Mam's House Khaosan

There’s a nice rooftop, drinking water, and a lift. The place isn’t fancy, but it’s very clean and friendly, with a good price. Local food and drinks are right outside, and S1 and A4 airport buses are within walking distance.

The best part is the family running the place. They’re so warm and welcoming that I feel like their sister coming home. This is actually my favourite place to stay in Bangkok. It’s clean and friendly, with nice rooms, some with air conditioning and their own bathroom. Not luxury, but good value for the area. There’s a lift and roof terrace, and it sits by a sweet little canal. Khao San Road’s bang-bang madness is nearby if that’s your thing, but the neighborhood has its own funky, hipster feel, with cool jazz and blues bars and vintage clothing shops. My favourite little Thai canal-side cafe is right outside, serving incredibly cheap breakfasts and the best street pad thai for just over a pound. It’s also near the river and boats that can take you anywhere, a neat little park with an old fort for sunset, and buses to and from the airport.

The staff are friendly, and it’s cheap, but I still felt a bit cheated by my stay at Mam’s House. The Agoda pictures make it look like a much better hotel than it is. In reality the rooms are really tired. Mine had kids’ stickers all over the walls and damaged furniture. I didn’t bring it up with the staff because I didn’t want a confrontation.

The small restaurant right out front serves delicious Thai street food at very modest prices. The hotel itself is small and good value, with small, clean rooms and friendly staff. It’s close to the main tourist area.