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Located just perfectly on soi 11 in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok, the Suk11 hostel has been a mainstay for travelers wanting a change from the typical Khao San Road / Banglumpoo scene.

Ducking inside Suk11 from the heat and turmoil of Bangkok's busy streets is like entering another world. The sprawling hostel compound is made entirely of wood and stone; low lighting and dusty antiques set a vibe much different than the sanitized environment seen in typical hostels on this side of the city.

Given the choices of either rundown hostels or more expensive Sukhumvit hotels, Suk11 is an excellent choice for budget travelers wishing to stay on this side of the city.

The Suk11 Hostel

Suk11 is a labyrinth of wood, common areas, and tastefully decorated nooks and crannies. Even after two stays, I was still accidentally wandering into rooftop gardens and sitting rooms previously undiscovered. Whitespaces on walls are covered with garbled graffiti and messages written by guests from all over the world.

Rooms are simple, but spacious and clean. Conveniences such as hot water, drying racks, coat hangers, towels, and power outlets are ubiquitous.

Little Details

The Staff

Unfortunately, the personality and character of the building do not bleed over into the staff. While Anil, the cheerful and helpful owner is an exception, he isn't always around. The young staff working at reception process guests with less than enthusiasm -- not what you would expect in such an interesting place.

Smoking

Suk11 is adamantly a non-smoking hostel, including the rooftop gardens, open-air common areas, and restaurant -- probably a good thing given that the entire place is made of old, dry wood.

Cleanliness

The Suk11 hostel rooms are spotlessly clean; no need to worry about bedbugs here.

Wi-Fi Access

With such an internet-savvy owner, surprisingly Wi-Fi access at Suk11 is not free; expect to pay 10 baht for 15 minutes of access in only the reception area and second-floor TV room. Computers are available at the hostel.

• Read more about internet cafe security.

Extra Charges

7% VAT tax and a 10% service charge are added to the already-inflated prices within the restaurant. Getting nickeled and dimed on your final bill is never a pleasant surprise.

If you happen to lose your receipt, you WILL NOT get the expensive key desposit back.

Pros and Cons

What I Like About Suk11

• The ascetics and character inside of Suk11 are unbeatable.
• Great location opposite the Nana BTS Skytrain stop.
• All rooms and the hostel interior are non-smoking.
• Rooms are pleasantly decorated and are kept clean.
• Excellent exterior security includes keycard entry and a security guard.

Room for Improvement

• Wi-Fi access costs 10 baht per 15 minutes; Coverage is limited to common areas.
• The young staff are unfriendly rather than welcoming.
• Although median priced for the area, Suk11 is still relatively expensive for budget travelers.
• Reservations must be made in advance and paid in full before arrival.
• No safes or lockboxes available; guests must use their own locks on doors.

Where to Find Suk11

Suk11 is conveniently just around the corner from Cheap Charlie's -- a tiny-yet-famous, outdoor bar popular with local expats.

A taxi between Suk11 and Khao San Road takes approximately 45 minutes -- depending on traffic -- and costs around 100 baht. The Sukhumvit area is closer to the airport than Khao San Road; expect a taxi to take less than 30 minutes depending on the time of day.

Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to the Nanas stop. Suk11 is located on soi 11 directly opposite the Nanas BTS station. Walk down soi 11 until you reach the 7-11 on the left; Suk11 is tucked away in the corner on the left just beyond 7-11.

Find Suk11 Hostel in Bangkok here:

Suk111/33 Soi Sukhumvit 11BKK 10110, ThailandPhone: 02-2535927
for other hostels in Bangkok.

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