Madras is really not a bad hostel as Thailand standards go, but it really is not accurately represented in their written description. Madras would do well to just tell it like it is rather than trying to blow its amenities out of proportion.
The biggest highlight of Madras is its cleanliness. The friendly woman who runs the place works hard to keep the hostel clean, and will even tidy up your room when you are out. The bathrooms are shared between all rooms, but each toilet/shower combination is housed in its own small room so privacy is not an issue. All toilets are western-bowl style with flush. The A/C works well.
Security wasn't an issue, because there were no other guests at the time of visit. There may be plans for a small bar to be put in, this would not fit the atmosphere of the place, which was deserted during our trip. If you want a quiet, clean bed to sleep in, come to Madras. If you want to meet other travelers and have some fun, look elsewhere.
The rooftop garden is a caged-in area with some potted plants, overlooking a rather grungy area of Bangkok, and the study corner is really an old couch on the level containing the bathrooms. The TV/couch area is comfortable and there is a selection of books that guests can read. There are two computers with cheap internet access for guests, who also receive some free time on the computer, daily (thirty minutes). The complimentary breakfast is toast, jam, and instant coffee or tea, which is appreciated but not at all substantial.
The location of Madras is a bit of a downside. It is extremely difficult to find, and results in a high taxi fare as the driver might have to circle the area repeatedly. The road Madras is on is across from a 7-11, just after/before a pedestrian overpass. The elevated sign is quite small (see picture) but it's there if you look. There is absolutely nothing of interest around the area of Madras, but the fifteen-minute walk to the Phra Ram 9 MRT station is not too bad, and from there you can get where you need to go.
Madras is not at all a bad choice for a Bangkok hostel, but it just might not be as amazing as they lead you to believe.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
December 2006
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