It's not clear to me why this hotel can get an overall good rating. I am almost sure that there's a battle going on on many hotel review sites where it concerns Thailand, between backpackers and people who are used to quality hotels with certain decent basics. The number one issue for backpackers is value for a few bucks, the main reason why I write reviews is to show people if the hotel meets it's promises and the standard needs of hotel that has the amount of stars that is shown online.

Starbright hotel: The location couldn't be better, in a sideway street of the mainroad of (quiet) Chiang Rai. But then we start at the doorstep:
Outside there's an advertisement assuming that the Starbright has a restaurant, but they don't serve more than the standard toast & fried egg breakfast. That's it.

The prices for rooms are low so we booked a suite and this is what we got:
A very large old room, 'former communist state hotel' style with almost no furniture and lamps. Fungus tracks on the walls. Small fridge was leaking water, noise from some water generator came out of the toilet window, a lot of noise came from the balcony every 10 minutes when the generator of the AC started and stopped again after 3 minutes. Earplugs are obligated. Wifi signals enough in your room, except the one from Starbright, if you're on the top floor. Every once and a while the signal from Starbright comes up, the only signal in the area that is not protected either. Taking a shower means you stand in the bath and wait 2 minutes before the water gets the right temperature. If you think you can finally take your shower, you're wrong. Every 2-3 seconds the pressure AND the temperature of the shower changes, while a part of your used water leaks away through holes between the bath and the wall. The second day a few lights broke down.
All in all this hotel needs a huge renovation, stairs and lobby look like a hotel from the seventies, not even having an elevator. Try to take 10 stairs with your suitcase in your hand ;)
Furniture, paintings on the wall, outside walls, everything is outdated, broken or dusty. But there's also one huge plus in this hotel: It's staff. Although this place doesn't deserve an outstanding rating, the staff is helpful, kind, prepared to take care of anything you need. I think the staff deserves a better hotel to work for!

Had one night her recently in a large room with a king size bed. I was surprised how big the room was and also very quiet with no noticeable noise from the street below. Very clean and hot shower had plenty of pressure. Breakfast was included and was a very good start to the day. Just down the street from the old bus station and the night markets I would certainly stay here again.

I have stayed at this hotel on a few other occassions. We arrived without a reservation. The reservation staff is not on duty 24 hours, but there is a night security guard, who speaks no English. The security guard called the manager who very quickly arranged for two rooms for us.

The deluxe rooms are very large (you can easily add a third or fourth twin bed if traveling with a family) and were very clean. The bathrooms are large, western, updated and clean. Water is provided and there is free wi-fi. In the past the wi-fi was a bit "hit or miss" but this time it worked well.

We had a basic but good breakfast in the morning (inlcuded in the price) and plenty of freshly brewed coffee. We enjoyed some much needed leisure time sitting in the hotels cafe over coffee.

The hotel also has executive rooms, which each contain two very large rooms (good for families or if you just like a lot of room). They have also recently opened a "back packer" area on the second floor. Each room has single or double beds on the floor. They share a bathroom. The price as 200 to 300 baht. We took a look at the rooms and found them to be very clean, good sheets and good beds.

The hotel is a 2 minute walk from the night market and a lot of the local bars, restaurants and the clock tower.

Exceptionally clean rooms and bathrooms with tiled floors. Big double bed with crisp sheets, towels and bathrobes. Great service all for only 300 baht for the double room with shared bathroom. We would definitely stay here again!