Where to Stay in Bangkok: Lub d Hostel Siam Square

In a city known as a frequent backpacking stop, finding a place to crash in is not a problem. Whether you’re a luxury traveler or a shoestring adventurer, you won’t run out of choices in Bangkok.

It was also because of this abundance of choices that I took my time picking out where to stay. Hotels were out of the question; I was traveling solo and on a tight budget. I’m an Airbnb fan so it was the first site I checked. I was also aware that there are a lot of hostels in Bangkok, and at the coaxing of a friend who frequented Bangkok, I checked out (and immediately booked) Lub d Hostel.

Lub d is Thai for ‘a good night’s sleep’. Lubd Hostel was named Bangkok’s top hostel in 2008 and 2009, and often mentioned in travel blogs. I’ve never stayed in a hostel before and as a solo traveler who also wanted to meet and make new friends, I knew I was making the right choice. Lub d’s motto is “Everyone leaves as a friend.”

At the time of my visit, Lub d had two locations: Silom and Siam Square. Its third branch recently opened in Phuket. I chose to stay in the Siam Square branch because of its central location. The Bangkok Skytrain (BTS), which is the easiest way to navigate a huge chunk of the city, is literally on my doorstep!

The room I stayed in was a ladies’ deluxe room, located on the 1st floor of the building. It had two bunks, a total of four beds. Each section has charging outlets and bedside lamps and each guest gets a locker. Two of my roommates were Chinese. One barely spoke during my whole stay; the other one was friendlier but she was almost always out touring so we rarely see each other. Esther, who arrived on my last morning in Bangkok, was Taiwanese and she’s fluent in English so we had no trouble being friendly with each other. She was so nice, too, and I found myself telling her about the Thai barista I was crushing on. Haha! Esther and I had lunch together and became Facebook friends later. 🙂

The room wasn’t as airy as I would have wanted (which was natural as there were also other buildings around the area) but it was definitely comfortable and always clean and cool. Lub d’s design is very trendy and hip yet still retaining the sanuk (fun) personality that Thailand is known for.

There are huge shared separate-gender bathrooms, equipped with toiletries and hair dryers and huge mirrors. I usually don’t like using shared bathrooms but I loved this one because it’s so stylish, comfy, and always clean.

The lobby has a lot going on. It has an internet zone with desktops, but there’s free WIFI for all guests. There are plenty of couches and seats – this is where most of the socializing happens. I barely stayed here though. The reception area is manned 24/7 and the staff are polite, if not friendly. On my last day in Bangkok, I found out that one of the staff is a fellow Filipino!

Lub d also offers free short and long-term luggage storage (I left my luggage when I arrived hours before the check-in time). There’s also a mini bar and restaurant – I’ve never eaten here though. And oh, there’s free popcorn and a vending machine for drinks.

A laundry area is also available, as well as a laid back theater room (where I hung out when I’m too pumped up to sleep). All areas are accessible with the guest key card.

There’s also a desk for an STA Travel advisor, whom you can approach and ask if you’re planning to visit other parts of Thailand and neighboring Southeast Asia countries.

Outside the building, there are more tables and seats and the Superrich Thailand money changer. It is said that among all money changers in Bangkok, this is where you can get the best rates so I just exchanged a few dollars for my train ride in the airport and exchanged the rest here.

Overall, Lub d made my Bangkok stay a comfortable one and I will remember it as one of the best places I’ve stayed in.

Note: This is NOT a paid post. I just really enjoyed my stay. 🙂

Have you tried hostel-ing? How was your experience? Share it on the comments!