Pantip Hotel Ladphrao

The room is spacious, with dated furniture and a big smart TV, but the breakfast is so-so. This is an old hotel in the Bangkapi area, right beside a traditional market. The entrance is behind a small mall, so every time we came back we had to pass along the market's messy, bustling side road. It made the area feel like a slum. Sorry, but this isn't a 4-star hotel.

The Pantip Hotel worked for our one-night stay. The bed was comfortable and the sheets clean, and the older property was still comfortable enough for our needs. Some wear shows in the walls, cupboards, and bathroom tiles, as you'd expect at this lower price. The location made things easy. The BTS is right outside the entrance, with a 7-Eleven, Mini Big C, and pharmacy just steps away. The hotel is beside a busy market, so it may not suit someone wanting total quiet. For us it was handy, since our early morning marathon at M Life Mall was only a few minutes away. Our first room had limited power and no working air conditioning. After we went out to a local mall and came back, staff moved us to another room. We'd booked a queen bed but got two twins instead. That was unexpected as a couple, though manageable for a short stay. I've lived in Thailand for 2 years and usually check into hotels with a passport copy. Here they asked for the physical passport and visa at check-in. I didn't have them with me, my own oversight. This was new to me, but I understand it's for legal and safety reasons. Bring your documents if you stay here, since sorting this out took some time. A practical budget option if you value the location and easy transport. 3/5 stars

The staff weren't helpful, the location was bad, and there's no view. Breakfast wasn't good either, and the Wi-Fi was poor while the air conditioning was loud. Just not worth the hassle, so choose another hôtel if you can.

Once I finally got through the longest check-in I've ever had, there was no electricity in the room. The room was broken and had no AC. I've never been asked about the visa page in my passport at any hotel before.