My family of 4 plans to stay one day/one night in Chiang Mai. I am looking for personal recommendations for a nice hotel or resort in the city, perhaps near the river. Willing to spend up to 3000-4000 THB, but less would be nice as long as it is comfortable and in a convenient location to city center, or alternatively not too far from the zoo. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

So many nice places to stay for under your budget -depends on what part of town you would like to be in. But where ever you decide to stay DO NOT stay at the De Naga Hotel. Was there in September and had an awful time with them.

You might try U Chiang Mai - at the upper end of your budget but chances are you can nego price down.

Seconded on U Chiang Mai. Nice place

http://www.uhotelsresorts.com/chiang-mai/

I just ( yesterday) returned from Chiang Mai.Have stayed 6 nights /days at the IMPERIAL MAE PING .

Have been there many times , everytime FULL satisfaction! Very oustanding breackfast , standart rooms , bathroom could use some renovation , but o.k. ,4 restaurants at very reasonable rates , beer garden etc. etc. Very reasonable rates , but....... by the internet!!!

Before the Mae ping stayed many times at Chiang Mai Plaza , also not bad but it is getting a little " outdated ' and under maintained.

The Mae ping is very centraly located to night bazar etc.

Enjoy !!!!!!!

Josef

Le Meridien were doing rooms around the 3k range (probably not now) and that's right in the thick of it and one of the highest quality. On a different tack and with a veritable rural setting, yet within the city, is Yaang Come Village, just south of the Night Bazaar.

30 Minutes away you can stay at Chiangmai Spa Resort, for 3,000night and upwards (or negotiate rate).This is a place near Prem International School in a stunning natural environment with 2 chlorine free pools, Saunas, Steam rooms, very good affordable massages (from 400 Baht, same quality as at 5 star spas), and one of the best Healthy Cuisine Restaurants in Chiangmai, only open one year. Website www.thesparesorts.net

They have shuttle service to the airport. And it's easy to get to Chiangmai. Why breathe the bad air, if you can relax somewhere else close to Chiangmai.

Thanks everyone! I will check all those leads out. Haven't made a decision yet, so if anyone has anything to add it will be much appreciated.