I just visited Chiangmai over the last few days in early January. The weather was cool, especially in the hills but the temperature fluctuates to a high of close to 30 degree celsius in mid-day, as the sun is really sunny.

Stayed at this local boutique resort called Krisadoi Aprime Resort. It is located in Hang Dong at around 700 metres above sea level. Wanted to share that the resort is still pretty much undergoing development, although it was not clearly indicated in its website. All of its latest buildings i.e. Spa, fitness centres and colonial villas are not even half ready and the website actually states ready by end 2005. I felt that was quite misleading and was disappointed when I arrived.

Just an account of my experience in Krisadoi Aprime:

Accomodation:
Little huts which were pretty new and relatively well equipped. Pretty self contained and considered comfortable. Decor pretty much lanna style--worth mentioning that there is a wooden tub in place of a normal bath tub. The huts were located in clusters and were rather quiet especially at night.

Hotel Service:
There was much to improve in this area. The English proficiency of the hotel staff was limited and you could not possibly get past a decent question and answer session. The reception/guest service counter closes at 5pm, a bizzare phenomenon (I never thought that hotel receptions are ever closed!). I was particularly frustrated in the lack of English speaking staff and had tremendous difficulties organizing my day tours. I was also unable to get any decent day tour recommendations and arrangements out of the reception. The reception even forgot to schedule (its one and only hotel van) during my transfer to the airport today! On a few occasions (due to the limited English), they communicated the wrong prices for the day tours!

Surroundings:
Krisadoi has a big beautiful garden that is well maintained.

Recommendation:

NOT for non-thai speaking tourists. Certainly worth a day visit to take a look at the gardens. However, for the price I paid ( $250USD for 3 nights), it was a very disappointing place to stay in, especially there were no facilities (even a swimming pool or library or internet access) to speak of.

Krisdadoi Chiang Mai was ok. The rooms were nice and rather new although there wasn't much to do at the hotel. It has some half-constructed rooms behind the stream. The scenery looks as good as the internet pictures and as the postcards. Lots of flowers, nicely-landscaped and the service was Ok. The staff didn't speak very good English, so at times, it was rather difficult to get a point across.

The food was ok - average, not your international standard but still well-cooked, local style.

Overall, I would give it for rooms 8/10, but an overall rating of 7/10 for the hotel because of the lack of activities around the hotel.