Club One Seven Chiang Mai

The 130-year-old teak wood structures that makes up Club One Seven Chiang Mai have a northern Thai style with traditional Lanna accents. The property has a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere most days of the week and a party vibe on the weekend, and design throughout is simple and rustic. Welcome drinks are offered at the small outdoor lobby, which is mostly functional and decked in shades of orange with wood seating. Paper chain decorations and terra cotta tile adorn the small, open-air restaurant while the cozy outdoor seating area offers wonderful river views. A quaint terrace also features river views, and there is a lovely garden with fountains and nude male statues as well as a phallus-shaped pool that's a popular venue for guests to relax. The sauna is the heart of the action here and hosts the hotel's weekend parties with various themes, including a mask night. Guests are gay male singles as well as couples, as this hotel is for men only with no female guests or children under 18 allowed.

The hotel sits on the banks of the Ping River in the quiet and residential Chang Khlan neighborhood. A five-minute walk away is the Meng Memorial Bridge, which leads to a popular local food market, while the bustling downtown core of Chiang Mai, including the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, is a 25-minute walk from the hotel. There are plenty of tuk-tuks in the area and the same trip takes less than 10 minutes by vehicle. Chiang Mai's historic walled Old City is a bit farther by foot, and the east gate will take about 10 minutes to reach by tuk-tuk or taxi. Chiang Mai International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the wildly popular and sacred hilltop temple, Wat Doi Suthep, will take about 45 minutes to reach by road.

Authentically charming Thai rooms have dark teak wood walls and floors in most rooms, creating a striking, rustic ambience. Four- and half-poster beds and antique Thai furniture take up most of the space, while colorful accents in the lamps and pillows provide a break in the dominant brown tones. All air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen TVs and minibars as well as free bottled water. Some rooms have terraces with seating and magnificent river or garden views. We did spot wear and tear on some of the furniture, and the age of some of the buildings shows; some guests have reported hearing noise from neighboring rooms through thin walls. Basic terra cotta tile bathrooms are slightly dated, with curtained showers and stand-alone sinks in most rooms. Toiletries are provided.

The sauna is the highlight of the hotel and is popular with guests as well as locals. A steam room, dry sauna, and relaxation rooms are available, and there is a Massage Salon featuring facials and body scrubs plus Thai massages. Events are held on weekends at the sauna area, but they cost extra, and have wild themes. Brown tile and greenery surround the phallically-shaped outdoor pool, with a few colorful lounge chairs for seating. Thai and Western cuisine is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the restaurant while the bar has wine, cocktails, and beer. A free breakfast (Western and Asian dishes) is also provided. Cardio and weight machines in addition to free weights are provided at the fitness center while the business center has leather couches, computers, and a large flat-screen TV. However, the furniture’s rips are repaired with duct tape. Wi-Fi is free and the hotel also has parking.