Description: It is difficult to imagine a hotel more hospitable and welcoming than Sivalai Place. Gently tucked away in a cozy corner of Bangkok, it flies somewhat under the radar for many travelers, but is undoubtedly worth a stay. Every possible detail has been looked after, and guests can look forward to a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
The facilities are first rate. Sivalai boasts a large ozonated pool with an adjacent snack bar, an in-house restaurant, a full gym with showers, weight machines, and treadmills, a karaoke room, a games room with billiards and foosball, a 24-hour coin laundromat, a smoothie bar with internet access, and for tennis fanciers, there are three courts and a professional coach.
The rooms are comfortable, cozy, and immaculately clean. Each has a spacious bathroom with a luxurious shower, a kitchen, and a big-screen TV with a good selection of channels.
Sivalai's staff are extraordinarily friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to bend over backwards to ensure that their guests' every need is met. A frequently updated bulletin board provides a comprehensive source of information on upcoming events, news, and other useful information.
If you've come to Bangkok for a social experience, you can hardly do better than Sivalai. It offers rooms to short- or long-term vacationers, but is also a residence for pupils of Thammasat University. The students, drawn from every corner of the globe, form a rich and welcoming community. Planned outings are frequent and fun, and by the time I left I had made dozens of new friends.
The negatives are few and forgivable. As noted above, Sivalai is a bit out of the way and you may have to approach a few taxis before you find one willing to take you there. Moreover, even then, it is for some drivers a bit difficult to find as it's nestled in a small residential block away from the main roads. But in a way the remoteness is as much a blessing as a curse, as it keeps far away the sort of ceaseless noise and activity found on Khao San Road. Furthermore, the Sivalai office will happily give you a card with a map and directions in Thai to take with you and give to taxi drivers whenever necessary.
As well, it's a bit pricier than the bog-standard backpackers' hostels of Khao San, but for what you're getting in terms of service, amenities, and, above all, atmosphere, the added expense is easily worth the extra Baht.
Sivalai Place is one of Bangkok's hidden treasures. In terms of facilities, social environment, and value, it more than measures up against any other hotel or hostel in the city. Travelers who take advantage of this one-of-a-kind place are in for a truly unforgettable experience.
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