Avana Express Resort

We drove here and were glad there was free parking outside. The room was a decent size and pretty nice, with AC and a small balcony. The pillows were soft and comfortable, unlike the rock-hard ones you often get at budget hotels, though the mattress itself was really hard. A topper would make a big difference. The staff were polite, the price was good, and we weren’t disappointed. It’s a budget hotel near Bangkok’s Bitec exhibition center in Bang Na, and for what it costs, it’s good value. We’d gladly return if we’re in the area again.

The AC wasn’t working properly, and the area didn’t feel safe to me. There were several fierce-looking dogs right outside the hotel, and one hotel staff member kept prying and bothering guests for no reason.

The room looked much better inside than the hotel exterior, and BITEC is an easy walk away, probably the main reason people book here. But a bathroom window near the roof had been left open to the balcony, too high for me to reach and shut. I believe that’s how a gang of mosquitoes got in and attacked me while I slept. I was hoping for an uninterrupted, drunken night, but woke every hour from the bites. Bring mosquito coils or apply repellent before bed if you stay.

If you’re coming for the Exhibition, this place is okay.