Overview
Hillside Plaza & Condotel 4 (commonly known as Hillside 4) is a massive mixed-use complex located directly on Huay Kaew Road, bridging the gap between the Old City and the trendy Nimman area. Completed in 2005, it operates as a "Condotel," meaning it functions partly as a hotel and partly as private residences.
The building is famous for its 45 sqm studios, which are significantly larger than modern condo units. However, it is also known for its "faded glory" atmosphere. The ground-floor shopping plaza, once envisioned as a bustling mall, is largely empty and quiet, giving the entrance a slightly eerie, cavernous feel. Despite this, the units upstairs are often fully renovated and offer incredible value for money.
Developer
The project was developed by V Group (Hillside Condo), a major local developer responsible for the entire "Hillside" series in Chiang Mai (Hillside 1, 2, 3, etc.). The management style is old-school; things work, but don't expect the polished service of a Sansiri or Plus Property building.
Location & Transit
This is arguably one of the best locations in the city for those who don't drive. You are right on the main road.
| Station | Line | Distance | ๐ถ Walk | ๐๏ธ Motorbike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front of Building | Red Truck | 0m | 0 min | 0 min |
| Maya Mall | Nimman Hub | 600m | 7 min | 2 min |
| Old City (North Gate) | Moat | 1.5km | 20 min | 5 min |
| Airport (CNX) | Flight | 6.5km | N/A | 15 min |
Tip: You never need to call a Grab here. Just walk out to the street and flag down a Red Truck (Songthaew) instantly.
Nearby Landmarks
- Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center โ 600m (Cinema, Camp Co-working, Rimping Supermarket).
- One Nimman โ 700m (Upscale food court and boutique shopping).
- Japanese Consulate โ 100m (Directly across the street).
- Santitham Neighborhood โ 500m (Accessed via side sois; great for cheap local food).
Unit Types
| Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 45 sqm | The standard unit. Huge by modern standards. Most have bathtubs. |
| 1 Bedroom | 60 โ 80 sqm | Usually created by combining units or renovating large studios. |
| 2 Bedroom | 90+ sqm | Corner units. Very spacious but rare. |
Facilities
Recreation:
- Swimming Pool: Located on the 4th-floor podium. It is surprisingly large and clean, often used by the hotel guests. It gets good sun during the day.
- Fitness: There is a gym, but the equipment is dated (think 2005 era). Serious lifters usually go to Gold's Gym or MAYA nearby.
- The Plaza: The ground floor contains a mix of businesses: a laundry shop, a massage parlor, and sometimes a small cafe. It feels very quiet, almost abandoned in parts.
Food Court:
- There is a small food court/restaurant area in the basement/ground floor that serves basic Thai food to residents and staff.
Pros
- Size vs. Price โ You get 45 sqm for the price of a 30 sqm room in a newer building.
- Location โ You are walking distance to Maya Mall but pay "Santitham prices."
- Renovation Potential โ Many units have been bought by investors and turned into stunning modern lofts. If you find a renovated one, it's a gem.
- Cool Rooms โ Thick concrete walls and the older design keep the rooms naturally cooler than glass-clad modern condos.
Cons
- The "Ghost Mall" Lobby โ Walking through the empty, dimly lit plaza at night can feel depressing or spooky to some.
- Noise (Flight Path) โ Like all buildings in Nimman, it sits under the flight path. You will hear planes.
- Dated Common Areas โ The hallways have carpets that have seen better days, and the elevators are slow.
- Strictly No Pets
Best For
- Digital Nomads (Budget) โ Who want to work at Maya/Camp but sleep in a larger room for less money.
- Long-Term Expats โ Who know that "ugly on the outside, beautiful on the inside" is the secret to Chiang Mai real estate.
- Non-Drivers โ The location on the Red Truck route makes living here without a bike very easy.
The Bottom Line
Hillside Plaza Condotel 4 is "The Ugly Duckling." From the outside (and the lobby), it looks tired and dated. But open the door to a renovated 45 sqm studio on the 10th floor, and you have a spacious, modern home for a fraction of the price of the neighbors. If you can look past the "dead mall" vibe of the ground floor, it is a fantastic value play.
Last verified: February 15, 2026. Data sourced from V Group records and physical site audit.
Source: Hillside Condo
