Cheeva Dee Hotel — Hotel in Chiang Mai Province

We spent four nights of our two and half week Thai holiday here in March 2020. We arrived via taxi following a flight from Bangkok (not far from the airport). The hotel itself is located on the west side of the old city and is just around from the Wat Phra Singh (Gold Temple). Most things are walking distance (we walked laps around the old city, although it’s a long walk). Lots of shops and facilities nearby including shops for snacks etc.

We were greeted then escorted up to our room which was located at the back of the hotel. We had a window that looked out onto the internal Corridor but no external windows. The room is large and spacious with a huge and beautifully decorated bathroom. The bed/pillows were super comfortable and the sheets were clean.

The pool area is great and is kept very clean. My only disappointment is that the area is heavily shaded by the over-hang of the rooms above. There is also very limited places to lie down (no loungers), but instead they have large seats/chairs.

There are push bikes available at the hotel to ride around, although we did not utilise these.

The breakfast was not included in our booking but we had it on our first morning at an extra cost. It was delicious! Fresh fruit, gorgeous healthy take on a full English and the staff attending at breakfast were wonderful! The coffee is great too!

In general staff as very polite and greet guests as they come and go. Very helpful with most general enquires etc. They seem to speak relatively good English.

If your staying over a weekend, the Sunday market is most definitely a must and is very close by! It goes on for miles! So much food to taste and traditional wears to look through.

I only have one negative that unfortunately makes this review a four rather than a five... and that is the school located opposite the hotel entrance. First thing in the morning, VERY LOUD music, singing and children screaming down a loud speaker is not how we wish to be woken. It is so unfortunate that this is the case as even though we were staying at the back of the hotel, we could still hear everything...

I am honourably giving this hotel five stars as way of encouragement. But do read on! This place is pristine clean and the room was large and comfortable. Mine had no windows but I was aware of that when booking. No issue. When I compared Cheeva Dee and the location with other higher rated hotels that I considered, I was convinced that Chreeva Dee was correct for me … quiet location near Preah Singh Temple. Sadly, no one has told the staff that they are in “hospitality” and service. When I arrived at 9,00 pm the “receptionist only told me I needed to pay (Booking.com) and pointed me to the lift. No welcome drink similar to daytime guests. What about “welcome to our hotel” or “I hope you enjoy yours stay”. Nothing! At breakfast I had a similar experience. The menu was placed in front of me and I indicated my choices. Off the server went and brought my food. Not a word. There are three members of staff in the dining room whose voices I never heard in five days. On day 3 a young lady asked me about the food. I was so shocked that I asked her why she had enquired. She explained people were writing bad reviews but never told them, personally. I am not surprised! Nobody engages. So I was relieved to have the opportunity to have a conversation with this young lady who told me she was at University and this was a part-time job. I talked about her Humanities course and future career. Strangely, she never asked one question about me!!! It may be a training issue. But the staff here appear to have no interest in “people”. Someone need to explain to these lovely people that hospitality is not just about clinically serving food and taking money. A hotel is more than decor and cleanliness - vital though these are. No, it is about the customer “experience” of welcome, warmth and ‘feeling at home’. Cheeva Dee staff keep reminding you that you are a ‘stranger in town’.|I hope my gracious and generous five star rating is accepted as an invocation to offer “service” in...

If you’re thinking about staying here, please read this review…

Wow! I have so much to say about Cheeva Dee. First of all, this is a wonderfully adorable and charming hotel. Being a new tourist to Thailand and Chiang Mai… it’s all I could have wanted. The attention to detail and customer service is absolutely superb. On my last day in Chiang Mai, they sent their staff to the one and only Khao Soi restaurant I wanted to eat at because it was my last and only opportunity to eat there (Khao Soi Mea Manee). I had driven there myself a couple times before but because they’re closed on Buddhist holidays, I wasn’t able to catch them while they were open. I emailed their staff from a tour that I was as a Hail Mary idea… and asked if picking it up for me was something they’d consider doing. Otherwise, they would have been closed by the time my tour ended. When I arrived from my tour, I had hot Khoa Soi waiting for me with all of the sides (crispy noodles, limes, chili, coconut milk, etc.) plated, ready for me to mix in to my liking. WOW that is customer service and shows just how special they treat their guests. Thank you Mr. Oat! You demonstrated yet again just how wonderful and welcoming the Thai people are. The photo attached was sent to me by the hotel; their staff with my Michelin Guide Khoa Soi.

It wasn’t only this experience though… everything was top notch for us. And I do feel like I have to address some of the not-great reviews I’ve read…

Yes, they have a window-less room that when all the lights are off, is absolutely pitch black. I thought I wouldn’t like it… but honestly, it helped us sleep so much better and acclimate to the time zone. It’s also advertised as a windowless room so for anyone who is upset about that, pay the extra baht for a different room. But don't complain about it.

I will be staying here again. And...