The Orientale

That outside light shines into the room quite a bit at night. A curtain on the door would help block it. The hostel was otherwise clean, in a convenient location for getting around, and the toilet and bathroom were decent and neat. Our family room was spacious, the beds and pillows felt soft and comfortable, and the towels were new, clean and soft.

Getting there took some effort because the hotel sits above a restaurant and the signs are poor, though a friendly woman greeted me. The station is handy. My room was huge but very dated, and its hallway door had glass with no curtain, so light from the separate toilet and shower area came through. At the price, I think it makes more sense for four students sharing the cost.

Chinatown was great to wander around, and everything you need is only a few minutes away on foot. The street gets really quiet at night. My room had a balcony and a cozy, calming feel, with a comfortable bed and working AC. The sheets weren't especially clean, but I had my own and didn't mind. The bathroom looked nice and was clean enough; the shower got hot and they supplied flip-flops. The person at the downstairs bar seemed nice, though I don't know if he speaks English. It felt like a lot of thought had gone into the hotel. I enjoyed being there and was sorry to leave so soon. Would recommend.

The upstairs terrace has a view I liked, and the location is excellent, not far from China Town. You enter through an atmospheric bar on the ground floor. Booking and getting in was easy: confirm the reservation and you're set. For a night or a few days in Bangkok, I think it works really well.