We stayed here from Jan 4-Jan 7 2008
I'm almost afraid to write a review for this hotel. It is secluded, which you would think impossible in a city like Bangkok. It is protected from Bangkok by residential strips, and it hides neatly between them. And even though it is secluded, everything you need is close - 7-11 is 2 mins walk, Khao San Rd is a 30b tuk tuk and 4 mins away. The CBD is 100b and 10-20mins away. Its location is pretty much perfect in my opinion. I never thought you would find a place like this, in a city like that. But that's enough on the location.
Getting there.
Difficult
We opted for hotel transfers through the hotel, and mostly due to its secluded, non-touristy location. It paid off in that regard, but waiting 1 hour at the airport until they let us get a transfer was painful - they lost our booking (I was sure I did it, I had a confirmation email too). It was a mini-nightmare that worked out OK. I do suggest using the transfer to get to the hotel, it would save heartache as it isn;t the easiest to find if you haven't the clue where it is.
The Employees.
FANTASTIC. Their attitudes were great, they had personality and didn't sound like overworked zobies you find in other asian hotels. You felt like they loved their job, and meeting new people. We were welcomed with a drink, breezy check inn (even though they didn;t know if we wanted a twin or double room, after I booked a double room). Either way, mistakes happen and I can live with the little issues when the price is so good, and the service, otherwise, flawless. Personality made up for any issues by far. Don't expect perfection, they try, always with a smile, but if something goes pear shaped, smile with them. Their english is better than most, not that it really effects the experience.
The thai massages arranged by the hote,l are cheap (300b) and good. And painful for a first timer like me.
The room.
OHHH, the room.
It was small, definitely, but exceptionally clean. No TV, just a cd player and a little lamp, painted walls (garden room, nice). Bed was a slab and was not comfortable. But, that seems to be the norm in Asia, so I beared it. The bathroom is clean, tidy and has more character than any bathroom I have been in. Nice open shower is great for couples time, and it is generally quite good. I loved the colours in ours, it was great. AC was a great addition to the room, though barely used. Balcony was nice too, small, but good, no view to remark about though, sadly, just trees and suburbia, but it felt homely.
Would I stay there again.
In two words
HELL YES.
You are nuts not to stay there. It is everything you need in Bangkok to make sure you enjoy your room, but get out there and see the city and its sights. And really, that is what it was all about. I didn;t want a room that had me glued to the TV watching ESPN (well...), I wanted to go out and see the place, and have a nice place to come back to, get clean and sleep. And it was all that plus a whole lot of character.
And hell, where else does a hotel employee walk you to the taxi, carrying a bottle of water for your trip to the airport, and wave goodbye as you drive away.
Its the small things that make this place so good, and your home away from home when you see the world.
A++. Could not have wanted nor expected more, especially for the minimal price. I recommend to anyone who isn't a spoilt little rich kid who needs TV. I think for older families it is perfect, maybe not for people with younger kids, but I'm not in the position to know there.
OH they had free (slooooooww) internet available if you needed it.
Do yourself a favour and stay here.
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