Hellop   I hope to arrive in Chiang Mai around the middle of July, and would like to know if any one can recommend a Hotel or Furnished Apt. I would like to start with 2 months rental, and then see how it goes. Say, no more than 10 Km from the city center. A pool would be great but not mandatory.

Between 8500 to 10,000 Baht per month, not including utilities. I'm looking around online, but I'm hoping someone can recommend something based on personal experience.   Thanks

Take a look at Smith Residence. 

Lots of places in Chiang Mai around that money ....  when you arrive check into a hotel for a week and look around ....  it's much better to see for yourself ...  then you can decide.

Lots of people are comfortable with Hillside 4, at the Nimman area. Close to 2 malls, they have cleaning service, laundry machines, pool. Lots of people have hate for it too (usually people who haven't stayed there). 

There are plenty of guesthouses that will have a weekly or monthly rate for you - especially in July... As recommended above, I also usually recommend Smith Residence to people as a good place to start. 

 

The rental market is definitely a buyers market and from what I have seen, people stumble into great deals, but it takes time and timing. 

Being in the city is a much better way to get started than what might look like nicer resort style living that is out of town and far lonelier... 

 

Another thing is that most of the condominiums have bulletin boards and will have apartments listed there  rather than the internet. So, it takes some leg work which should be fun as you can wander and get to know the city... 

7 hours ago, hspace said:

Lots of people are comfortable with Hillside 4, at the Nimman area. Close to 2 malls, they have cleaning service, laundry machines, pool. Lots of people have hate for it too (usually people who haven't stayed there). 

Hi H - I have been in the building several times. I did see a fairly nice apartment there, but the building ??? The dark unlit hallways... the large commercial lobby floor, mostly vacant and poorly lit was all rather depressing. And the parking area, the spaces could not be any tighter and the staff there seemed a bit unpleasant, a bit rough. 

 

The location is great and even the pool looked nice, but it was one of the most depressing buildings I have been in... 

3 hours ago, kenk24 said:

Hi H - I have been in the building several times. I did see a fairly nice apartment there, but the building ??? The dark unlit hallways... the large commercial lobby floor, mostly vacant and poorly lit was all rather depressing. And the parking area, the spaces could not be any tighter and the staff there seemed a bit unpleasant, a bit rough. 

 

The location is great and even the pool looked nice, but it was one of the most depressing buildings I have been in... 

I agree that the main foyer area is in need of a complete make over.  It is a bit dark and dingy albeit outdated.

 

I found the car park area a good asset if you have a condo or are renting there. The staff in the car park are always happy to help you and the area set aside for bikes is good too.

 

If renting I'd go for the Eastern side during the hotter months as the West side gets the afternoon sun which really turns a condo into a right sweat box (Unless you want to pay for an AC to run nonstop).

 

HS4 is a good spot. But if you want to get out and about its easiest with a scooter. Lots of songthew pass by just out front so that's an other option.

 

As others have said...shop around. Find an area you like and don't be afraid to haggle.