Hop Inn Ubon Ratchathani (SHA Extra Plus)

I’d be happy to pay the same as Ibis if the hotel could match or improve on what they offer. A larger place to sit near the check-in counter would be useful, whether you’re waiting to check in or out or just want to relax outside your room, and proper seating for coffee would be nice too. I usually like staying at Hop inn in different provinces because the clean, comfortable rooms have a consistent standard. My last stay in Ubonrachathanee didn’t meet that standard. I was on the ground floor and could hear nearly every outside noise, especially people talking and cars starting or parking. Cars parked by the window also meant I couldn’t open the curtain. I’d suggest using better materials to block outside noise, especially in ground-floor rooms, and keeping cars away from the windows.

The housekeeper and technician were so polite and nice, and seemed sorry that we were uncomfortable during our many days there. The receptionists, though, need more training in service and smiling, and shouldn’t talk behind customers’ backs. Think again if you like other Hop inn hotels, because this one is different. It may be one of the first Hop inn locations, and everything feels old and in need of renovation. The air conditioners and fridge were extremely noisy, and we changed rooms hoping for something better, but all the rooms had the same problems. The old air conditioners sometimes didn’t work, and the fridges were noisy and hot. The hot water system was old too, with no temperature adjustment, just too hot or cold.

The location is okay, but honestly it’s a bit far from everything. It’s affordable, though, so I’d still give it 7/10. The staff are kind, but they can’t speak basic English, which is understandable. One employee had a hard time communicating with us and used Google translate to get the message across. It took a long time to get checked in because she didn’t understand us, even after we’d explained everything. I’m glad it was sorted out in the end.

Hop Inn has become my first choice for business and two-star hotels in Thailand. It’s clean, modern, dependable, and good value, with top-notch Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and beds. My one suggestion: add a few coin-operated washers and dryers at each hotel.