Bangkok's HOTTEST Poshtel: The Printing House Awaits!
Bangkok's Printing House: More Than Just Ink on Paper (A Poshtel Review You ACTUALLY Want to Read)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill some seriously delicious tea about The Printing House Poshtel in Bangkok. Let's get one thing straight: I'm not a travel blogger with perfect hair and a pre-written script. This is real life, folks. And experiencing this place was… well, let's just say it left a mark (and not just on my Instagram feed).
First Impressions: The Hype is Real (Maybe)
From the moment you step inside, the design just hits you. Think industrial chic meets a hipster's dream, but done right. Seriously, the aesthetic is on point. Exposed brick, quirky artwork, and a general vibe that screams, "I'm cool, but also, I'm comfy." (Yes, I anthropomorphized a building – don't judge!)
Accessibility: A Few Caveats (But Mostly Good)
Alright, let's talk accessibility. This is something I always check, because let's be real, everyone deserves to experience cool places. The Printing House says it has facilities for disabled guests. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I did notice an elevator, which is a HUGE win. However, be sure to call ahead and get specifics on room accessibility. It's always better to be safe than sorry. They also boast a handy elevator, which is a good start.
(Accessibility Score: Solid B, needs a bit more granular information)
Rooms: My Oasis (And Occasional Battlefield with the AC)
My room? Glorious. Seriously, the beds are like sleeping on a cloud dipped in pure comfort. Air conditioning? Thank goodness! Bangkok heat is NO JOKE. BUT – and this is a minor rant – the AC sometimes battled me for dominance. You'd think I was the one who forgot how to make a chill room. Like, I'd crank it up, and it felt like a gentle breeze. Eventually, I learned the secret handshake to get it going, a series of button presses and internal pleas to the air conditioning Gods. Beyond that, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Seriously, I could've slept through a meteor shower in that room. And the complimentary water bottles? Heaven-sent after a day of exploring.
(Room Score: A- (minus points for AC shenanigans)
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi FTW! (And LAN for the Nerds)
Okay, the internet. In this digital age, it's a MUST. And The Printing House nails it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And (wait for it…) Internet access – LAN for the truly hardcore amongst us. I'm generally a Wi-Fi gal, but knowing the LAN option was there made me feel…powerful. Like I could download ALL the movies. And stream them at top quality at any time. The internet was reliable, which is all I ever really ask, so A+.
(Internet Score: A+)
Cleanliness and Safety: Mask Up, Buttercups
Let's be honest, post-pandemic, we're all a little obsessed with cleanliness. The Printing House takes it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check, and check. I felt completely safe. There were hand sanitizers EVERYWHERE, and the staff was always masked up and looking professional. It made me feel like they were taking it extra seriously.
(Cleanliness & Safety Score: A+)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Paradise… with a Few Quibbles
Now, this is where things get REALLY interesting. The Printing House has a fantastic restaurant (the Asian cuisine is a must-try), a cool bar, and even a coffee shop. The breakfast buffet was your classic hotel spread, but the Asian breakfast options were truly excellent. Think fresh fruit, delicious pastries, and flavorful noodle soups. It’s a great way to start the day, and the coffee/tea in the restaurant gets you going.
Here's my ONLY major gripe: The service, while generally friendly, was… a little slow at times. One morning, I swear it took 20 minutes just to get coffee! Like I said, it was friendly… but for those super-hungry travel days, it might not cut it.
Other than the slightly slow service, the Food Score: A-
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, let's talk unwinding. The Printing House has the goods. A swimming pool with a view? YES. A spa? ABSOLUTELY. I did a massage, and it was divine. My shoulders felt like they’d been carrying all the weight of the world (and possibly all the luggage) before. They have a fitness center, too, if you have more energy than I do on vacation. They don't have things like a body scrub or body wrap, but honestly, the massage alone was enough to melt away my travel stress.
(Relaxation Score: A)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Luxuries
They have a concierge. Always a lifesaver! Laundry service? YAY! Daily housekeeping that kept my room spotless (even after my attempt at recreating a typhoon with my luggage). Cash withdrawal available so I did not have to leave the hotel. Even a gift shop to grab those last-minute souvenirs. It's the little things, people, that make a stay special, and The Printing House has them covered.
