We stayed at Taraburi Resort while visiting a friend who lives in World Club Land. We weren't looking for a luxury hotel, but something economical and near her location.

We were pleasantly surprised! For less than $50 USD/night we got a large suite (although I think it was marketed as one of their regular rooms) with a bedroom separate from a living room/ kitchenette (refrigerator, sink, dining table for 2). We also had a lovely patio that overlooked the pool--which was quiet most of the time. The friendly service from the staff was also amazing! Many times during our stay they went out of their way to make things easier for us.

The complimentary breakfast was served in an open air dining room. It was a little wierd, but not too bad--the same everyday. It consisted of Eggs, "ham" aka bologna, "sausage" aka hot dogs, hashbrowns, toast, lettuce salad, and a fruit platter.

This resort was about a 15-20 minute ride from the heart of the city. We typically walked out to the main road (Hang Dong)--although the hotel staff would have given us a ride on a golf cart-- and flagged down a song tao (a covered pick up with benches over the wheel wells) for 15-20 Baht. This is a little more adventuresome especially if you don't have someone to show you how to use the system, but it was very cheap and got us where we needed to go.

Really the location problem could easily be fixed with a free Shuttle Bus to town. It really is a problem the resort hasn't dealt with. It was 300 Baht into town so 600Baht return. Thats alot extra everyday. We went on 2 tours and both included hotel Pick-Up on their websites but when we got picked up, both companies said we were too far out and charged us 300 Baht more than the tour price. We also went to Khantoke Dinner at The Cultural Centre which included a Free Shuttle Bus home to anywhere in Chiang Mai, but guess what? Not as far as our hotel. In 4 days we must have spent another 2000Baht in Transport. What a pity this is a problem. The resort is Beautiful, the rooms are huge, modern and gorgeous and the staff are absolutely lovely. The kids saw a Firefly at the resort and were very excited. One of the girls on the front desk told us she knew an area where they were and took us on their golf cart for a ride at night to the Fireflies in a nearby street. What lovely personal service. Would not be able to fault this resort if a Shuttle bus was provided.