Arun Tara Hotel, Chiangmai hotels Thailand on thailandadviser.com

Is a true treasure for hotel aficionados and the traveling cognoscenti alike. Its British colonial design is complimented by Northern Thai influences that embrace the present while respecting the past. High ceilings sit above beautiful towering teak columns traditionally crafted by Thai tradesman. Each of the luxurious guest rooms is designed to offer stylish accommodation with an expansive open-plan living area and an abundance of room to relax and unwind while glancing over Chiang Mai's Mae Ping River - and all at affordable value for money pricing.

This stunning boutique hotel offers a choice of 22 Deluxe rooms, 2 Elephant Suites and 4 White Elephant Suites. The hotel has been designed with a minimalist fashion with each room providing a living space reflecting a unique colonial style; the perfect blend of Thai teak wood and Thai craftsmanship reviving a legacy of distinctiveness.

Dining at the Aruntara Hotel is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is outstanding with service to match. Those of you visiting on business are well catered for. There is a quiet work room for those who wish to carry on business while away and the superb recreational facilities allow one to keep fit whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Located in close proximity to an abundance of cultural attractions, Aruntara is Chiang Mai's finest boutique escape.

Set along the tranquil Mae Ping River bank in central Chiang Mai, Aruntara is a lavish boutique hotel offering 22 Deluxe rooms, 2 Elephant Suites and 4 majestic White Elephant Suites. Minimalist in design, each of the hotels rooms has its own unique color scheme which stems from the four elements of early Buddhism - Earth (brown), Wind (white), Fire (orange) and Water (blue). The walls are brought to life with the help of large abstract paintings and pieces of art from up and coming Thai artists. All the accommodation at Aruntara provides a living space reflecting a unique colonial style; the perfect blend of Thai teak wood and Thai craftsmanship reviving a legacy of distinctiveness. However, there is nothing vintage or antique about the amenities and service Aruntara provides. Each room contains cozy lounge seating to laze on while viewing a DVD through the state of the art flat screen TV or while surfing the net via the wireless broadband internet connection. A large writing desk, shimmering brass fittings, tiled floors, teak wood furnishings and marble bathroom tops are just a few of the lavish design extras you will discover in each of the rooms.

:: The White Elephant Suite (86 sq.m) ::

All four White Elephant Suites offer magnificent views over the Mae Ping Rive. The spacious balcony features a double daybed, while the bathrooms feature a generous sized bathtub and separate glass walled, dual pressure shower. You will also discover a large work desk in each room, flat screen TV and a DVD player.

* Two of our White Elephant Suits are located on the second floor, connected by a large private deck and are ideal for a large family looking for a touch more privacy.

The White Elephant Suite (2nd floor)

The White Elephant Suite (3rd floor)

:: The Elephant Suite (62 sq.m) ::

The two Elephant Suites comprise of a private balcony, spacious layout with daybed and separate bathtub and shower. These rooms also come with a large writing desk, flat screen TV and a DVD player.

:: Deluxe Room (40 sq.m) ::

All Deluxe rooms overlook the beautiful tree filled courtyard and have a spacious room layout with a freestanding rain shower and separate toilet. The rooms also come with a writing desk and flat screen TV.

Deluxe Suite - Non Smoking Room (18 rooms)

Deluxe Suite - Smoking Room (4 rooms on 1st floor)

Room Facilities
In room Safe DVD player TV Mini Bar Coffee and tea making facilities Individually controlled air conditioning	Satellite TV Bathrobes Work desk Room service Dual pressure hot shower

At The Tara Restaurant traditional Thai specialties and western culinary creations are complemented with an extensive drinks list helping to present a truly diversified dining experience. Sit outdoors and watch life on the river float by or stay cool and be seated inside the air-conditioned dinning room. Sabai Sabai (meaning 'take it easy') is a Thai saying that you are bound to hear a lot of during your break at this quant boutique abode.

Outdoor Function Area

Aruntara not only offers a fine dining venue, business and recreational facilities but also a function area. The grass lawn at the front of the hotel, on the Mae Ping River bank, also serves as a private function area with a capacity to seat 120 people (standing = 250). This is popular for weddings and cocktail parties thanks to its private river bank location and soothing vibe.

Tea room

It is a room adorned in simplicity, yet captivating, making it perfect for a soothing rest. This Tea room comprises of various flavors of tea for your selection, and is brewed by employees whom had been properly trained by specialists in tea. Further more; our sweet-smelling bakery is also ideal for having alongside with tea. This Tea room comes amid a relaxing ambiance, with approximately 5 tables / 20 seats on the inside, and approximately 3 tables/12 seats on the terrace.

Swimming Pool

(The pool is located in the hotel's garden on the Mae Ping River bank).

Souvenir shop

The shop offers a broad selection of arts and handicrafts sourced from various locations throughout Asia; a selection of hotel amenities are also available.

Recreation

Re-energizing body and mind is the theme of all the activities arranged by the Aruntara and other specialized operators. Chiang Mai is considered by many as a quaint, traditional and somewhat spiritual city, in truth Chiang Mai City has developed into a modern, cosmopolitan and chic mini metropolis, and a smaller but much prettier alternative to Bangkok. With the existence of many temples, of which there are more than 300, this gives the city a genuinely traditional Thai ambiance. There are various activities around Chiang Mai and its neighboring provinces to enjoy such as a trip to Phrathat Doi Suthep temple. The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is located 15 km from Aruntara and is a must see for all visitors to Chiang Mai.

Other interesting activities:

Visiting Chiang Mai's Wats (Temples)

For those also seeking a rich cultural experience but closer to town, visits to some of the famous Chiang Mai temples are a must. Most of the temples are located in the old city, the most significant are Wat Chiang Man, Wat Pra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. You can easily rent a bike or (if it's cool enough) walk to the majority of these temples.

Trekking

Many people come to Chiang Mai and its neighboring provinces to go trekking and for good reason, just out of town are a number of spectacular treks waiting to be experienced. You can go in a group, hire a private guide or if you like (and have adequate experience) go completely independently.

Hilltribes

Close by are accessible hill tribe settlements including Karen, Lisu, Lahu, Shan, Akha, Hmong, Palong and Mien Tribes. Their settlements are scattered all around the huge expanse of the Chiang Mai province. The ambiance within these villages is certainly one of harmony, and they definitely don't seem to be opposed to tourists coming to visit, but do bear in mind that these are real villages with real people, so please give them the respect they deserve and dress accordingly. Before heading off in pursuit of the hill tribes a good place to begin your observation of the different ethnic cultures experienced in this region is by visiting the Tribal Museum Featured are an array of handicrafts made by the tribal people themselves, and general background information regarding their cultures.

Aruntara is an elegant retreat offering all the pleasures of hotel living in the heart of a historical city. The hotel is idyllically located on the Mae Ping River bank, just 5 minutes drive from the famous "Night Bazaar" and 5 Kilometers from Chiang Ma International Airport.