(Conveniences Score: A)
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed they had babysitting service and kids facilities. It seemed quite family-friendly.
(Family Score: B+)
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location!
One of the best parts is it's located in an area with a ton of awesome stuff. Public transport is super accessible. The fact that they had airport transfer made getting there a breeze.
(Getting Around: A)
The Little Things They Did Well (That Other Hotels Miss)
- Contactless check-in/out: In this day and age, a HUGE plus. It made the whole process super quick and easy.
- Smiling staff who genuinely seemed happy: Seriously, the staff's attitude was infectious. It really makes you feel like you're welcome and valued.
- The overall VIBE: It's hard to explain, but the whole place has a certain energy. It's cool, it's comfortable, and it’s definitely memorable.
Overall Impression (The Verdict):
The Printing House Poshtel is a winner. It's stylish, comfortable, and offers a ton of amenities. Yes, there were a few minor hiccups (AC, occasionally slow service), but honestly, they barely registered in the grand scheme of things. The positives far outweigh the negatives.
Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars! (Darn AC)
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. If you're looking for a cool, comfortable, and conveniently located place to stay in Bangkok, look no further. Just, y'know, maybe bring a little patience for the AC. You'll be fine.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Résidence La Daille, Val d'Isère
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is the real deal, the messy, glorious, sleep-deprived chronicle of my time at The Printing House Poshtel in gloriously chaotic Bangkok. Prepare for opinions, tangents, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by lukewarm instant coffee.
Bangkok Bonanza: A Poshtel Diary (with a Side of Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & Tentative Adventures (Plus, Mosquitoes!)
14:00 - Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Okay, first hurdle: navigating a sea of smiling faces and bewildering signage. Found my ride - a gloriously air-conditioned, if slightly terrifying, taxi. The driver, bless his cotton socks, barely spoke a word of English, but we communicated with a mix of hand gestures and shared smiles. He definitely understood the "Printing House" bit, though. Phew.
15:30 - Check-in at The Printing House Poshtel: This place is cool. Seriously, industrial chic meets vintage charm. The lobby smells faintly of… well, I’m guessing ink? And it's populated by the type of people who seem to have their lives effortlessly together. I, on the other hand, am battling jet lag and the creeping suspicion that I forgot my deodorant. (Spoiler alert: I did.) The staff were lovely, though, bless them.
16:00 - Room Reconnaissance: Ah, the dorm room. It’s clean, minimalist, and… populated by four other people. Two are absorbed in laptops, one is doing yoga, and the fourth looks like they're already asleep even though it’s mid-afternoon. I quietly claimed my bunk, which involved a brief, mortifying struggle with the ridiculously thin duvet.
17:00 - Wandering the Neighborhood: Armed with a hastily scribbled map and a vague sense of adventure, I ventured out. The surrounding area is… a sensory OVERLOAD in the best possible way. Street food vendors sizzling, tuk-tuks buzzing, the air thick with the promise of a delicious meal and the faint hum of mosquitos. (Note to self: buy bug spray. NOW.) Found a tiny alleyway with a woman making the most incredible-looking mango sticky rice. Obviously, I ate it. No regrets.
19:00 - Dinner Disaster (and a Delicious Recovery): Attempted to order Pad Thai from a bustling street food stall. Failed miserably. The poor woman probably thought I was trying to communicate through interpretive dance. I ended up with… something. It tasted vaguely of peanuts and hope. But then! Then I stumbled on a tiny, hidden restaurant specializing in green curry. Oh. My. God. Pure, spicy, coconut-milk-infused bliss. My faith in Bangkok cuisine has been restored.
21:00 - Attempted Socializing: Back at the poshtel, I bravely attempted to join a group in the common area. They were all fluent in approximately seven languages, discussing Bitcoin, and probably solving world hunger. I retreated to my bunk, feeling like a slightly bewildered moth drawn to a particularly dazzling lightbulb.
22:00 - Mosquito Massacre & Bedtime: Turns out those mosquitoes I noticed earlier were hungry. My ankles are currently a battlefield. After a frantic search for the aforementioned bug spray (which, of course, was in the bottom of my backpack), I emerged victorious. Now, finally, to sleep… perhaps.
Day 2: Temples, Treasures, and a Tuk-Tuk Tango
08:00 - Wake-Up Call: The Roar of Bangkok: I’m pretty sure the city has no concept of quiet. But hey, at least I’m awake!
