Perhaps I was expecting too much after all the really positive reviews but I was a little disappointed. This certainly isn't a bad place to stay but it just wasn't anything particularly special. The rooms were clean and serviced daily but both my wife and I found them a little noisy at night - there was a permeating base beat from some nearby club (fortunately not too nearby) and the traffic noise was noticeable (rather surprisingly since the guest house is at the end of a quiet lane but the sound from the busy road across the river seems to drift in)

The restaurant was mediocre at best - which is a pity as it has a river view and would be a nice place to sit and relax if the food were better. Fortunately the Galare is close to the Night Bazaar and there are plenty of eating options within 10 minutes walk.

The staff were very helpful in finding out information for us, booking a taxi for an early flight out and writing down addresses in Thai, so we could show the tuk-tuk driver. No complaints on this front.

Overall, this wasn't a bad place and I'd even consider returning - but I think I'd try somewhere else on my next trip.

Upon arrival we were greeting by 3 lovely ladies who were helpful throughout our entire stay

Rooms clean and services daily with clean towels

Amazing food at an amazing value

Great location, right on the river and about 5 mins walk to the main strip

The only downside is the mosquitoes. They got in through a few holes in the nets covering the windows. But nothing some deet couldn't fix

Would highly reccomend to anyone wanting cheap and clean accomodatikb

I was eyeing this guest house first time I came to Chiang Mai in 2004. Unfortunately, it was fully booked in 2004 and all subsequent times I was in Chiang Mai. This time I was lucky - I managed to book 4 nights (January 2012). And it did exceed my expectations!

Room is spacious, with two windows (two sides), fridge, chair, table, tea pot, etc. Really amazing and dependable staff, as someone said already. Great breakfast (love the rice soup). Lovely restaurant setting, with a river on the side.

Look forward to coming back!

I felt at home here! Galare staff emphasize friendliness and hospitality. And the cleaning staff was top notch. Rooms are basic and quaint but the beds are very comfortable! (I paid $200 in Khao Lak for a similarly comfortable bed and $90 in Phuket for a dirty bathroom!) Galare is an excellent value and right on the river.