Tropico Bistro and Hostel

I've stayed twice, on two separate trips, in one of the private rooms upstairs and loved it both times. The bar downstairs is a nice place to hang out, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. The bathrooms and showers were very clean, with really hot water. At this price, you can't be disappointed.

This is a review of the Nacho Bell. I ordered expecting to be disappointed, but the packaging was top notch, there was good effort put into it, and the taste was acceptable. It's obviously not on the level of Taco Bell, which is food from the gods, but it was good and hit the spot. I know it's considered trash Mexican food, but I love it because it takes me back to my teenage years. I'd seen some bad reviews, but figured I'd give it a shot anyway. I'll order again. Loved the knock-off packaging!

The Cubano pulled pork sandwich alone would bring me back. It was a meaty, beautiful miracle, and the free draft beer with it felt like a clerical error in my favor. Saturday night's music was a treat too: Two Country Drunks, Phnom Penh regulars Clay George and Greg Beshers, played Haggard, Williams, and Cash before moving into their own alt-country songs. No Nashville polish, just hard-earned heartache with the feel of perfume, ashtrays, whisky, and engine smoke. The Tropico is right in the middle of Street 172, among the pubs, clubs, hostels, and boutique hotels. It's a small, loud, lively place, intimate enough for easy eye contact, with a corner where you can disappear if you want. There's killer art on the walls, a giant TV aquarium, and an open garage door sending music and smoke out onto the street. It even has its own Bogan, completing the ecosystem. Good on ya, mate! I was warned this strip was God's waiting room, where time slows, money evaporates, and no one seems in a hurry to reincarnate. Maybe that's true, but at Tropico the wait comes with good music, succulent pork, cold beer, and no pressure to move on anytime soon.

The bar had a great atmosphere, with live music and a crowd that felt like one big, happy family. We stayed in a capsule for two nights, and it was clean and comfy. The bathroom was great, and soap and shampoo were always supplied. I only tried the nachos, but they were delicious. Would stay here again.