08:30 - Breakfast Bonanza (And, Sadly, No Coffee): The poshtel breakfast is decent – toast, fruit, and instant coffee that tastes like disappointment. But hey, beggars can’t be choosers.
09:30 - Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha) - An Emotional Rollercoaster: Okay, this place. Wow. The sheer scale of the Reclining Buddha is mind-boggling. I’m pretty sure my jaw actually dropped. Walking around the temple complex, the intricate details, the colourful decorations… it’s overwhelming. I found a small space where I could just sit and breathe, letting the energy wash over me. It was… profound. Then, on the way out, I managed to get utterly lost in the temple grounds and nearly missed a meeting with a group. Let's just say, I wasn't at my best!
12:00 - Lunch and a Lesson in Survival: Found another street food stall (because, duh). This time, I was determined to order correctly! I pointed, gestured, and finally, with a triumphant grin, declared: "Kapow!" (that’s what I thought I was saying, anyway). The guy looked at me a bit strangely but nodded and served me Khao Pad. Not necessarily what I wanted, but delicious nonetheless.
13:30 - The Tuk-Tuk Trial: Decided to embrace the chaos and attempt riding a tuk-tuk. After some enthusiastic haggling (I’m sure I overpaid, but who cares?), hopped in. The ride was… a blur. A noisy, exhilarating, slightly terrifying blur. We weaved through traffic, narrowly avoided several collisions, and I held on for dear life, convinced I was going to die. It was the most exhilarating, fun, and scary thing.
14:30 - The Grand Palace: It's…GRAND. Seriously, blinged-out palaces, intricate architecture, and crowds of people. It's beautiful, but also… intense. I managed to wander among the massive crowd for a little. But the sheer number of people and the sweltering heat quickly took over. I retreated into the nearest shady spot, feeling slightly shell-shocked.
17:00 - Rooftop Bar (and a moment of quiet) : Found this amazing rooftop bar, and I was finally able to sit for a bit and actually think about my day. The skyline was unbelievable. I ordered a Singha beer and just soaked it all up. A perfect moment to escape the chaos.
19:00 - Dinner and a Realization: Found a restaurant. Ordered Pad Thai. This time, I was able to order right!
21:00 - Exhaustion & Reflection: Back at the poshtel, utterly shattered. But happy. Bangkok has a way of doing that to you – wearing you down, but also filling you with this strange, electric energy. This place… this city… it's teaching me something. About letting go, about embracing the unexpected, about saying "yes" even when you're terrified.
22:00 - Sleep: I think I'm going to sleep.
Day 3: Markets, Massages, and a Farewell (For Now)
- 09:00 - Shopping
- 11:00 - Thai Massage
- 12:00 - Check Out
Final Thoughts (for now…):
The Printing House Poshtel is a great place to be. I met some nice people, it's clean, and its in a perfect location to visit everything I wanted. Bangkok… Bangkok is something else. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and at times, it’s a little overwhelming. But I love it. I can’t wait to come back.
Escape to Paradise: Mahadev Inn, Pokhara's Hidden Gem
1. So, what's the hype about The Printing House? Is it *really* all that?
Okay, look. Yes. And no. It's trendy, sure. Instagrammable, absolutely. But is it *worth* the hype? That depends. If you crave character, a central location (like, *seriously* central - you're practically tripping over temples and street food stalls), and a vibe that screams, "I'm an adventurous traveler, but I also like nice things," then BAM. It’s your jam. It's like a beautifully chaotic lovechild of a vintage bookstore and a minimalist design studio. The building itself has this amazing history – it *was* a printing house, people! – and they've kept some of the original features. It's undeniably cool.
But… (there’s always a but, right?) Don't expect pristine perfection. It's not the Four Seasons. Think more… meticulously curated chaos. Sometimes there’s a faint whiff of… well, let’s just say old paper and printer’s ink. Charming, right? (Most of the time.)
