Thailand's Hottest Hostel: Neighbor Hoot's Epic Eats & Sleeps!
Neighbor Hoot's: More Than Just a Hostel - It's a Vibe (and a Seriously Good Pad)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to gush about Neighbor Hoot's Epic Eats & Sleeps! I'm not going to lie, I went in with expectations – you know, the usual hostel drill: cramped dorms, questionable cleanliness, and the incessant sound of someone's snoring orchestra. But Neighbor Hoot's? This place slaps. It's not just a place to crash; it's a scene.
First Impressions: Accessibility for All (and Not Just Stairs!)
Let's be real: accessibility is HUGE for me. I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a place that actually thinks about all its guests. Neighbor Hoot's, bless their hearts, seems to get it. I'm talking about actual, usable accessibility here, people, not just a ramp that leads to a locked door. They've got elevators, which is a massive win in a multi-story building. I saw people with mobility issues navigating the place with ease (and looking super relaxed while doing it!). This, in itself, is a huge point in their favour.
The Vibe: Cleanliness (and a Hell of a Lot More)
Okay, let's rip the band-aid off: hostels can be… well, grimy. Neighbor Hoot's is NOT. My room was spotless. Spotless! I’m talking the kind of clean that makes you question if they secretly employ ninjas with tiny brooms. And that wasn't just my room: the common areas, the walkways, even the air seemed fresh. They've got the usual:
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere (score!), rooms sanitized between stays, professional-grade sanitizing services… the works. They're clearly on top of their game when it comes to health and hygiene.
- They even have room sanitization opt-out available! Who does that?! Seriously thoughtful.
- Safety/security feature: Smoke alarms everywhere, fire extinguishers, CCTV, 24-hour security.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They were friendly and efficient, but what impressed me most was how seriously they took their jobs.
- And the biggest detail I loved…? "Hot water linen and laundry washing" because the simple details makes a big difference, really.
The Rooms: Not Your Average Hostel Dorm
And the rooms! Forget those tiny, cramped dorms. They offer a variety of options, including:
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access (LAN & wireless - more on that in a minute!), mini bar (okay, maybe I did indulge…), non-smoking rooms, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower, smoke detector, and Wi-Fi (free, thank goodness!).
- Additionally: Interconnecting rooms, extra-long beds are available to make sure every guest is comfortable.
- Additional Perks: They really pay attention to the little things: black-out curtains (a godsend after a long day!), super comfy beds with crisp linens, and even slippers (yes, slippers!).
- My room: Had a window that opened! It seems silly, but being able to let in fresh air made a massive difference.
Digital Nomad Nirvana: Internet & the Digital Life
Okay, this is important. I need my internet. Like, need it. I'm a travel blogger, and if the Wi-Fi is trash, I'm going to be a grumpy, hangry bear. Neighbor Hoot's? They get it.
- Internet access is available both wired and wireless.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yes, even my room!). And it was fast. Like, really fast. I could stream, video call, upload photos… no lag, no buffering, pure digital bliss.
- Internet services: Beyond the amazing Wi-Fi throughout, they have a business center in case you need to print or fax.
- What else is there?: Laptop workspace, socket near the bed, and even a phone!
Food, Glorious Food: My Stomach (and My Soul) Thanked Me
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Neighbor Hoot's really shines. I'm not exaggerating when I say I ate like a king… or at least, a very well-fed backpacker.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: They have a coffee shop for that morning caffeine hit, a pool-side bar for cocktails, and I hear rumors of a happy hour!
- Asian breakfast: Okay, so their breakfast is INSANE. Forget the sad toast and watery coffee of some hostels. Their spread includes fresh fruit, delicious curries, and all the little extras that make you feel like you're actually enjoying yourself.
- Western Cuisine in restaurant: For when you're craving the classics
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: For when you're craving Thailand!
- Restaurant and Room Service: If you're feeling lazy, you can order from the a la carte menu (or they have a breakfast takeaway service!).
- What I loved: They even have individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setup - perfect for people with dietary restrictions like myself!
I found myself ordering an incredible Thai green curry from their restaurant one night. It was so good. I'm not a food critic, but trust me, it was a flavor explosion. I seriously considered ordering a second one.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Poolside Bliss and Beyond
Neighbor Hoot's understands that travel is about more than just ticking boxes on a sightseeing list. It's about recharging, relaxing, and maybe even indulging a little bit.
- They had a pool with a view! The perfect place to chill with a drink.
- Spa/sauna: I heard people raving about the spa. Due to my schedule, I didn't get a chance to visit (something to come back for!), but I did see people emerge looking ridiculously relaxed.
- Gym/fitness: They have fitness facilities if you want to get your sweat on.
- Ways to relax: Sauna, a foot bath, and even a steamroom!
Services & Conveniences: Your Home Away From Home
They really think of everything at Neighbor Hoot's.
- For convenience: 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, cash withdrawal, convenience store, laundry service, luggage storage, dry cleaning, and even a gift shop if you need to pick up a souvenir.
- Additional options: They have concierge services, airport transfers, and taxi services to get you around.
- For Business Travelers: Business facilities including meeting rooms, and audio-visual equipment.
