Scandia Beach Hostel

We were happy staying in the hotel section. The rooms were clean and nice for the price, the staff were great, and having both a hostel and hotel gives the place a fun little community feel. The location is convenient for the beach and other areas. The street changes character. During the day it's lined with street food and all kinds of Western and Thai restaurants. At night it turns more into a party scene, aimed more at people who prefer women. If you're hoping for a quiet getaway on a quiet street, this won't suit you. Otherwise it's a simple stay with very good value. We traveled with gay men, and it was a quick, easy walk to the gay beach and clubs. This city really is for everybody.

The pool was one of my favourite parts, clean and with a nice atmosphere, a great place to relax after a long day. I also found the hostel room spacious and comfortable. The kitchen was really well equipped, with a toaster, electric water heater, microwave, fridge, bowls and glasses, which made preparing food easy. Staff were kind and helpful and made the place welcoming. The toilets could be cleaner and sometimes smelled, which made that area less comfortable. I rated the stay 4.7/5. It was a really good experience, and cleaner bathrooms would make it better. The beach is about 350 metres away. On the way there, there's a 24-hour Tops Daily mini supermarket, and further along on the right is a 7-eleven. Turn left from the hostel and there's another 7-Eleven about 40 metres away. Another 270 metres along is a larger Tops Daily supermarket. The hostel also has a lovely café near the exit with good, affordable food. A good-quality hairdresser is right beside it, and several pubs along the street play good music, so the area feels lively. I'd definitely go back.

We got a spacious room on the 6th floor with a view over the market across 2nd Rd, and it was a good deal for the price. Entertainment, restaurants and the beach are all within walking distance in busy soi 7. One detail for anyone booking: despite what some booking sites say, the hotel has no private parking. Reception can arrange a space at the Meridian Htl farther down the soi.

I asked politely for the TV to be turned down so I could rest in my room. It was a basic, reasonable request, but the staff reacted aggressively. Their conduct felt disrespectful and unprofessional, and left me uncomfortable and unwelcome. As a paying guest, I expected courtesy. I don't care about the television itself; what we won't accept is the staff's aggressive attitude. I have proof and we will report it to the authorities. I hope people hear about how they behaved.