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Connect Hostel is a medium-sized hostel with a mixture of four- and six-bedded dorms and some private rooms.
The Location
The hostel is located south of the centre of Chiang Rai, around one kilometer from Bus Station Number One and the night market, along the main north-south road of the city. There are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the hostel. The neighbourhood is fairly lively and safe, though it feels rather removed from the main action in the city centre.
Rooms and Bathrooms
On arrival, each guest is given a keycard for a large deposit. The card opens the electronic lock on each dorm room door. The beds are double bunks, with curtains on each, and a power outlet and reading light. The dorm rooms are fairly small, without much space between the beds. The beds are comfortable and well sized. There are two locking trays (guests must supply their own padlock) under each bed for cases and valuables.
Most of the dorms have a separate shower and toilet en suite. There are also communal showers and toilets. The front desk rents towels for a nominal fee.
Common Spaces
There is some seating around the light and airy reception area, but up a spiral staircase is the breakfast room/hangout space in this hostel. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 a.m. for an extra charge and consists of eggs, toast, and some fruit. Tea, water, and instant coffee are available for free throughout the day. The breakfast room is light and airy and well decorated.
Summary
The hostel has good, fast Wi-Fi and some old bikes that you can use for free (this option is not, however, well advertised). They will also book tours if asked, but are not pushy with them. Overall, it has a vibe more like a boutique hotel than a hostel; the atmosphere is definitely towards the quieter end of the spectrum. The guests seem to be mostly travelers, with a few Thais.
Connect Hostel is a good accommodation option in Chiang Rai. The facilities are good, the staff are excellent and very helpful, and the hostel is kept clean. Staff give out free photocopied maps of the city if asked. The hostel's location, and the fact that it is a little on the pricey side, are the main drawbacks.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
+3
PJ
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Mar 2, 2019
Location and Contact
Location
• From the bus station, turn right and look for Pahonyothin Road. At the 3 ways junction, turn left when you spotted Tesco Express supermarket on your left hand side. Keep walking straight for 5 -7 minuites. Our propoties is on the righ hand side. • GPS Coordinate: • 19.8979134,99.8317546 • (Copy and Paste it on google map)