Shanti Lodge

Shanti Lodge is the place to stay in Bangkok. It's not on Kho San Road, which sells it immediately for me, and dorm beds start at just 100 Baht. If you're 2 or 3 people the 300 – 400 Baht rooms are worth it as you almost get hotel luxury with a budget price. It's a winner. In every room, even the dorm, you are given towels and soap on arrival and the common bathrooms have pot plants in them! A nice eco friendly touch. Shanti Lodge was actually designed by a South African woman. Unfortunately, I never met her to tell her how classy the place was. Apparently she also owns another place called Shanti Lodge down at Phuket or Krabi. Check it out if you're heading through.

There are Chinese mosaic tiles in the restaurant, a fish pond with a turtle, a library, a wonderful European style café, stained glass, shell encrusted mirrors and wooden bedsteads and shutters on the windows.

It also seems to attract like-minded people who quest for something different. There was an older English couple who pounced on me at reception one day to share stories of the Asia of 5-10 years ago. We shared our horror stories of Kho San Rd. They first visited Bangkok when Kho San Road was still local markets and closed to traffic with wall-to-wall stalls that Thais also frequented. They hated the designer cafes, sex workers and tourists like I did. There was also an American who proudly declared the dorm was the best room in the whole place and excitedly showed me the way to the library.

I also chatted a lot with Yuan (the manager) at the café who said it was her job to give info to guests when I protested I was holding up her work. She's Thai but the great thing is she's also traveled a lot and will swap stories about Italy, France, England and Germany. She's different to what you would expect of a Thai traveler, she's camped, driven, everything. The other staff always had smiles and were helpful.

If I could have all my times in Bangkok again I wish I'd known of this place sooner, no guidebooks do it justice. It's genuinely warm and friendly. You'll find friends and comfort and won't want to leave.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review