This cosy and friendly lodge set amid lush tropical plants on a quiet lane to the western side of the Old City is one of Chiang Mai’s best deals in the flashpacker to mid-range category.

We first visited several years ago, not long after they’d opened and the garden setting was still a work in progress but it has since developed into a lush tropical setting and along with the small but cute, irregularly shaped pool creates a real oasis. A total of only 20 rooms plus friendly staff and management adds to the cosy, intimate atmosphere as well.

Cute garden setting. Photo: Mark Ord

Location is an interesting one; off Arak—the western moat road—so inside the Old City walls but in a quiet area away from the main concentration of accommodation and cafes. Nonetheless most of the principal downtown sites are within walking distance and you certainly shouldn’t have too many noise problems.

Out front is their coffee shop/restaurant serving up some locally sourced coffee and very good complimentary organic breakfasts including even home-made yoghurts. Beyond this are two floors of superior rooms with a lime green colouring, and a separate block to the rear containing deluxe and family rooms.

A smart superior room. Photo: Mark Ord

Of the superior rooms, the upper ones are inevitably brighter though downstairs ones do look directly into the delightful garden. Deluxe are larger with more attention to decor while the family rooms are connecting double rooms so, for a family of four, you’d pay for two rooms.

Interiors are simple, bright and clean with good-sized beds, TV, free tea and coffee, fridge, WiFi and of course air-con and en-suite bathrooms. Downstairs from the deluxe rooms is a small, but reasonably equipped gym area for anyone that way inclined.

Cute swimming pool too. Photo: Mark Ord

The Twenty Lodge is an all-round spot-on mid-range choice.