This northern cousin of Bangkok's Dusit Thani is a first-rate city hotel. While the lobby has a faux-colonial feel, recent cosmetic renovations lend a chic air to upstairs common areas. Guestrooms are done in a mix of cool pastels set against panels, or whole walls, of saturated primary colors featuring poetry in elegant Thai calligraphy. Upper floor deluxe rooms have an interesting Japanese theme. The downtown location means easy access to shopping and nightlife, and all guestrooms have a good vantage on the glittering lights of the city. You're right in the heart of it here so be warned that stepping out of the hotel means that touts and tuk-tuk drivers pounce. Don't miss Jasmine Restaurant's excellent dim sum lunch.