When I first started planning my trip to Bangkok, I knew I wanted a place that wasn’t just a bed to crash in but a hub where I could soak in the city’s vibrant energy, meet fellow travelers, and still have a cozy spot to recharge. After scouring reviews and recommendations, I stumbled upon Lub d Bangkok Siam, a boutique hostel nestled in the heart of the city’s bustling Siam Square. Spoiler alert: it lived up to the hype and then some. Here’s my take on why this place became the perfect base for my Bangkok adventure.
The Arrival: Stepping into Siam’s Buzz
Landing in Bangkok is always a sensory overload—horns blaring, street food aromas wafting, and the chaotic charm of a city that never sleeps. After a long flight, I was craving a place that felt welcoming yet cool, and Lub d delivered right from the get-go. Located at 925/9 Rama 1 Road, right next to the National Stadium BTS Skytrain station, finding the hostel was a breeze. I hopped off the Skytrain, walked less than 100 feet, and there it was—a modern, colorful building that screamed “you’re in for a good time.”
The moment I stepped into the lobby, I felt the vibe. The industrial-chic design, with its concrete walls splashed with pops of red, orange, and aqua-blue, gave off a trendy yet unpretentious feel. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and flawless English, which was a relief after hearing horror stories about language barriers in other Bangkok accommodations. They checked me in swiftly, handed me a key card, and even offered a quick rundown of nearby attractions. It was clear they were used to dealing with weary travelers like me, and their friendliness set the tone for my stay.
The Room: Cozy, Clean, and Just Right
I opted for a private room with an en-suite bathroom, as I wanted a bit of privacy after days of exploring. The room was a pleasant surprise—compact but thoughtfully designed, with a comfy bed that felt like a hug after a long day of walking. The air conditioning was a godsend in Bangkok’s sweltering heat, and the room was spotlessly clean, which is non-negotiable for me. The colorful decor carried through from the lobby, with a bright orange accent wall and modern furnishings that made the space feel lively yet calming. I also appreciated the little touches, like a hairdryer and ample bathroom amenities, which aren’t always a given in hostels.
For those on a tighter budget, Lub d offers dorm rooms, and I peeked into one while chatting with a fellow traveler. The mixed dorms are spacious, with each bed equipped with a privacy curtain, reading light, power outlet, and personal locker—perfect for solo travelers or groups looking to socialize. I heard from a backpacker that the dorms were a great way to meet people, though one mentioned the bottom bunks lacked curtains, which could feel a bit exposed. Still, the consensus was that the dorms were clean and well-maintained, a testament to Lub d’s commitment to hygiene.
One minor hiccup: my room didn’t have a window, which made it feel a tad stuffy at times. I heard similar feedback from another guest about a dorm room being slightly damp, but the staff were quick to address issues like this by offering room changes. Overall, the accommodations struck a perfect balance between budget-friendly and boutique, making it ideal for travelers who want comfort without breaking the bank.
The Location: Bangkok at Your Doorstep
If there’s one thing that makes Lub d Bangkok Siam stand out, it’s the location. I can’t emphasize enough how perfect it is. Situated in the heart of Siam Square, you’re surrounded by Bangkok’s best shopping, dining, and cultural spots. The MBK Center and Siam Paragon Mall, both within a 5-10 minute walk, were my go-to spots for retail therapy and people-watching. I spent an afternoon wandering through MBK’s maze of stalls, snagging souvenirs and snacking on mango sticky rice from a food court vendor.
The National Stadium BTS station is literally steps away, making it ridiculously easy to explore the rest of Bangkok. I hopped on the Skytrain to visit the Grand Palace (about 25 minutes away by train and boat) and the vibrant Khao San Road (a 150-200 baht tuk-tuk ride). The nearby Jim Thompson House, a short walk from the hostel, was a highlight for me—a beautifully preserved complex with lush gardens and a fascinating story about the American silk trader who called it home. For art lovers, the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre is also just a few minutes away on foot.
Street food stalls lined the area, and I couldn’t resist grabbing a spicy som tam (papaya salad) from a vendor right outside the hostel. There’s also a 7-Eleven next door for late-night snack runs or cheap bottled water, which was a lifesaver. The only downside? Bangkok’s traffic can be a nightmare, so I relied heavily on the BTS to avoid getting stuck in gridlock. The hostel’s proximity to public transport made this a non-issue.
The Vibe: Social, Lively, and Welcoming
Lub d Bangkok Siam isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a community. The common areas are where the magic happens. The lobby bar, complete with a quirky vintage Volkswagen van serving drinks, was my favorite spot to unwind. I’d grab a cold Singha beer and chat with travelers from all over the world—backpackers from Australia, digital nomads from Europe, and even a family from the Philippines. The bar wasn’t too loud, striking a perfect balance between lively and chill.
The hostel organizes regular activities like walking tours, cooking classes, and even the occasional pub crawl, which made it easy to connect with others. One evening, I joined a Thai cooking class organized by the hostel, where we learned to make tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) with a local chef. It was hands-down one of the highlights of my trip, not just for the food but for the laughter and stories shared with my fellow “chefs.” The staff, particularly a team member named Zee, were absolute gems—full of energy and always ready to share insider tips or a joke.
For those needing a quieter escape, the movie-screening room was a cozy haven. I spent one rainy afternoon sprawled on a beanbag, watching a Thai rom-com with subtitles, surrounded by other travelers munching on popcorn. The hostel also offers a 24/7 co-working space for a small fee, which I didn’t use but heard was a hit with digital nomads. The only feedback I’d give is that the social vibe might not suit solo travelers looking to make instant connections, as some mentioned it wasn’t as easy to break the ice without joining organized activities. Still, the atmosphere was warm and inclusive, and I never felt out of place.
The Amenities: Practical and Thoughtful
Lub d nails the little things that make a stay hassle-free. Free Wi-Fi was reliable throughout the property, which was crucial for planning my day trips and sharing photos with friends back home. The 24-hour front desk meant I could come and go at any hour, and the staff were always ready to help with everything from booking tours to arranging airport transfers. I also loved that they offered free luggage storage for up to 60 days, which was perfect for my plans to island-hop and return to Bangkok later.
The breakfast was another standout. Served at the lobby bar, it was a hearty spread with options ranging from toast and eggs to Thai-style congee. It wasn’t gourmet, but it was fresh, filling, and included in the room rate—a rare treat for a hostel. The only thing missing was a communal kitchen, which some longer-term travelers noted as a downside since they couldn’t prepare their own meals. However, with so many cheap eats nearby, I didn’t miss it much.
Laundry services were available, and I took advantage of their “wash one load on us” deal, which kept my backpack light and my clothes fresh. The shared bathrooms (for dorms and some private rooms) were consistently clean, with hot showers—a luxury in some Thai hostels. My only gripe was that the shared bathrooms could get busy during peak hours, but the staff kept them spotless, so it was never a dealbreaker.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again?
My stay at Lub d Bangkok Siam was everything I hoped for and more. It’s not perfect—some rooms could use better ventilation, and solo travelers might need to join activities to feel the social buzz—but the pros far outweigh the cons. The unbeatable location, friendly staff, clean and stylish accommodations, and vibrant atmosphere make it a standout choice for anyone visiting Bangkok, whether you’re a backpacker, a family, or a couple looking for a budget-friendly yet chic stay.
I left Lub d with a full heart, new friends, and a phone full of photos from my Bangkok adventures. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re not just visiting a city but living it. If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and want a hostel that’s more than just a place to sleep, Lub d Bangkok Siam is the way to go. I’m already looking forward to my next stay—maybe I’ll try the dorms next time for the full backpacker experience.
