When I first came to Bangkok, I felt like I was being pounded by the power of the place at the terminal. It was loud, full of people, and invigorated everywhere. Having spent a long journey, what I needed was a place to relax and get a few hours’ sleep before moving on. Regular hotels charged by the full day, and this did not make much sense. It was then that I started to search for short-term hotels, or those that you can rent out in only a matter of hours.
How I Discovered My First Short Stay.
I did not reserve anything beforehand. Rather, I stalked around the busy Sukhumvit neighbourhood. The avenues were filled with food carts, music and neon. I was able to see small hotels with hourly rates mentioned on their signs. Curiosity conquered my initial curiosity. I entered, enquired with the receptionist, and moments after that, I held a room key in my hands. This delayed process was fast and not inquisitive.
Expectations of these hotels.
And here is the point: do not look at luxury. Most of the short-term hotels are basic and clean. You have a bed, air conditioning and, in some cases, a small fridge – that is all you need in one or two hours. Certain rooms are superior to others, and therefore, it is better to request before making payments. I learnt that employees tend to offer to provide you with a room. It becomes simplified to make decisions on the spot.
Tips That Worked for Me
- Location matters: Compounds such as Sukhumvit, Silom and around Nana Plaza are available with numerous short stays.
- Carry cash: As in the majority of the hotels, cash is welcome in hourly bookings.
- Check the room first: One might have to be there to see what happens.
- Be clear about time: Give your reception the hours that you desire; this spares embarrassment.
- Respect privacy: These hotels accommodate persons of all types, and therefore, take care of your own space.
The procedure was always quick and easy, as I used to pay at the counter, leave my ID, get the key, and that was it.
Why They Are Popular
Bangkok boasts of nightlife. There are a great number of locals and tourists who stay in these hotels when they require some personal time temporarily. There are a couple of people who visit even there, and some lone travellers use it to have a bath between flights, as well as lots of people who book it to have sex. And that is what makes it an interesting part of the city; nothing is closed or denied.
Final Thoughts
The simple advice that I can give is not to think about it. There are short-time hotels in Bangkok which are easily identifiable and easy to stay in, that is, when you do not choose the wrong part. Think with a sceptical yet searching mind. Get in, inspect the room, settle their hours and gain the personal space they require. These impromptu visits, on my side, made my journey less difficult, as I could rest or simply have a quiet moment in the middle of the commotion of the city.