I Hostel @ Chinatown

The place looks stunning when you first walk in, easily one of the top five hotels I’ve seen in Bangkok. The vibe is gorgeous, but staying there didn’t live up to the appearance. Service was weak and the setup wasn’t convenient. There’s no elevator, so I had to haul my checked bag up to the fifth floor. Even in a private room, you share the bathroom with everyone on the floor. Depending on where your room is, you may have to go up or down a floor to use one. From the fifth floor, for example, it’s all the way at the end of the hall. It made the stay less comfortable than it should’ve been.

The room had a very pungent smell, and the soundproofing was awful. Between 9 pm and 1 am it was noisy, and I could hear people talking in the next room. The air conditioning blew out a lot of dust. My bed was dirty, with black spots and hair on it. The toilet was communal, but only one was open for use and the others were closed. The shower room door also made it far too easy for someone to peek in. A terrible place. I wouldn’t recommend it.

I stayed in a female dorm at The Mutuga Hostel. It was clean and quiet, and I liked that every bed had curtains, so I felt comfortable and had some privacy. The receptionists were kind and friendly too. I’ll definitely stay here again.

Motuga is right by Chinatown in the Songwat area, with plenty to do nearby, and it was a great base for me. I had a compact single room. It’s minimal, but enough for a short visit and well suited to travelling solo. The staff were nice and helpful. I was especially impressed by the manager’s language skills and professionalism. It’s also very close to the business center. I’d recommend the place if you’re passing through Chinatown.