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The Bodhi Serene Hotel has been open more than a year and still looks completely new, occupying a rather surprising location near Ratchaphakhirai Road, right in old Chiang Mai.

Not far away are the Walking Street Market and the Tha Pae Gate. Its own little road has none of the bustle of those that surround it, though.

The hotel stands out with its beautiful Lanna terracottatile roof thrusting into the blue sky. Guests park right out front, walk through a small wooden door and enter a warm and welcoming lobby.

The first impression is a good blend of Lanna and modern design, so it's no surprise to learn that the designer was one of Thailand top architects, Jultat Kittibutra.

Bodhi trees grow within the hotel compound, giving the place its name, and of serenity there is plenty.

Each of the 38 room has its own balcony facing the lush garden in the central courtyard, away from the din of life beyond the premises.

There are 27 deluxe rooms, six executive rooms, four onebedroom suites and one twobedroom suite.

A deluxe room is 40 square metres and comfortable enough to live in permanently, especially at Bt3,500 in the winter.

The twobedroom suite is a sprawling 116sqm, with a wellequipped kitchen and spacious lounge, big enough for a family dinner or an evening of television.

If you love darkwood floors and alldark wood furnishings, the classicmodern style is bound to appeal.

All of the rooms have basrelief carvings on the wall, adding a touch of the exotic. The bathtubs are huge, and there are 32inch LCD televisions, DVD/MP3 players, work desks, minibars, hair dryers, highspeed Internet access and an IDD telephone system.

The lighting inside is cosy and pleasant, and the lateafternoon sun makes the balcony a lovely place to sit and read.

The hotel itself is small, but not the swimming pool. It's on the first floor, next to the Bodhi Restaurant.

Guests have breakfast each morning in a separate dining area adjoining the courtyard, where you can contemplate the sound of a waterfall and watch the bodhi tree grows.

AT A GLANCE

High point: A private and elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai's old quarter

Low point: Limited parking

Find it: 110 Ratchaphakhinai Road, Prasingh, Muang District, Chiang Mai 50200

Book it: (053) 903 900 or reservations@bodhiserene.com

Browse it: www.BodhiSereneHotel.com