Bearpacker Patong Hostel

Unclaimed

Had a good stay here. Excellent location close to the beach and the bars. Nice rooftop area with a pool has a great social atmosphere, good place to make new friends. Good security in the dorms. The beds didn't have curtains that went all the way across though, and some of the bed-frames were a bit rusty.

The staff here were top tier, reception open 24/7 as well as the pool. The pool and smoking area had a lovely view. The toilets were clean and the rooms were really good. The rooftop bar was brilliant for meeting your fellow backpackers along the best bartender I've ever met ?? If you're staying in patong this is the best place to stay as it's a stones throw away from Bangla road and most of the bars around.

Ease of check-in: Could only check in at 2pm but allowed to deposit luggage at L1 lobby and proceed to L5 lounge area to rest. Refundable deposit of 500 baht. Staff was nice: brought me on a tour upon check-in and handed me a welcome drink coupon to the bar (see photo). Living conditions: Issued a dorm bed at L3 Room G. Lift access to every floor. Separate gender toilets. Shower and WC cubicles are also separate. Lockers provided but need to bring own lock. Wall hooks available for hanging clothes and towels. Small balcony but not big enough for hanging wet laundry. L5 lounge area has 2 big tables and sofa seats for viewing TV. Bar does not allow outside food and drinks and leads straight to the pool area. No chance to swim in it as it was mostly wet weather during my stay. Facilities: The hostel is situated along Thaweewong Road which is like the Beach Road of Patong. Several restaurants, massage shops and beach clubs. Further walk out brings you to the nightlife of Bangla Walking Street and retails malls like Central Patong or Jungceylon Phuket. The smart bus stop which brings you to the airport for 100 baht is within walking distance. Room for improvement: Refundable deposit is higher than per night stay at the dorm. Owner may consider charging a higher deposit for standalone rooms instead. Main door is locked even in the day which requires card access. Probably can allow access in the day when there are more staff and restrict access only after "office hours". Privacy curtains are translucent with many gaps at the curtain track area. Female solo travelers should take note or be mindful. All 3 rainfall showerheads at the male toilet are leaking water and should be replaced. The "bearhead" knobs at the showers and taps are cute but not really user-friendly. L5 lounge area has a kettle and microwave oven but no water dispenser or kitchen. Bottled water can be bought for 10 baht at L1 lobby. I Installation of a vending machine or allowing hotel guests to purchase the same bottled water from the bar will mitigate the issue. TV at lounge area at an awkward angle and too far from sofa. Setting a smaller TV viewing corner with beanbags and placing a pool table for recreation and mingling amongst hostel guests will make it a cozier place. Individual dorms are digitally locked. Card scanning and door closing produces a sound. Not an issue in the day but very disruptive to sleep at night when roommates return from nightlife (i.e. fumbling with lockers, repeated opening and closing of doors to wash up etc.) Some idiots also love to slam the doors. The no-shoe policy is good but a washing point for washing feet/slippers/sandals is necessary before entering the main door or dorms. Many hostel guests visited Patong Beach and brought sand to the corridors and rooms. People with "clean feet" end up stepping on the same ground and brought sand to the bed (yucks). Overall value for money at 340 baht per night with proximity to Patong Beach and Bangla Road nightlife. Potential to get higher ratings if the issues mentioned can be looked into and improved upon.