The Pimann Inn host mostly Thai's - not westerners - so your visit will feel a bit more authentic. Chiang Rai is way-more relaxed than Chiang Mai, and is very much a "Thai" place for the time being.

I'd like to repay the kindness I felt from the staff during my 2 month stay (Thanks Mr. Suwit!) - thus the 5 stars. It's very safe and secure, but not for everyone though.

The Pimann Inn is a good 20 minute walk from downtown, and over numerous curbs and such, so this might not be ideal for you. Also, you'll be sleeping on Thai beds which are a bit hard. (It's what I found everywhere, though.) However, if you want to hang out with the locals more, get a free Thai breakfast and enjoy nice walks along the old airport runway, this is the place. There's golf within walking distance. A tuk-tuk into town will cost you about 60 bahts.

There's a fitness center, a nice salt water pool, breakfast and wifi - all included.

This hotel was prebooked for me for one night. I understand that there was some big government conference on in Chiang Rai and nearly all the hotels were booked out. My very first impressions was that the place was filthy and when I got to my room there was dust and cobwebs everywhere - the bed linen appeared to be clean but then again one would wonder!

Thorougly enjoyed my "fitness escape" here for a few days. Gorgeous, large infinity pool, often mostly empty. Excellent fitness centre. 2-minute walk from old airport which has been turned into a municipal park where you can jog/walk/bike along the mile-long former runway, and features a small golf course, driving range, and play area for kids.

650baht got me 2 free breakfast coupons and free access to fitness centre/pool.

Only a Thai breakfast is included with the room. I paid 20baht extra for 2 fried eggs.

Restaurant also serves meals throughout the day.

Room was clean and large, but not carpetted. Excellent air conditioning. Several TV channels including 3 English-language movie channels.

Laundry prices at hotel were quite reasonable, rather than horribly inflated prices at most hotels I've visited. Also, a free Internet computer was located in the lobby.

BEWARE: 1. Hotel is about 2km from night market and "city buzz", and there are only very small restaurants in the area near the hotel. I rented a bike (80baht/day) to get into town. 2. Friendly taff spoke very limited English, but we were eventually able to communicate. 3. No international phone service from hotel. 4. Busloads of visitors arrived both weekends I was there. 5. Some days numerous young kids would visit the pool around 1230pm -- perhaps for an hour or so.

I would stay at this hotel again if I were on a "fitness holiday". However, for those interested only in convenience to the town centre and night bazaar, the location may be a bit inconvenient.