PJ Hostel & Bar

I went to the police today and filed a report about this hostel. I’d booked a room through an online app and paid 997 baht, but when I arrived to check in, they said it was full. They explained there’d been a problem with the booking system: the hostel hadn’t closed online bookings, so another customer walked in and took the room. At first I understood that mistakes happen. The manager wasn’t there, and the receptionist tried to help by offering a replacement room at a nearby hostel, but it was lower quality. I turned that down and asked for a full refund. The manager said the most they’d refund was 550 baht. When I asked for a room at a different hotel for the same price, she refused and said booking and marketing fees meant they received about 20% less than what I’d paid. That isn’t my responsibility. I paid the full amount and wanted it all back. After four hours of waiting and negotiating, the manager was still insisting on finding another hostel and wouldn’t give me a full refund. I went to the police because the situation felt like a scam: the hostel had received the full payment but wouldn’t fully refund me, even though their mistake caused the problem. The owner of the neighboring weed café helped resolve things, but I still lost four hours that should have been met with an immediate refund. It wasn’t about the money, it was the lack of responsibility and the failure to sort out the problem. Beyond disappointing.

The location is very good, and the rest was OK. But my room wasn’t clean, even after I asked to have it cleaned on the second day. The entrance and bar also smelled bad from the smoking. Cleanliness should come first, so I can’t give it more than three stars.

PJ Hostel & Bar has a relaxed, friendly feel, and the staff are welcoming and helpful. The downstairs bar makes it easy to meet people. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the spot is right in the heart of Pattaya, close to the beach and nightlife. Great value for money. I’d stay again!

The room was a good size for the price, with a cozy bed, working air conditioning that got nice and cold, and good Wi-Fi. It’s a quick walk to the beach and shops.