Hotels, Resorts or Hostels?? Which do you prefer?

Many people often ask where I stayed while traversing around Thailand. I stayed in three very different types of places in each city. Each place is unique and depends on your comfort level. Before choosing a hotel/hostel/resort I complete extensive research on trip advisor or yelp. These particular website gives honest reviews, rating and pictures about places to stay and things to do.

In Bangkok, I stayed at Lebua State Tower Hotel located in Silam Road. I booked this hotel for $143.50 per night through Hotels.com.The great thing about booking through Hotels.com is you receive a point for every night you stay. After 10 days you get one free night.

Lebua State Tower is somewhat famous because Hang over 2 was filmed at the Roof Top Sky Bar. After arriving we were greeted and allowed to check in. Remember that some hotels charge incidentals fee.  It’s better to hold the incidental fee on your credit card because placing it on a debit card will freeze some of your money for about a week. When we walked in our room, we loved the lay out. It had a living room, shower and huge bathtub, bedroom and a small balcony with a view of the city.

If you are traveling internationally and have questions prior to coming, you can email them. I was celebrating my 30^th birthday and wanted to know if they had any type of birthday celebrations. Fortunately dessert was waiting for me, when I arrived in my room.

 

 

After we settled in we wanted to explore the city. Staff took us to the train station in a tuktuk. The location of the hotel is great because it is near the train station and it is within walking distance. The next morning we woke up and had breakfast (this is not included in your hotel stay). The breakfast buffet was delicious. They had shelf with various breads, pastries, Thai food, sushi, American breakfast and so much more.

                                    

 

 

I also recommend the Sky bar (check the dress code recommendations and reserve a table in the restaurant if you would like to eat). The view from the tower is stunning. If you stay at any hotel, take a dip in the pool and relax on the lounge chair with a nice book.

The next resort I stayed at was the Horizon Village & Resort Chaingmai. It was $47 a night, $167 for a total of 4 nights. When we arrived the grounds were all lit up with Christmas lights. It was approximatelyy 8:30 pm and we were hungry. We were told that the restaurant  was open until 9:00 pm. After settling in we attempted to find dinner but they explained that restaurant closed for the evening. Due to the fact that the resort was a distance from the city and not near any eateries, it is safe to say that my stomach was growling that night. In the morning time, the breakfast buffet was great, but I still think I was salty about not having dinner the night before.

I would describe the room as rustic. If you are afraid of tiny lizards, outside of your room this is not the place for you. In addition the mosquitoes were really bad in this area, they were both inside and outside  the room. They also advertised Wi-Fi services but it never worked. I’m addicted to Face book so I was really sad to have no Wi-Fi while stayimg there. If you enjoy scenery, animals and hot balloon rides, this resort is for you. They have hot air balloon rides for approximately $250, I didn’t have the opportunity to ride one but it is on my bucket list. They have a small petting zoo with several animals. Did I mention that the grounds were very pretty. I personally would not go back to the hotel due to the distance of the resort from other attractions, lack of Wi-Fi, mosquitoes and limited time slots for dinner.

      

 

       

 

 

Lastly I stayed in a FIN Hostel Phuket Kata Beach. It was $14.25 per day, what a steal? Some people are opposed to Hostels because of the movie, lack of privacy or feeling like they are to old. I love hostels because they are cheap and you can meet other travelers from around the world.  When I first arrived it was nice and clean. It was a 6 bedroom suite for girls. The first 2 nights I had the entire room to myself, which was great. I almost regretted my decision about staying at the hostel because my room was next to the movie room. In addition there was a club outside and the music was blasting all night and I heard people arguing in the early wee hours. I’m glad I didn’t change hotel accommodations because the remainder of my stay was quite peaceful.

     

 

They do not sell food at the hostel but you can purchase your own and have access to a small kitchen. In addition they had several restaurants with in walking distance. Interesting set up about the hostel was the bathroom. I walked in and thought, “I see the toilet but I don’t see the shower”. Well the shower and the toilet in the same location. At first I was like this is crazy, but then I got used to the set up and there are benefits to having both in the same location.

                                        

 

I also really enjoyed the staff, they were helpful and I felt like I was part of the family after staying several days. I would be aware of booking a tour with them as I noticed I paid more on my tour then other travelers while on my tour. The other nice part about this place is that the beach was a 10 minute walk from the hostel. Overall I enjoyed this location and would recommend.

 

I have described several different living situation. I think living arrangements should be chosen based on your preferred living accommodations. I’m personally flexible so I can be in a resort but I’m also open to couch surfing. I would recommend at least trying various styles of living to determine how you like to travel.