Accommodations, Part 3: PJ’s Place

If you’ve traveled much you probably have memories of favorite places you’ve stayed; hotels, bed and breakfasts or guest houses you remember fondly long after you’ve returned home – sometimes with more than a casual longing in the middle of an endless morning sales meeting or an especially stressful afternoon. I have a few that are my favorites, but people often have different criteria; my tranquil bed and breakfast may sound terrible to someone who wants a state-of-the-art gymnasium or 20 yards of buffet tables or bell boys available on their breaks (for an additional tip).

I almost hesitate to mention one of my favorites for fear it’ll be spoiled by the unappreciative or otherwise boorish, but I did promise the owner a review last Fall and guess it’s time to deliver, so here goes:

You know those rare occasions when you start off just booking a room but end up checking out feeling more like you’ve visited friends? That’s PJ’s Place: small, comfortable, and homey. The view above is what greets you when you arrive “home” after an evening out, along with the occasional chic-chic-chic of geckos, the gentle sound of the fountain in the garden and the distant buzz of cicadas. It’s nothing less than lovely.

One view of the garden areas

There are only six rooms. Well, actually seven, but one is the residence of Peter and Jiab – the “P” and “J” – who are the bookends that hold the place up, aided by two delightful young men who do most of the day to day maintenance.

Gan (on the left) and Dang (on the right) both arrive early for work and you’re liable to run into them several times throughout the day. They take breakfast orders, cook and serve them and then clean the dining room when breakfast is over. They then move on to their other responsibilities; housekeeping, gardening and things needing attention around the small complex.

To answer the question for some of you hoping otherwise: neither of them are “interested” or available. Understanding the value of quality help Jiab learned early on that some guests weren’t content to take “no thank you” for an answer, and he’s (wisely) hired accordingly.

The dining room (above) and a cooked-to-order breakfast (below)

Located on a quiet soi just off Huay Kaew Road PJ’s has most anything the casual visitor would need for a quiet break on a whirlwind tour – all within a five- to ten-minute walk. One of my favorites was the Lemon Tree restaurant (a fine casual setting for Thai food) just a couple of minutes away. The Kad Suan Kaew mall is maybe another couple minutes further, where you can catch a movie, eat at several “chain” restaurants or do some shopping.

ALSO within very easy walking distance:

1) Hillside Condo, with a pool and fitness center available for public use
2) Le Gong Kum, serving Vietnamese food
3) Salsa Kitchen, serving Mexican food
4) Chiang Mai’s #1 private hospital, Chiang Mai Ram
5) SoHo Bar, a friendly place to have a drink, visit and meet new friends
6) B-Beez, a small but accommodating male massage venue, and
7) House of Male, Chiang Mai’s one true sauna

One of a thousand possible views of the acres of night market

You’re only a short tuk-tuk ride from the walled old city, the night market and most any other visitor spots.

Room Five, upstairs, overlooking the garden

Your room includes everything you’d expect for a comfortable stay: TV, a DVD player, a safe, tea and coffee making supplies, WiFi and LAN connections and a full English breakfast. Something I especially appreciated was that ALL of the rooms are non-smoking.

Room Five shower (the doors open out from the corner)

The bathrooms are spotless, the bed was very comfortable (even Goldilocks would have approved… it was just right) and the patio is a wonderful place to sit and read in the afternoon.

PJ’s Tours is a personal touring service, coupled with the guest house and led by Jiab in a roomy, air conditioned van. You can either book your trips in advance from their web site or on the fly from a binder in the sitting area of the dining room, and after three different days on the road with him I heartily recommend trying it out. It’s probably best to book your tours in advance (especially during the busiest months) to avoid him not being available as – surprise! – he can only be in one place with one group at a time.

Jiab, on an orchid farm outing

As you’d expect of an experienced native guide he’s quite well versed in all things Chiang Mai and seemed to have contacts for most anything we were looking to see or shop for. Patient, informative and – having a lovely sense of humor – he’s great company.

One of the nicest points about this oasis is also the only unfortunate part: there are only six rooms; four double rooms and two suite houses, so plan in advance and make your reservations early. Take along your partner or special friend for a memorable stay.

You’re in for a real treat.

http://pjs-place.com/