Kim Yen Hotel

The staff were kind, polite, and discreet, and the hotel was comfortable enough for the price. My room was clean, with no roaches or traces of fluids from previous guests, and it had a flat-screen TV and a bathtub. At 320 baht a night, it’s hard to find much better. It’s also near grocery shops and restaurants, and local buses make getting around easy. This suited me as a day visitor, but partygoers may find it too far from the action, with little around the area. It’s not far from the city center either. A few things were frustrating. The bathtub had no stopper, and one appeared on my last day but got stuck, leaving the tub unusable. Maybe that was just bad luck, or maybe the hotel didn’t think my rate included a usable bathtub, who knows. The hot water was fine during the day, but after 7-8 pm it turned tepid. I can live with that kind of energy saving at this price. I was also charged for water that I’d normally expect to be complimentary. It was only overpriced water, so not a huge deal, but it felt like an attempt to squeeze out the last dollar. Still, it was a pleasant, comfortable stay with public transport close by.

It’s a solid little hotel, clean and modern, with friendly staff. The room was nice, and they seem to be aiming to attract international guests. Getting to downtown or the airport was convenient, without paying the higher rates in those areas. Free Wi-Fi and a new elevator were a nice surprise at this price. Breakfast was buffet style, tasty, and had a limited selection. My main gripe was the bed, which I wish had been softer. The air conditioning also didn’t get as cold as I like for sleeping. That said, the beds are typical for hotels here, and I prefer a much colder room than most people.

The hotel is well placed between the city and the neighborhoods where people live. If you’re up for a little exploring, a local market is about a 10-15 minute walk around the corner. Staff were friendly and accommodating, and the breakfast buffet had enough variety to get the day started. It’s a down-to-earth place that seems to care about keeping things clean. The towels weren’t arranged consistently, and I had to ask for the complimentary water.

Cleanliness and hygiene were up to standard, and the service was very good for a reasonable price. The airport is convenient to reach, with everything nearby. I’d be happy to come back.