Nestled in the heart of downtown Chiang Mai, Art Mai Gallery Hotel is just 30 minutes by car from Chiang Mai International Airport and in walking distance of the cool bars and restaurants that dot Nimmanhaemin Road.

Inspired, as the name implies, by art, walking into the hotel is almost like walking into a gallery. To the right is a gift shop offering T-shirts, coffee mugs, cool cards and other commodities designed by the six artists who each boast a signature room on every floor.. A compact art gallery in the lobby area offers seats for art lovers to enjoy the works on show.

Billed as a place where art meets style, I quickly settle into my room. A quick glance takes in the free Wi-Fi, coffee and tea set and what looks like a comfortable bed, but I’m left puzzled by the easel and paper at the corner of my bed.

“The easel is for guests to explore their creativity. Everybody is invited to have a go,” the hotel officer tells me.

Art Mai? Gallery Hotel is inspired and dedicated to Thailand’s art scene and each floor pays tribute to a different art movement and style.

The second floor is labelled Nude Art and the signature room is designed by Sakwut Wisesmanee, one of the country’s leading contemporary portraitists. The third floor is Op Art and home to the signature room of Jitsing Somboon, winner of multiple accolades including designer of the year. Chalit Nakpawan, a man as well known for his acting as his paintings, is behind the Pop Art theme of the fourth floor while one storey up, Thanachai Ujjin aka “Pod Modern Dog” shows his design talents in Abstract Art. Surrealism reigns supreme on the sixth courtesy of Tachamapan Chanchamrassang, or Pomme Chan, the internationally acclaimed illustrator and the seventh – Impressionist Art – has been designed by Charoon Boonsuan.

Each of these artists were invited to design a room that he or she would like to sleep in so entering each of artist signature room is like entering their personal space. Sakwut’s style is elegant and classic, while Jitsing’s room is bright, playful and rough. Chalit’s room is colourful, sweet and cosy and Pod’s minimalism room is peaceful and calm. As the only female artist in the project, Pomme’s room is detail oriented and relaxing with a spacious bathroom. Charoon’s signature room is delicate and harmonious.

My room is exactly opposite one of the signature rooms and I am happy to be able to ask the hotel officer to open the room for me to appreciate the artist’s work and design. The proximity turns out to be less of a blessing when I discover that plenty of other people would like to admire the artist room after 9pm and are loud in their appreciation.

Breakfast at Jarid, the hotel’s only restaurant, is impressive with nice coffee and a couple of vegetarian choices. The restaurant, which offers all-day dining, specialises in Thai fusion food but also serves a range of international dishes. The artist signature menu is a nice gimmick but a bit pricey and the service is friendly and helpful. Though the space is a bit limited, the high ceiling makes the restaurant look spacious and airy.

The hotel also features a gym and a swimming pool on the roof, which is a great place to chill though the number of sun beds is too small, forcing several guests back downstairs after a swim.

My favourite place quickly becomes the Art Gallery in the lobby, where I have no problem relaxing after breakfast.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Spacious and well-equipped room with small art gallery to enjoy in the hotel.

Low point: Surrounded by tall buildings so no nice views from the room.

Pay for it: Visit the hotel’s website for the best deal

Find it: 21 Soi 3, Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Call it: (053) 894 888

Browse it: http://www.ArtMaiGalleryHotel.com