Stayed at the Rarinjinda from 23-27 April 2008.
It is a beautiful, modern tropical, Lanna style hotel with typical asian landscaping (ponds, tropical plants, outdoor furniture, etc..).
It's located by the River Ping and is within walking distance (10-15 mins) to the Night Bazaar. However, after a while, we got lazy and took the tuk tuk back and forth. Just don't get charged more than 50 baht. All the tuk tuks we took quoted that price, only two tried to up it to 60 or 70 Bh which obviously we declined.
There isn't really much to do around the hotel per se, although there are some bars outside the hotel. But since we didn't check them out, I can't comment on them.

The good news:
The rooms are large (I took the regular Deluxe room), with the now ubiquitous open concept bathrooms. For those who are shy, don't worry, there are folding windows to block out the bathroom if needed.
The finishings are quite good, nothing to fault.
There's an inroom safe, so no worries about belongings.
There are enough English channels on TV so you won't get bored.
And for you internet addicts, there is free wifi in the whole hotel. You just have to get the password from the reception.
My friend tried out the spa and she said it was very good so I shall have to take her word on that.

The not so good news:
The water in the bathroom shower had two settings, cold and scalding. Never managed to get a right temperature.
There isn't really much of a view. The rooms are all facing the swimming pool. But on hindsight, this is probably a good thing as the area surrounding the hotel isn't exactly that picturesque so no point having a view to the exterior.
The wifi is a bit unstable and can be slow at times. But it was free so I ain't complaining =)
The staff didn't really understand English that much. Passable, but I had problems when making enquiries about tours, sites to see, etc. But they were nonetheless unceasingly polite and very friendly.

So would I stay there again? hmmm... not sure.
It IS a lovely place and the staff are wonderful so you wouldn't be making a big mistake by staying there. Maybe for me, am a bit desensitized to this type of setting, having been to simliar resorts in Bali, Phuket, Bintan, etc.. So I don't really have a lasting impression of the place other than it being rather peaceful and serene. If you want a relaxing place, this would be quite a good choice. But if you intend to do a lot of shopping at the Night Bazaar daily and want to avoid lugging your loot, you may want to stay a little bit closer to it. Maybe the D2 hotel? It looked kinda nice.

Rarinjinda has been recently completely remodeled with a big pool and Spa. The setting is beautiful and peaceful, the commmon rooms very well decorated with Thai artifacts. Our room, one of the Deluxe rooms, was big, airy, very clean, well appointed, mixing design and Thai colors.

The breakfast was good with croissants, toasts, eggs any style, cheese, cereals, yoghurt, juices, fresh fruits, waffle sticks and sticky rice coconut cups for the Thai touch.

The hotel is right outside the wall, very close to the night market, perfectly located and very quiet at night.

A perfect place to relax and enjoy the Thai hospitality!

Great choice in Chiang Mai. The reception is a 140 year old teak house and the staff always welcoming. The rooms are large, very comfortable and very tastefully decorated. The locations is great. Close to the river and five-ten mins walk to the night market and old city. The best part of the hotel is the amazing spa which has a wide range of very affordable treatments. RarinJinda is a wonderful place to stay in Chiang Mai and it comes highly recommended.

My stay at RarinJinda Wellness Spa was memorable, one I will never forget. Great mixture of modern accommodation and precious spa in a relaxing atmosphere. The hotel situated in an excellent location, with close access to the town centre (within walking distance) and superb view. The room, facilities and service were five-star at an affordable price. The staffs were very friendly with great service mind and unforgettable smile. The massage was most invigorating and relaxing. Professionalism and kindness of the therapists are truly admired.

One of the best hotels in Chiang Mai in my mind with its own unique characteristics…..large and comfortable rooms, homey feeling with only 35 rooms and a historical twist with the 140-years old Teak Wood house.

Highly recommended for those who want to experience the heaven on earth!!!