Hotel Yayee — Travel with the Allens

Hotel Yayee is a gem of a boutique located on a quiet side street to the East of the old gated city of Chiang Mai. The staff is warm and welcoming. The perks of staying there are many.

SS1254372 Cafe - The founder and builder wanted it to feel like "a quirky grandma's cozy spaceship"

For us, the hotel proved to be perfectly situated and I would argue that it puts any visitor in ideal proximity to the best that Chiang Mai has to offer. As soon as you step out the front door of the hotel and cross the lush patio garden to get to the street you are confronted with more than you would expect to find on such a mellow avenue. We found our favorite little cafe in Chiang Mai a block North of Yayee - SS1254372 Cafe is quickly becoming famous for the made-in-house toasts and delicious fruit sodas. Also, as you'll notice if you look them up on Instagram, you'd be hard pressed not to compose a beautiful picture in front of the quirky facade. Within a few blocks you can also take your pick from several local eateries, watering holes, and even mango ice cream specialty stores. However, I think the icing on the cake consists of a friendly and inexpensive massage parlor across the street from Hotel Yayee and an honest, helpful, and enthusiastic moped rental business down the main street.

You could probably spend most of your time in Chiang Mai within walking distance of the Hotel Yayee and have a lovely vacation, but then again, you could almost say that about the hotel itself. Hotel Yayee is built around an exposed central elevator shaft enclosed in glass and is, in my opinion, tastefully designed. The aesthetic is hip, but not over the top. I would describe the look as modern with definite retro and thai-inspired flair.

When we arrived at the hotel we were ushered over to the bar area and given a welcome tea to enjoy as we took care of our check-in paperwork. The welcoming didn't stop there. Up in our bright, airy room there were cold beers, wine, water bottles and snacks for us to enjoy (compliments of the hotel) as well as an invitation and free cocktail coupon to the rooftop bar. Rooftop bar? I love a good rooftop bar.

After a long day of dusty travel, and not being one to turn down an invitation to a rooftop bar, we hopped back on the elevator and rose the remaining 3 or so floors to rooftop. I shouldn't have been surprised at all given the hotel's interior, but the rooftop bar at the Hotel Yayee is stunning. During our time in Chiang Mai, I think Liz and I ended nearly every evening atop the hotel, looking out at the mountain, and sipping Thai versions of classic cocktails.

It's also worth mentioning that the food at the Hotel is basic, but quite good. The coffee is strong and tasty and there are great places to sit and hang out both inside and outside.

If you're going to Chiang Mai and looking for a home-base/oasis from which to strike out into the city and surround area, I can heartily recommend the Hotel Yayee.

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