Cozy Bangkok Place Bangkok

Style and Character

Once a mechanical factory, the Cozy is a successful mix of modern guest house and old school hostel. The downstairs area, with walls covered in attractive prints of local designs, offers plenty of couch and table space to socialise, cook and eat. The atrium, around which the rooms on the first and second floor are arranged, lends the building a historic feel.

Service and Facilities

Owner Khun Sui and her team are friendly and switched on. The main facility is definitely the kitchen and many guests use it. The rooftop terrace, which is covered, is a great place to meet fellow travellers, and like the rest of property, it's non-smoking. A bookshelf in the shape of a Chinese character holds a selection of paperbacks and Dumbo the dog, the hostel’s mascot, exudes both the calm and the charm of a perfect host. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hostel and there are laundry facilities. Those guests without communication devices can make use of a couple of computer terminals for a small fee.

Rooms

The air-conditioned rooms, both with twin beds and doubles are simple, smart and compact with small seating areas. The single rooms are tiny. The first floor rooms feature wooden floorboards, while the upper rooms have concrete floors. Clean showers, toilets and wash basins are shared throughout the property. Some rooms have windows onto the lane below, which makes for a rather romantic vibe. Dorms (male, female and mixed) are equally well kept. For added peace and quiet, guests are given ear plugs for the night.

Food and Drink

The Cozy Bangkok does not have a restaurant and does not serve food. Free drinking water, both hot and cold is available, as is tea and coffee. The kitchen is well equipped and many guests buy meat and vegetables at local markets and cook themselves. Herbs, spices and oil are provided by the hostel.

The best place for a drink is the rooftop seating area, though guests will have to buy their beers outside. The Cozy is not a party hostel and wild drinking sessions late into the night are definitely frowned upon.

Value for Money

Double rooms from 850 Thai Baht (£20) year round. Dorm beds from 300 Baht (£7), year round. No breakfast available. Free Wi-Fi.

Family-Friendly?

Children are welcome and families often book the four-bed dorm. The lane in front of the hostel sees no traffic, so it’s pretty safe for children around the property.

Location

Hualamphong, Bangkok’s central railway station is five minutes’ walk away, as is the nearest underground (MRT) station of the same name. It’s a 10-minute walk to Chinatown and a 15-minute walk to the shopping centres and nightlife on Silom. It’s perfect for visitors looking for peace and quiet – the hostel is on a lane too narrow for car traffic.