Iyarin @Tuk Chang

There's potential here, and the floor and bathroom were good, but the hotel is badly managed. The internet keeps cutting in and out, apparently due to old hardware or an ISP problem rather than weak signal. The chair smelled, the furniture was old, and the sheets and towels felt too soft and not fresh. It seemed like they might not have used enough detergent, if any, which left an unpleasant feeling. I'm sure the hotel could be good if they fixed these things.

The hotel sits beside a major highway served by city buses. From Don Mueang airport it's around 17 km. A taxi costs around 100 baht, while bus no.543 is about 30 baht and stops right outside. Look for the Iyarin hotel sign, though you won't see it from the highway because the signboard only says Tuk Chang building. The lobby, office, and apartment are on the fifth floor. During my stay, the room facilities made the money feel worthwhile. It was large, with a very big bathroom but no bathtub. Toiletries were limited to soap gel and shampoo, with no toothpaste or brushes. The wifi was OK, the TV only had local broadcasts, the air conditioning was cold, and the shower had hot water. Free mineral water came with coffee, sachet tea, sugar, and creamer. There was a cupboard and storage box for valuables. The bed was OK, not hard. My room on the 18th floor had views toward both the highway and city, and was far enough up that highway noise wasn't an issue. Free lobby PCs were available too. Chatuchak market is about 5 km away, with Chatuchak Park nearby as well. The place is also close to an MRT station and Mochit bus terminal.

The best thing about Iyarin is where it sits, with BTS Phaholyothin 24 station only a few steps away and shops, street food, the night market, and Major Cineplex Ratchayothin all walkable. It’s in Tuek Chang (elephant building), a long-established compound in the area. The room was clean and tidy, though a little worn. It’s quiet and less popular now, perhaps because it’s been around a long time and the economy has changed. Prices are fairly low, but there are fewer services.

The elephant theme gives the building a distinctive look, and I really like the concept. The location is nice too. The hotel itself is quite basic, though, and could use more attention and maintenance.