At Niman Conceptual Home

An achingly stylish but laid-back retreat in the fashionable Nimmanhaemin area – perfect for couples of the same description

At Niman is the brainchild of Rachen Inthawong, chief designer at the Mandarin Oriental Dara Dhevi, the holy grail of design jobs in Thailand’s hospitality industry. No surprise then that his own quiet and beautiful little place, with just 8 guest rooms, should meet, as they say, the highest standards at an affordable price.

This ‘conceptual home’ – he disdains the word ‘boutique’ – combines an elevation that is part Udaipur, part Vienna Secession with other Indian elements like latticed walls and antique wooden doorways and lintels, plus fabrics, furniture and art from China, Nepal and Burma. ‘I mix and match,’ he says. Lovers of fine, subtly playful design will just want to hang around the hotel, and those who can tell one Thai ‘superstar’ from another will be impressed by their fellow guests. The location also sets At Niman apart. The area is home to the city’s trendiest bars, cafes and restaurants, hip galleries, and full of little shops selling funky arts and crafts well above the usual tat. Ideal for those who fancy themselves young and in a class of their own.

Highs

• The location: in the middle of Chiang Mai’s trendy, student-y area, At Niman offers a completely different perspective on Thailand
• The style: a masterpiece of discreetly playful taste, it will make you feel that all other boutique hotels are rather loud
• The quality: 5-star amenities for a 4-star price; it's good value for money as rates include transfers and minibar
• The concept: The owners hope to provide a home where their friends would feel comfortable and are as unobtrusive as possible; service is amazingly thoughtful, staff are lovely and speak English

Lows

• The location: first-time visitors will feel a bit far from the sights and tuk-tuks can be a devil to get hold of after dark. Rent a scooter
• The style: the place deliberately appeals to the select few. But the sheer comfort of the beds and the love that has gone into your surroundings may well compensate
• The… what? Like many creative people, the owner is impatient: things are constantly changing, the restaurant went and then came back, a living room/library may be about to appear…