- Little Shelter Hotel is a boutique hotel with just 14 rooms as well as a restaurant and bar.
- Opening in 2019, the unique hotel is located on a quiet side street in the historic city of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city.
- The hotel overlooks the leisurely Ping River, which meanders through the heart of Chiang Mai. And Old Chiang Mai is nearby.
- All rooms at the charming have enclosed balconies overlooking the river.
In This Post
The Back Story
I spent several nights in Bangkok, a city I had been to many times in the past. But this would be my first trip to Chiang Mai, a city I had heard many good things about. But for one reason or another, I was never able to make a trip to a historic city that is favoured by many travelers for its numerous temples and shrines.
Following 10 days in Bangkok, I took a taxi to Suvarnabhumi International Airport to catch a flight to Chiang Mai. The flight on VietAir took roughly one hour.
I was originally only going to spend one week in Chiang Mai. But as fate would have it, I made a mistake when I booked a flight to my next destination, which was going to be Phuket. So I ended up spending a full month in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city. Established in 1296, it was the capital the ancient Lanna Kingdom. With a population of 1.2 people, Chiang Mai is 700 kilometers (435 miles) north Bangkok. Located in a mountainous region, it can be reached by air, automobile, bus, or train. I flew there by VietAir.
My stay at Little Shelter Hotel was sponsored by Secret Retreats, a collection of unique properties and experiences.
Click HERE for a video walkthrough of my room at Little Shelter Hotel in Chiang Mai.
Little Shelter Hotel – Overview
Little Shelter Hotel is a boutique hotel in the truest sense of the word. With just 14 rooms, it has a distinct personality thanks to its stunning architecture and striking interior design. Located on back street a five to 10 minute walk from the main road, it well off the beaten tourism track. Most importantly, it overlooks the leisurely Ping River.
Upon arrival at Little Shelter Hotel, I was served a delicious welcome drink in the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Then I was left to my own devices to check out the hotel and explore the neighborhood
The Accommodation – Little Shelter Hotel
A boutique hotel in the most literal sense of the word, Little Shelter has just 14 rooms, including a spacious suite. They run from 24 to to 49 square meters, accommodating from two to four people. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, rain showers, and enclosed balconies. Best of all, the balconies have views of the Ping River, which bisects the city.
Little Shelter Hotel has 10 cozy little rooms with king or twin beds . And they can sleep up to three people.
In addition, there are three little comfy rooms, which have a king-size bed and a day bed. These rooms can sleep up to three people.
Finally, there is a little happy suite, which occupies the entire fourth floor. Perfect for couples wanting extra space or families, it has a lounge and a bedroom.
The suite has a king bed and a large daybed, which can be converted into two single beds. To clarify, it can accommodate up to four people.
All of the rooms at Little Shelter Hotel feature cutting-edge interior design. The walls and ceiling are clad in reflective silver and black acrylic shingles.
The bathrooms at Little Shelter Hotel are clad in small black tiles, creating a breathtaking Art Deco effect. With the exception of the top-floor suite, they all feature spacious walk-in showers. The suite has a freestanding round bathtub.
The enclosed balconies are one of the highlights of the rooms and suite at Little Shelter. The balconies are large enough to accommodate tables for two. Why not call room service? Most importantly, the balconies have bucolic views of the tranquil Ping River.
The Food and Beverage – Little Shelter Hotel
Sip@Ping Restaurant and Bar doubles as lobby for Little Shelter. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it features local dishes with a contemporary twist. Most impressive, it feature a four-story high Boh-Srang umbrella installation, which is dramatically reflected on the cafe’s shiny tabletops.
In addition to the stunning indoor space, there is a quiet outdoor space with tables and chairs as well as daybeds, which overlook the banks of the river and the swimming pool.
The menu draws on traditional Northern Thai cuisine for inspiration, and local ingredients are used as much as possible. But the cooking style and presentation is distinctly contemporary. And the Lanna style tapas are perfect for sharing.
I had breakfast at Sip@ping on both mornings of my two-night stay. And I particularly liked the home-made foot-long sausages served at breakfast.
The Location – Little Shelter Hotel
Little Shelter – 208/25 Lumphun road, Wat Ket, Amphur Mueang, Chiang Mai 50000 , Thailand.
Little Shelter Hotel is located on the eastern bank of Ping River, directly opposite the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral.
The hotel is six kilometers from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and three kilometers from Chiang Mai Train Station.
Specialty coffees as well as classic and signature cocktails round out the menu. There is also a carefully curated wine list.
The Verdict
LIttle Shelter Hotel was the perfect hotel for someone wanting to get away from it all. The balcony with a view of the very nice. And I loved the cooked-to-order breakfasts.
Secret Retreats
Little Shelter Hotel is a member of Secret Resorts, which is a collection of unique properties and experiences – including boutique hotels, villas, cruises, restaurants, and exclusive itineraries – throughout Asia. It is a community built by independent owners and chefs to share resources and ideas.
Together, they offer guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to connect to the very heart of Asian culture and traditions. Secret Retreats Members are vibrant advocates of their surroundings and passionate about sharing special moments with travelers curious to discover the “essence of Asia”.
All properties and experiences also emphasize supporting local communities, environments and sustainability efforts in which they are based to ensure continued opportunities for both locals and travelers for years to come. Learn more here: Secret Retreats.
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