Bodega Hostel Bangkok Blog Review

Bangkok is a mega city. It's a prime destination in Southeast Asia and the world. I stayed a total of 23 days there - the longest I have ever spent outside my home country. I have to admit I didn't had solid planning of where I am gonna stay but what I am sure is that I would like to volunteer. In my first 4 days I spent it over to two luxurious hotels in Bangkok: Dream Hotel Bangkok and Adelphi Fortynine Hotel. The rest, I stayed  in a hostel. I mean, after all the extravagance and posh experience, I would always go back to where my heart is. Staying in a hostel means getting to meet fellow travelers from all corners of the world. They are the ones who inspire me to keep this wanderlust burning.

To tell you the truth I was like most of all who knew that Khao San road is the ultimate destination when it comes to adventure and finding cheap accommodation in Bangkok, Thailand. Circumstances however led me to Sukhumvit area at Soi 23 where Bodega Hostel is. Only when I spent a few nights I realized this is exactly where I want to be! Why? Because it is near BTS (Bangkok Train Stations), subways and bus stations. Bodega Hostel is just 15 minute walk from Asoke / Sukhumvit station. There's even a subway route that can bring any passenger straight to airport for less than THB 40! 

What is Bodega Hostel? 

Bodega Hostel is a social cum party hostel in my own opinion. Centrally and conveniently located, I never had to worrry about going anywhere. From Chatuchak weekend market, to Ancient Siam to Erawan Museum to Wat Benchamabophit,  everything was reachable through BTS because of the hostel's location.

Very popular among young backpackers, Bodega Hostel is always brimming with guests who are doing Southeast Asian trips and travelling around Thailand. It is composed of three buildings - the first two are mixed dorms and the last one is where the reception,  restaurant slash bar are located.

For a solo traveler like me, Bodega Hostel is a perfect fit. Whenever I travel alone I would always make it a point to sleep at dorms not just because it is cheaper but I get to meet fellow travelers whom in turn I share taxi rides and tour packages then later on friends to keep.   

History 
Bodega Hostel was founded by 3 brothers from USA. Aside from Bangkok, It has two other branches in Chiang Mai and Phuket. These brothers who are merely backpacking around Southeast Asia arrived in Thailand many years ago when cheap accommodations in Bangkok are still lacking. They were young and looked like hippies that time with long hair and moustache. They saw the need of building a cheap hostel for fellow backpackers who are travelling on a budget. 

I have personally met Ben and Brian (owners) who are based in Bangkok. The third brother is based in Phuket. Having stayed in so many hostels around Asia, this is my first time I have seen owners who are so hands on in terms of dealing with guests. During random hours, they especially Ben can be seen hanging out the bar slash restaurant exchanging laughter and tips about travelling around Bangkok.

Dorm beds 
Bodega Hostel in Bangkok has dorm rooms alone -  there are no private rooms. If you're the type of traveler who wants some lone, quiet times then this hostel may not be for you.  It comes in two options: all - women dorm and mixed. 

The dorm beds in Bodega Hostel is very comfortable. Bunk beds are bigger and wider, maybe because I am a petite Asian. You get one free pillow and instead of blanket cover, they use duvet, how classy is that!  You also have a reading light mounted on the wall for your personal use, one socket to charge your gadget and a piece of wood attached to the wall horizontally where you can put your stuff. It's where I put my small laptop, mobile phone et cetera.

There's a locker assigned to every guest. You have to bring your own key or buy one from the reception (equipped with number combination) that is for THB 100.    

Comfort rooms 
Since this is a shared dorm, of course bathrooms are shared as well. Overall, it is clean. The faucet, shower and toilet bowl are all working fine. There's a free liquid soap and tissue paper as well.


The Bar slash Restaurant
Bodega bar slash restaurant is the heart of this hostel. This is where all hi and hellos happen, catching up with newfound friends, drinking & dancing and most of all just chilling out outside your dorm bed. The longer you stay, the more chances of meeting fellow guests who can be your travel buddies.

Open 24 hours, it won't be a problem for a solo traveler looking for some company whether to drink a beer with or find one to eat breakfast with. Checking in and checking out wouldn't be a problem as well since the reception which is inside the bar slash restaurant is open 24/7.

Accentuated by colorful lanterns that resemble those in Vietnam, Bodega Hostel is one perfect fit for young travelers who are looking for a place to stay cheap in Bangkok's central location. They also offer walking tours for those who have no time to research their ways for THB 150. 

Here are a few pics. Apologies some of the best looking photos on my SD card appeared to be all black for some reasons so these are the ones left.  

Pic credit Hostelworld - Bodega Hostel

   

Things to know about staying at Bodega Hostel

• Breakfast is not included. Either you buy from the restaurant or you go out
• Aircondition is turned off in the afternoon and early night.
• Barefoot walking is advised inside the dorm room. Though it is not strictly implemented, all footwears should be left to the side of the wall near the main entrance.
• Wifi is free
• Mattress and towels are free to use
• 
  

Bloggers, creatives and volunteers are welcome

Bodega Hostel acknowledges that one of the best ways to spread the word of their brand is to invite bloggers and social media influencers for  sponsored stays. Also creative people and volunteers are very much welcome in this hostel. Please do not hesitate to send Ben, the owner a message.

To view MORE CLEAR, BETTER PHOTOS of Bodega Hostel and book a stay, please check their listing via Hostelworld HERE.

Address: 120/13-15 Sukhumvit soi 23
Klong toey nua, Wattana
Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2 117 1012
Website: http://www.bodegahostels.com
Locations: Bangkok - Phuket - Chiang Mai