Suneta Hostel Chiang Mai

The location is hard to beat, with almost everywhere nearby reachable on foot. I liked the industrial vintage design too, it felt like home. The staff were friendly at checkout and during my stay, and answered my questions about the window, which looked like the one at my place. I’d rate this hostel 4.5 stars compared with others I’ve stayed in. I was impressed that you can still use the bathroom for a shower after checkout, and ask for a fresh towel. Some hostels expect you to hold onto your towel until you leave, and others don’t offer this at all. Here you return the old towel at checkout and can get a new one for a later shower. I ended up moving my things to a friend’s hotel, so didn’t use it, but appreciated the offer. Breakfast included eggs made to order in different styles, whole wheat toast, and fresh fruit. I work out a lot and need protein, so it was good to be able to order more than one egg, though I felt a little shy asking for more than four. It looked like they were trying to set up a small gym. I’d have liked some basic equipment or a yoga mat for simple exercise. The person at reception when I arrived was a little cold because I was early, but not rude. The lobby also seemed quiet, with people mostly on their own or with friends instead of mingling. I talked with a few guests and they were friendly. Maybe people in single or private rooms, like me, tend to keep to themselves. My single room was much smaller than it looked in the picture, and there wasn’t much space to move around with bags or luggage. It was okay for a few days, though storage for things you don't need might help. I also wish breakfast ran until 10:30 rather than 10:00, since I often got up late and found only the last few pieces left. Still, it’s not a big issue. I’d stay here again when I come back to Chiang Mai. I love this city, and each visit inspires me with its creativity and friendly people.

The hostel has a cozy, warm feel with its wooden style, and I liked sitting in the common area, listening to music and playing with the super cute cat. It's in a quiet spot near the center around Tha Phae, with a 7-11 and lots of coffee shops nearby. There’s no elevator. Breakfast includes eggs, bread, some vegetables, and coffee. My single room with shared bathroom had enough space for one person, and I especially liked having a window. It was quite hot, though, because the air conditioner is outside the room. A small wall fan is meant to move the air, but it’s very weak and dusty. The shared bathroom is a two-person bathroom for men and women on each floor. It can get a little dirty, the view of the temple is nice, and the water heater doesn’t get very warm.

I’d always loved this place and would have stayed again, but I won’t because of how one worker, “Momo,” treated me during an early morning checkout. I urgently needed to leave. My room was on the fourth floor and there was no elevator, so I begged for help getting my towel. She just pointed toward the stairs, looked away, and said, “just go.” I’ve never felt so disrespected while checking out.

The hostel looks nice, has a good location, and the cat is so cute. But cleanliness was poor. The AC fan and bathroom weren't very clean, the shower head was broken and still hadn't been replaced, and there was a thick layer of ice in the refrigerator.