2. Is it actually *posh*? Or just a hostel with a fancy name?
Okay, "poshtel" is a marketing buzzword. Let's be real. You get shared dorms (which, by the way, are surprisingly comfy), private rooms with decent (not luxurious) bathrooms, and a common area that's basically a hipster's Pinterest board come to life. The beds? Generally solid. The air conditioning? A lifesaver in Bangkok's inferno. The included breakfast? Basic, but it gets the job done (toast, eggs, fruit – the usual suspects.) The *atmosphere*? That’s where the "posh" part comes in. It's less "backpacker's dive" and more "boutique-ish hotel on a budget."
The vibe attracts a certain crowd – creative types, digital nomads, solo travelers. Expect conversations about the best coffee shops, the coolest rooftop bars, and where to get the perfect Pad Thai. I once overheard someone passionately debating the merits of different types of soy sauce in a noodle dish during breakfast. Peak Printing House, honestly.
3. Tell me about the dorm rooms. Are they bearable?
Alright, let's be honest. Dorm rooms are sometimes…challenging. But the ones at The Printing House are actually pretty good. (I’m not saying I *love* sharing a room, but they've made it as painless as possible.) They're clean (crucial!), the beds have individual curtains for privacy (a GODSEND!), and they provide lockers. BUT, and this is a big BUT: *Never* underestimate the power of a snoring roommate. I once shared a room with a dude who could rival a chainsaw. I swear, he was vibrating the entire floor! I ended up sleeping with earplugs *and* noise-canceling headphones. So, bring those. Seriously. And the dorms are also a bit stuffy... the air con works great, or it's broken. It's a gamble.
Honestly? For the price, it's better than most. Just… pray for quiet roommates. And consider bringing a good sleep mask. Trust me.
4. Okay, the location. Is it really as good as everyone says?
YES. Absolutely. You are *right there*. Like, *right there* in the thick of it. Walking distance to the Khao San Road madness (if you're into that – I'm usually not, but it's good for a people-watching experience), the majestic temples, and some of the best street food on the planet. You can hop on a tuk-tuk and zoom around like a crazed maniac (fun, but negotiate the price *before* you get in; trust me). Seriously, the location alone is a major selling point. You might feel overwhelmed at first, but the central location means you can explore Bangkok without wasting hours stuck in traffic.
5. The staff. Are they helpful? Are they… cool?
They’re generally pretty good. They’re young, friendly, and usually speak decent English. They can help you with booking tours, giving directions, and generally being a lifeline when you're lost/sweaty/overwhelmed by the sheer awesomeness of Bangkok. I once had a particularly epic issue with my ATM card eating my money (a common problem, apparently). The staff were incredibly patient, helped me call the bank (which was a hilarious process involving Google Translate and frantic hand gestures), and even offered me a free iced coffee while I waited. Points for that! They're not overly intrusive, but they're there if you need them. Basically, they're the cool kids, but thankfully, they're not *too* cool to help you out.
Sometimes, though, it's a little… inconsistent. Different staff members have different levels of knowledge about the area. But honestly, that's true of most hostels/hotels. Just be prepared to do a little research of your own, too.
6. The Common Area: Is it a good place to... you know... socialise?
Okay, the common area is *everything*. The Printing House REALLY leaned into the "social" aspect. It's a beautiful space, all exposed brick, comfy couches, and the scent of… well, I can't quite put my finger on it. Freshly printed pages? That's it. You'll find people tapping away on laptops, reading books (mostly the well-worn copies of classics), or actually *talking* (gasp!). It's a great place to meet other travelers. I've made some genuinely awesome friends there. I once spent an entire afternoon debating the merits of different types of mango sticky rice with a guy from New Zealand and a girl from Germany. It was glorious.
BUT (there's always a but, right?), it can also be a bit… cliquey. Sometimes you might feel like you are on the outside looking in. So, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation! Be bold, be friendly, and embrace the chaos. You're in Bangkok, after all! That's part of the appeal. And there is NO guarantee of a vibrant setting... some days it’s buzzing, and some days it's just a bunch of people staring at screens. It really depends on the crowd that's there on the day.
7. Is it *clean* clean? I'm a bit of a germaphobe.
Let's just say, it's clean-ish. The staff do their best, but it IS a busy hostel. The dorms are swept daily, the bathrooms are cleaned, and they make a good effort. But you might find the occasional stray hair in the shower (mostly yours, I'm guessing). And sometimes you'll walk in on the cleaning staff at the wrong time and feel like an intruder. I carry my ownBackpacker Hotel Find
