Hugger Hostel

There was a strong smell of cleaning products the whole time, and the staff barely spoke English. The hostel looked nicer in the photos than it did in person. During my one-night stay, the water stopped running three times and the electricity went out once.

The women at reception were so kind and wonderful, and the bathrooms and showers were really good. I stayed in a mixed dorm and felt very safe as a woman. It was a great price and close to market street for food and clothes. On Saturdays, a market with music, clothes, and food is right at your doorstep. Amazing hostel, one of the best I’ve stayed in. Everything was great.

The place had a dark, DIY kind of look and a chill vibe. It was quiet since the hostel was nearly empty during the season, but still clean, with the biggest beds I’ve found in a hostel so far. There was air conditioning in the room, plenty of space, curtains, and a shoes-off policy. I arrived late without letting them know, and the friendly staff helped me out and let me pay in the morning. I took a tour to phi phi island, and I’d suggest choosing the speed boat. It costs a bit more, but it’s worth it.

Some things worked well: the price and location were good, I could dry clothes on the roof, and there was free water. They also gave out free watermelon on two days. I liked the bathroom and shower design, and some staff were friendly and welcoming. The air conditioning stayed on all or almost all of the time, although a sign said it would be off for a couple of hours each day. Water pressure failed sometimes, and at times I felt unwelcome because of one staff member. The open air lobby had mosquitoes. By the end of my nearly week-long stay I had lots of bites. I couldn’t confirm what caused them, or even say for certain that I was bitten at the hostel, but I have some suspicions.