiang Mai, there are many mid-market hotels such as the Amari Rincome Chiang Mai,  Imperial Chiang Mai, Novotel Chiang Mai, Royal Princess Chiang Mai to name but a few.

Below we offer a selection of reviews of some of the best hotels in Chiang Mai.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai - Sister property to the infamous Oriental Bangkok, this unique property is still in soft opening with full completion expected end October 2005. The resort is quite simply incredible in terms of architecture and its ability to create a true resort ambience. Read our Review of the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai. See Pictures of the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai.

D2 Hotel Chiang Mai - a recently opened contemporary hotel managed by Dusit Hotels & Resorts. Full review to come soon. See pictures, special rates from the D2 Hotel Chiang Mai.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai - Formerly The Regent Chiang Mai, this special resort for years was the only true five star option in Chiang Mai, and due to its forward thinking design has been on more magazine covers than we could name. Full review of this unique property to come soon. Check Rates and Availability at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai.

We will be adding more hotel reviews so be sure to check back.