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We've just consolidated by moving into the building next door and have reduced all the room and bed rates. The rooms are all now BIGGER and all have WINDOWS and even TVs for you to plug your digital cameras and dvd players into. Internet access, both using our computers or your own and wifi is totally FREE 24 hours a day to guests. There are now also guest refidgerators on the 4th floor by the stairs to the rooftop and hammocks where you can enjoy gentle breezes, a view of the city, neighbourhood and stars. The timber deck and outdoor shower is coming soon, the area having been already partially covered with shade cloth for those who want to sit out during the day.
We've also started to reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the number and use of air-conditioners. Not a lot of locals use airconditioning, so if you really want a true Asian experience you might at least try aclimatising. You might also want to think about learning a little Thai before you get here as only 5% of the population is English literate. Thankfully you'll find a better ratio in our staff..
Now in opperation for over 6 years, although not in the same building/s.
Don't be fooled by more expensive, wannabe copycats, or those who tricked Big John into or copied Big John's in setting up their hostel. Over 90% of out guests extend their stay and over 50% choose to stay here more than once. Oh, returning guests seldom book on-line so they don't have a chance to post ratings, besides that they're far to busy enjoying themselves, appreciating what we offer and having a good time. Only those with unrealistic expectations, a chip on their shoulder and nothing better to do with their time rate us badly. It sucks, but, that's life.
Staff
With friendly, somewhat English literate, staff (at least most of them try, including the Aussie), Big John's, the original - run by Big John himself, family and staff (who will try to make your stay more of a home stay) - has developed a reputation, amongst backpackers and budget travelers - who want to get away from over trafficed, seedy, sleazy, scam infested, tourist areas (like Khaosan, Silom, Nana & Asoke) - as a 'bloody great place to stay' in Bangkok.
Work in Progress
Looking for an elevator and/or someone to carry your backpack up stairs? Looking for five star hotel services where everything is done for you? Want it all for free, because, after all, the world owes you a favor? Well, wake up, get your hand off it, this is a real, somewhat cozy, 50 bed, backpacker hostel. Where the money you save on a basic room you can spend eating, drinking, site seeing, shopping and partying, getting out and also experiencing modern day Bangkok. We were the first, western operated, hostel in Thailand to offer dorm beds on the web. The first to offer budget beds & rooms in the upmarket part of town. We are not a designer hostel in the middle of no where and you don't have to be gay to stay here either. Though, a tolerance to things not always perfect will certainly improve your chances of an enjoyable stay in Thailand.
With the recent move the hostel is now very much a not noisy, work in progress and a little rough around the edges. But, if you are a real backpacker this is probably the experience you're looking for. We offer some of Bangkok's most affordable hostel beds & hammocks in the upmarket part of town. Catering to people, on a budget, who want to experience real modern day Bangkok, not some contrived, preconceived idea of Asia from 20 years ago. Catering to people who want to mix with real locals not just tourists and those who prey upon and take advantage of them. OR, WOULD YOU PREFER US TO TREAT YOU LIKE A DUMB ASS TOURIST TO BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF?
When's the last time you stayed in a city of 20 million people?
If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of small shop houses and small family run businesses and night markets full of locals, go to Laos, it's now hard to find it in Bangkok and even Thailand, with it's numerous, enormous airconditioned mega shopping malls. That was Asia of 20 years ago, when people went to Hong Kong and Singapore to shop. Today the, now more affluent, people of Singapore and Hong Kong come to Bangkok to shop. MISSED WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR? WELL, LET ME JUST GET OUT MY TIME MACHINE AND CRANK IT UP FOR YOU.
ALL WELCOME
Unlike the very few other Hostels in Thailand, all nationalities including traveling Thais are welcome.
NO HIDDEN CHARGES
All of our beds have pillows, sheets and comforters (dunas/duvees), not just thin acrylic blankets. When we do get around to adding optional energy efficient air-conditioning to the private rooms, probably February, 2008, there will be an additional charge. There's is an additional charge of 50 Baht for check-in after 2am, or before 7am, Guests who have already checked in will be able to let themseves in and out 24 hours. When booking and arriving early in the morning (1-6am) to book the night before or you might be waiting till miday for your bed.
We now have guest fridges, which can be used for a small fee to store and drink alcohol after midnight if you purchase your drinks from us before midnight. You will need to pay 7% VAT but there is no service charge, tipping is up to you and goes straight to the staff.
Other Services
We have a free book swapping service and a library with a large selection of travel books on Thailand and Southeast Asia.
FREE maps of Bangkok, showing BTS (Skytrain), MRT (Subway) and canal routes are usually available at the reception desk. We also have more detailed maps by Nancy Chandler, which include Sukhumvit, China Town, Banglampoo, Chatuchak (JJ- the weekend market) and greater Bangkok for sale.
We were the first hostel in Thailand to offer free high speed, ADSL, internet access and free wifi. We also have printers, cd burners an card readers to help you copy save and upload your photos. We also have headphones with microphone and webcams to help you keep intouch with friends & family.
We also offer free bag / luggage / baggage storage to returning guests, and to store your bags should you be taking a later flight, train or bus, all of which makes us the big one for others to follow.
There is also no charge for locker use while you are staying with us.
We have a DVD player to check and watch your latest purchases and a lounge area on the 4th floor for those who just want to chill for a while.
We don't have a swimming pool, but there are swimming pools nearby available for casual use. There is also an Olympic Size Swimming Pool in Sukhumvit Soi 40 that can be used for 50 Baht per day.
We don't have a self kitchen, but the bbq's are available for anyone who wants to use them.
Barter
VEGEMITE and Large blocks of Cheddar cheese (Australian preferred) are always welcome and can be bartered here, as can Liquid Smoke, hot English mustard, MAPLE SYRUP, Bundaberg Rum, good, preferably South Australian, Wine and Tea Tree Oil. If you have any other delicacies you wish to barter please email us in advance. We're also interested in Sports memorabilia and Australiana which can also be bartered for food and drinks and maybe rooms, but not your booking deposit.
We try to keep the do's and don't's to a minimum, trusting you will be considerate to others. Big John's is a fun & friendly hostel and home away from home, not a prison.
You don't need a member/discount/VIP card holder here as our prices are discounted for everyone. Our prices are not over inflated to offer a false discount
A great hostel is much more than a room or a bed. Here at Big John's we strive to bring both travellers and locals together in a safe and friendly environment conducive to the exchange of cultures and ideas. A warm and friendly, home away from home, offering opportunities and experiences you will remember for a lifetime and an environment you won't be in a hurry to leave.
C YA SOON
Big John
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