Our stay was a delight. Problems in other reviews seemed to focus on the noise from chickens...but it was sooo quiet otherwise that you could hear a feather drop! Pool is lovely -but not for serious swimming-and library with internet access a treat. Our meals at the restaurant were not all that....but convenient, as otherwise a trip to center of town could get complicated. Taxi drivers do not know where to turn...not even for the Mandarin Oriental!! JUst the place for relaaaxing I would recommend especially as a delightful break from too much siteseeing, shopping and hopping around. Wonderful staff made us feel that any request was easy and fun, and fellow guests were similarly mellow, polite and laidback. Mosquitoes....just be prepared with Autan or similar.and they will keep a respectful distance CM is on a river, and that canal round the old city...what do you expect?....its a part of nature and a gorgeous nature it is too.

If you want to avoid the crowds and tour buses and get a feeling of true Thai hospitality, I highly recommend this small boutique hotel. We have been traveling to Thailand for business for almost 20 years and are always looking for a place to feel pampered and welcomed at the end of a long (hot) day. If you are heading for Chiangmai for the night market and the crowds, stay in town. Although the hotel is about a 10 minute taxi ride into the city center, it is just across the road from the well know Mandarin Oriental hotel so there is variety if you have a long visit and want to walk to other places to eat or shop.

The hotel was just a year old when we arrived but felt like it was built in true Lanna style years ago. You are greeted by a bubbling turtle fountain in the courtyard, and a gentle greeting from one of the friendly staff members. Jaree, the hotel manager performed the check-in procedure, then escorted us to our Deluxe room.

The room was spacious and light filled and updated with all the appropriate furnishings necessary to either relax or work. For me a work desk and an Internet connection are a must, and both were provided in the room in addition to a computer in the library if you needed it. Our room also had a flat panel TV and DVD player (free movie selection in the library), a Jacuzzi tub big enough for two to relax comfortably, separate shower and commode. No detail was missed as far as international 5 star standards are concerned.

If you are require a gym or nearby place to take a morning run, this may not be the best hotel for you. There is a lovely lap pool, but no other facilities for exercise. Although the hotel is in a quiet neighborhood just off the main freeway, once you leave the street your morning run, you will be on a major highway with the accompanying traffic and pollution. Besides…unless you are out and back before 6 am, it’s too hot to jog!

There is one difficult noise issue, and that is the healthy neighborhood rooster population. It may (probably will) awaken you each morning, but the staff is happy to provide ear plugs if that will help. That’s one of the drawbacks of a rural hotel site, but after the first morning we were not bothered by it.

We enjoyed dinner one evening in the dining room. My rack of lamb, and my husband's duck breast were executed to perfection. Service by the friendly staff was impeccable. We were glad to have a cooked to order breakfast instead of the usual buffet of breads and fruit.

We would definitely stay here again, and recommend it highly!

To be put simply, this hotel is fabulous for three reasons: the size, the aura, and the staff.

The size: The Bann Tazala is a small hotel with eight rooms. However, don't equate lack of rooms with lack of quality! The limited space allows each guest to feel as if they are the only guests present. Chain-smoking guests, noisy neighbors, and loud parties are all avoided in this exclusive lodging. Each guest feels as if this hotel was built for them alone.

The aura: A bit of Old China comes alive in this hotel. The architecture and interior have a Chinese flare that creates an exotic twist for guests. Each room is beautifully furnished and unique in design. Furniture, paintings, rugs, etc. all fit the style of each individual room and it is quite evident much planning was put into decoration. Even the French restaurant (fabulous food!), seems to fit right into the scence and further enhance the romance and peaceful aura of this hotel.

The staff: As others have commented, the staff at the Bann Tazala are simply amazing. Various staff members have offered to aid me in Thai lessons, teach me Thai dancing, and show me around Chiang Mai. The owners themselves invest much time and effort into their hotel with laudable results. They are both highly approachable and more than willing to go the extra mile in making your stay one for the memory books.

If you are ever in Thailand, avoid the crowds of Bangkok and come to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai and stay at the Bann Tazala.

What a delightful visit! We very much enjoyed our time at this lovely luxurious hotel! the room were so comfortable and well appointed. We especially enjoyed the Bedding and large Jacuzzi tub. Finally, the staff were fantastic.. helpful, courteous, and kind. We will most certainly recommend this hotel to friends.

Woah! That is more than at Farang Ses. Bann Tazala Restaurant. Exquisite French cuisine is served in Bann Tazala Restaurant's intimate and inimitable setting. Richly decorated with warm bold colours and accented with elegant Oriental object d'art, this sixteen seat restaurant is suitable for small groups or serious romance. Imaginative cuisine, although limited in range, is alluring and constantly evolving. Highly recommended are the Tazala Salad, a combination of green salads, salmon and marinated coriander; Clear Guinea Fowl Soup with Goose Liver which comes with freshly baked bread and Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Goose Liver Sauce. Lovely French food - limited seating, limited menu - in nice intimate setting and not bad price at all (1200 for three courses). Wines started at less than a thousand I think.

We wil come back soon. Thanks again.!"