I visited Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and was looking for a small, quiet, and charming hotel close to the center, with a breakfast buffet and an affordable price. After reading several reviews, I decided to book Villa Lantara on trip.com, where I found a great deal.
There were also similar good offers on Booking.com and Agoda but this time I decided to book it from trip.com.
Location:
Upon arrival, I immediately appreciated the calm atmosphere and warm welcome. The location was practical, less than 15 minutes from the airport, about a 10-minute walk from the old town, surrounded by restaurants, and close to the weekend night markets.
Chiang Mai is a vibrant and popular destination in Thailand, full of tourists and accommodation options of all kinds. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to the center, and cheaper options often come with noise or distance compromises. For me, Villa Lantara offered the perfect balance, conveniently located yet peaceful.
Within walking distance, you’ll find many restaurants, temples, and the lively weekend night markets (open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in different locations). For longer trips, taxis and songthaews are easily available on the main street, and Grab service works perfectly.
Warm Hospitality:
I stayed for three nights and truly enjoyed my time at Villa Lantara. From the moment I arrived, the staff were consistently kind, welcoming, and helpful, a real highlight of my stay. The receptionist kindly explained that no one is on duty overnight, but guests receive a door code and an emergency phone number, which made me feel both safe and independent.
Architecture and Facilities:
The building has an elegant old-Chinese architectural style with lots of beautiful wood details, even though it’s only around five years old. There’s a small lift for luggage, but guests typically use the stairs, which wasn’t an issue for me. Luggage is handled efficiently by the staff: they deliver your bags to your room upon arrival and pick them up upon departure if left by the door.
The Bedroom:
I booked a Standard Double Room, and it exceeded my expectations. My room, located at the back of the building, was extremely quiet, perfect for a good night’s sleep. The room was spacious and tastefully decorated with Chinese-style wooden furniture, a comfortable queen-size bed, and excellent cleanliness, with daily housekeeping service. I appreciated there was lots of space, especially to store my luggage.
I also appreciated the generous amenities, including two free bottles of water and two cans of soda (Sprite or Coca-Cola) every day.
Bathroom:
The bathroom was impressively large and featured a spacious rain shower, easily big enough for a small family! The design was clean and functional, adding to the comfort of the stay.
Breakfast:
If there’s one area that could use some improvement, it’s the breakfast. The buffet selection is modest, and guests can choose one hot dish separately. The quality was fine but not exceptional compared to the rest of the experience. However, the food was freshly prepared, and the staff’s kindness made breakfast still pleasant.
Overall Impression:
Overall, I had a very pleasant and comfortable stay at Villa Lantara. The hotel’s charm, welcoming staff, and ideal location make it an excellent choice for travelers seeking quiet comfort in the heart of Chiang Mai. I would happily stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
