De Lanna Boutique Hotel

44 Intawarorot Rd., T.Sriphum Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, 053-326278-9, www.delannahotel.com
Surrounded by old residential buildings and temples on Chiang Mai’s Intawarorot Rd., this boutique hotel blends seamlessly into the neighborhood. A contemporary Lanna-style runs through all 35 rooms which open onto each other, at the expense of privacy. If you happen to stay till Sunday evening, a five-minute walk from the hotel gets you to Chiang Mai’s very popular (and packed) Sunday Walking Street on Thapae Rd. Rates are from B2,340 until Oct 31.
Here comes the rain: Free WiFi and free DVD player available.

Ping Nakara Hotel and Spa

135/9 Charoenprathet Rd., T. Changklan, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, 053-252999
Chiang Mai’s latest boutique accommodation references King Rama V throughout its exquisite 19 rooms housed in a stunning white three-story building. Apart from the poolside restaurant, the Nakara Spa promises treatments by Aryuvedic expert Dr. Rajeev Marvah (who, they say, also works for Mandarin Oriental Dara Dhevi Spa). Introductory rates are from B3,060.
Here comes the rain: Try their “drinking checkers game” where losers get a shot of vodka or tequila (B890/game) or the smaller tic-tac-toe (B490/game).

Baan Say-La

4-4/1 Nimmanhaemin Rd., Soi 5, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, 053-894229, www.baansaylaguesthouse.com
On a budget? Check in at this tiny guesthouse on Nimmanhaemin Soi 5. A sister hotel of The Yesterday (www.yesterday.co.th), Baan Say-La adopts a vintage style much closer to the present day. (Let’s say early 80s.) Don’t expect anything fancy but the location, a very short walk to Nimmanhaemin Rd., is great. Rates are B500 (fan) to B950 (air-con).
Here comes the rain: The third floor has a chill-out alfresco balcony with a view of the quiet side of Nimmanhaemin.

The Puka Boutique Resort

17/4 Moo 6, Tambon Mae Pu Kha district, San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai 5013, 053-965326
It takes a little more effort to get to Puka, as it is located in the middle of the paddy fields in Sankampaeng, 13km from Chiang Mai town center, but once you’re there, you’ll discover a nice spot for some real relaxation. Owned by a singer who’s also an interior designer, Puka’s style is a perfect match between comfortable amenities and traditional Lanna touches. The main dual-story shophouse-style building houses six guestrooms, all decked out with different themes and styles ranging from Chinese to Zen. The two-night package is B4,500 for two persons.
Here comes the rain: Despite its location, the resort offers free roundtrip transfers to town as well as several activities, from cooking classes to Thai massage, to keep people entertained. If you’re lucky enough to run into the owner, ask him to give you a song.

MoRooms

263/1-2 Tapae Rd., Chang Klan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, 053-280789, www.morooms.com
You could miss this artsy accommodation altogether but it’s right on Thapae Rd., near Thapae Gate. Past the little green gate, MoRooms offers 12 rooms designed according to a Chinese zodiac theme by 12 different artists. Each room definitely has its own identity: a tiny wooden space in the Rat room, a bathroom with a snake-skin like floor in the Snake room or a one-meter-high bed in the Ox room. It’s clearly more about the experience than comfort and amenities. Rates are from B3,200 for the Rabbit, Horse, Tiger and Rat rooms until Sep 30.
Here comes the rain: Free WiFi is available, or get wet in the salt water pool.