Hotel Review: Art Mai Gallery Hotel in Chiang Mai

Booked a trip to Chiang Mai and looking for a great place to stay? There are plenty of accommodation choices across the city, but I personally love staying in Nimman, it's just got such a vibe!

Want to find out if staying at Art Mai Gallery Hotel in Chiang Mai is worth it? Read on!

Nestled in the heart of the trendy Nimman neighborhood in Chiang Mai, the Art Mai Gallery Hotel redefines boutique accommodation with gallery-inspired rooms featuring artworks from renowned Thai artists.

Having had the privilege of staying there on my latest visit to Chiang Mai, I can say, it's a great place to lay your head in one of the best locations in Nimman. While the hotel is listed as a 5-star property on Booking.com, note that this score is given by the hotel itself, and I'd rather classify it as modern boutique accommodation. With that in mind, don't expect this to be a Four Seasons or St Regis.

Staying in the Exclusive Gallery Room With Mountain Views

From the moment I stepped inside the hotel, the lobby itself was an introduction to the unique experience that followed, as it's covered in artworks that set the tone for my stay.

I stayed at the Exclusive Gallery Room with Mountain Views on the 5th floor, which was the perfect size for a couple, and the bathroom was actually quite large, fitted with a shower bath and frosted window to the bedroom to let in enough natural light.

As I walked through the door, I was greeted by an ambiance of industrial lights and a big window front that overlooks to Doi Suthep mountain. Being on a higher floor is an advantage as there are other buildings around the hotel, and you'd look into them otherwise, while my room was just above, looking over their rooftop.

I loved the mountain views, and waking up to that view was a daily gift. I would definitely recommend trying to get a room facing the mountains if possible.

The room itself has minimalistic furnishings, exposed brick walls and is otherwise rather simplistic, allowing the abstract artwork over the bed to take center stage.

The Exclusive Gallery Room at Art Mai Gallery Hotel has some thoughtful amenities, like a provided painting canvas, so you can explore your creative side and unleash your inner artist. I used the canvas with my morning routine and wrote a few lines of gratitude as I woke up.

There's unlimited Wi-Fi which worked fine, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and a small mini-bar with refreshments, as you'd find in other hotels. I liked the spacious working area, which added to the room's functionality. I had to get a little bit of work done during my stay and I felt just that little bit more inspired and creative sitting in the dedicated work spot.

Art Mai Gallery Hotel Room Types & Facilities

Art Mai Gallery Hotel has 8 floors total, with each of them dedicated to anything from Pop Art to Surrealist Art to Impressionist Art, and you can even choose to stay in a room that features a specific artist such as Pomme Chan, Jitsing Somboon, Chalit Nakpawan and a few others that can be found on the hotel's website.

Those rooms are absolutely unique and include additional highlights, such as a Nespresso Machine, complimentary mini-bar, and wine bottle, as well as an artist’s gift, which would definitely be a cool souvenir.

There's also a gym on the ground floor, which I liked as it offered a dedicated space for my workouts in the morning.

My favorite part of the hotel was most certainly the rooftop swimming pool with its stunning vistas of Nimman and the mountains, a truly mesmerizing backdrop for relaxation and a drink.

Adjacent to the pool, there's the hidden Surr Bar on the 8th floor, where eight signature cocktails celebrate Surrealism Art. Continuing with the arty theme of the hotel, you'll be immersed in an ambiance of golden hues and breathtaking views of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The hotel's commitment to comfort extended to practicality, with safe underground parking ensuring my scooter was parked away safely from the street (and rain!).

When I stayed at Art Mai Hotel, the restaurant was going renovations, so I enjoyed my buffet breakfast in the modern art gallery (where you can also purchase pieces of art), which was next to the lobby and also has a small art shop next door.

Hotel Location & Best Things to Do in Nimman

Beyond the aesthetics of Art Mai Gallery Hotel, you also have the best of Chiang Mai's Nimmanhaemin area right at your doorstep. Nimman, often referred to as the “hipster” or “artsy” district of Chiang Mai, is a haven for creativity and culture. With its eclectic mix of cafes, boutiques, and artistic spaces, Nimman offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern flair.

Here are the top things to do in the Nimman neighborhood:

Go Café Hopping: Nimman is synonymous with fantastic coffee. From renowned specialty cafes like Roast8ry Lab, which is literally across the road from Art Mai Gallery Hotel, for an artisanal brew to Graph One Nimman for a cozy ambiance, take a leisurely stroll through the streets and discover your new favorite caffeine fix. Also, try Ristr8o, Nine One and The Barisotel.

Explore Nimman's Art Galleries: Immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting galleries like Gallery Seescape and Pong Noi Art Space”, which is a few minutes drive from Nimman. These venues showcase an array of thought-provoking contemporary art and provide insight into the region's creative pulse.

Shop Till You Drop: Nimman's streets are dotted with boutiques and concept stores offering unique fashion, handicrafts, and home décor items. Don't miss the White Night Market at One Nimman, which is held between Friday and Sunday from about 3 pm to 10 pm. Here you can find a variety of locally-made products, which I found all higher quality and more individual than when you find at the Sunday Night Market.

Dine at One of the Many Restaurants: Nimman boasts a vibrant food scene. Explore Ging Grai for traditional Thai flavors, Beast Burger for mouthwatering gourmet burgers, and The Salad Concept or Health Junk for health-conscious meals – there's something for every palate.

Hidden Bars and Nightlife: Uncover hidden speakeasy bars like the Surr Bar on the 8th floor of the Art Mai Gallery Hotel, which offers signature cocktails in an artistic setting. Explore the area's pulsating nightlife, where live music venues and bars come alive after dark. You can find many of the clubs on Nimman Lane 5, which is two streets over from Art Mai Hotel.

Yoga and Wellness: Nurture your mind and body at yoga studios like Annie Bliss Yoga. I also joined a class at Yoga Ananda, , however, it was a very sweaty class with no air con and the studio didn't have any windows or natural lights. There are plenty of great yoga retreats in Chiang Mai too! Of course, you've got to indulge in a spa treatment, there are plenty of wellness and centers dotted around the Nimman district.

Artistic Retreats: Engage in any of the craft workshops and classes. Nimman offers opportunities to learn pottery, painting, and even Thai cooking, allowing you to take a piece of the local culture home with you.

Catch a Sunset from the Rooftops: There are quite a few venues and hotels that offer rooftop spaces with stunning views of the city. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a panoramic sunset view as your backdrop. I recommend Hotel YaYee rooftop, Rise rooftop bar or Myst on the top of Maya Mall.

If you're looking for more things to do beyond Nimman, read my Chiang Mai itinerary and get inspired by these Chiang Mai day trips.

Art Mai Gallery Hotel Chiang Mai – Final Words

With its gallery-inspired rooms adorned with captivating artworks, a rooftop pool offering panoramic views that stir the soul, and a hidden bar where reality merges with dreams, Art Mai Gallery Hotel is a great boutique hotel in Nimman.

For those who seek a place to rest in the heart of Nimman that comes with modern design, immersive art, and dedicated hospitality, Art Mai Gallery Hotel is a perfect choice.