I'm staying in Chiang Mai next week, and am having a devil of a job finding a hotel I know that is not full. All the places I usually stay are not available. I've found availability at the Prince Hotel (900 Bhat) and the Royal Orchid (1,700 Bhat). Has anyone stayed at either of these? Does the price difference reflect a quality difference. Reviews are not wonderful on either place, but I guess both are adequate. Prefer something quieter and handy for getting around Chiang Mai, but providing it's clean and has halpful staff and a reasonable breakfast that's about all I'd ask. Any opinions?

Thanks

Artamus

Stayed at the Prince 3 years back and it was OK but certainly leaning towards basic but staff were fine. I pass there most days I'm in town and it certainly appears the same from the outside. Its slightly off the beaten track but only 5 mintes walk to Night market etc. Royal Orchid is certainly a step up as the price suggests and centrally located. Personally I'd spend the 1700baht.

Stayed at the Prince 3 years back and it was OK but certainly leaning towards basic but staff were fine. I pass there most days I'm in town and it certainly appears the same from the outside. Its slightly off the beaten track but only 5 mintes walk to Night market etc. Royal Orchid is certainly a step up as the price suggests and centrally located. Personally I'd spend the 1700baht.

Royal Orchid is a very good hotel (i Have stayed there on many occasions) It is well located next to Central Shopping complex with easy availability to transport. Have never stayed at the Prince but I do not like the location

Stayed at the Prince 3 years back and it was OK but certainly leaning towards basic but staff were fine. I pass there most days I'm in town and it certainly appears the same from the outside. Its slightly off the beaten track but only 5 mintes walk to Night market etc. Royal Orchid is certainly a step up as the price suggests and centrally located. Personally I'd spend the 1700baht.

Royal Orchid is a very good hotel (i Have stayed there on many occasions) It is well located next to Central Shopping complex with easy availability to transport. Have never stayed at the Prince but I do not like the location

Many thanks for the replies. Unfortunately the ORchid is now also full. Following advice above I thought I'd skip the PRince. I've found room availability at the Pornping Tower near the river. Does anyone have any first hand experience of the Pornping Tower? Does it have car parking facilities? (I have a rental).

Thanks

Artamus

Does anyone have any first hand experience of the Pornping Tower? Does it have car parking facilities? (I have a rental).

Thanks

Artamus

Haven't stayed in the Pornping but used to spend a lot of time in the two discos connected to it and there are very large parking areas there.

Does anyone have any first hand experience of the Pornping Tower?

Yes, and it was quite acceptable.