Things To Do: Adventure is Out There
Neighbor Hoot's doesn't just sit in the middle of everything, surrounded by everything. They offer a variety of things to do:
- On-site event hosting: They even host events! Perfect for the social butterflies.
- Indoor/outdoor venues for special events: Seminars, meetings, you name it.
- For the kids: Babysitting service and family/child friendly facilities.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
They make getting around a breeze, with airport transfers, taxi services, and even bicycle parking if you're feeling adventurous.
The "Imperfect" Perfection: My Honest Rating
Look, no place is perfect. There was maybe ONE small thing – the elevator could be a teensy bit faster. But honestly, that's it. The overall experience was overwhelmingly positive. This isn't just a hostel; it's a carefully curated experience.
Quirks and Observations
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff really help elevate the place. They're genuinely nice and helpful.
- The Social Vibe: It’s not too wild, but it has a great atmosphere. You'll have fun but not on a manic, out-of-control level.
- My Verdict: I'm already planning my return trip.
Final Verdict: Hands down, Neighbor Hoot's is Thailand's Hottest Hostel. Book it. You won't regret it.
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Sheraton Montreal Airport: Your Luxurious Gateway to Canada!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my Thailand adventure at The Neighbor Hoot Hostel & Cafe, unfiltered, unedited, and probably a little bit… off.
The Non-Plan: Neighbor Hoot & Beyond (Or, How to Wing It and Still Eat Deliciously)
Day 1: Arrival and a Baptism by Pad Thai (Bangkok to Chiang Mai - the Great Train Escape)
- Morning (ish): Arrived in Bangkok, exhausted but buzzing with the jet-lagged energy of a caffeinated hummingbird. The airport was a chaotic symphony of smells, sounds, and people. Found my transfer… eventually. Seriously though, Bangkok's traffic is a beast. Don't even try to be on time.
- Afternoon: Squeezed onto the overnight train to Chiang Mai. This, my friends, was an experience. Think 'Hogwarts Express' cross-bred with a sardine can after a particularly raucous party. The aircon was a frosty battleground (layer up!), the food vendors were a constant temptation (resist, mostly), and the rhythmic clack of the tracks lulled me into a fitful, yet surprisingly satisfying, sleep. Met a guy named Kevin from Dublin who thought his jokes were hilarious (they were not).
- Evening: Attempted to sleep. Failed. Ate questionable train noodles. Regretted it. Stared out the window at the blurry jungle. Felt vaguely existential.
- Rating: The train: 3/5 stars. The noodles: 1/5. Kevin: 2/5. My sanity: Questionable.
Day 2: Chiang Mai: Temples, Tigers, and Total Overwhelm
- Morning: Arrived in Chiang Mai looking like a zombie. Dragged myself to The Neighbor Hoot. Oh. My. God. The hostel itself was a welcome sight: bright, airy rooms, that jungle-y smell you get in Thailand, and a coffee shop attached! Immediately ordered a strong coffee. Needed it.
- Midday: Temples! So many temples. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was a visual feast. Golden Buddhas, intricate carvings, serene monks. I may or may not have gotten lost, wandered into a chanting ceremony (awkwardly bowed and retreated), and accidentally bought a tiny wooden elephant. They're everywhere. I think I have like 30 of them by the end of it. Had to stop myself.
- Afternoon: Tigers! I'm a sucker for a cute animal, and this was supposed to be one of the highlights. Went to Tiger Kingdom. It was…weird. Touching a tiger is strange. I'm not gonna lie, it was a little terrifying, but I was fine in the end. The real question is if the tigers are okay. If you're bothered by it, don't go. I'm trying to decide if I regret it or not. Still. Felt like I witnessed something that perhaps shouldn't exist.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, which was more of a chaotic, smoky outdoor food stall. Ate the best Khao Soi (Chiang Mai's signature dish - curried noodle soup with crispy noodles on top) of my life. Spicy as heck. Sweat pouring. Glorious. Made friends with a group of backpackers. Heard a lot about other places they'd been to, and started making mental plans for another trip.
- Rating: Chiang Mai: 4/5 stars (minus one for the tiger thing. Maybe) Khao Soi: 5/5 stars. My internal monologue: Constant and loud.
Day 3: The Day I Nearly Died on a Scooter (and Found Paradise)
- Morning: Rented a scooter. I should preface this by saying, I am not a scooter person. I'm clumsy. I have zero sense of direction. I went for the scooter. It's the only way to get to the waterfalls, right?
- Midday: Attempted to navigate the winding roads to Doi Inthanon National Park. This involved nearly careening off a cliff (true story!), losing control on a gravel patch (classic), and getting yelled at in Thai by a very angry roadside vendor (the details are a blur, but I'm pretty sure he was saying, "You fool!") Somehow, miraculously, arrived at the park.
- Afternoon: Doi Inthanon waterfalls were magnificent. The scenery was stunning. Giant trees, cool air, clear rushing water. Slipped on a rock while trying to take a photo and ended up soaked. Totally worth it. Felt a sense of peace and wonder, briefly forgetting the scooter near-death experiences.
- Evening: Returned the scooter triumphantly (and with only a few scratches). Collapsed into a hammock at The Neighbor Hoot. Ordered a Chang beer (or three). Watched the sunset. Felt truly, deeply, relaxed. Finally. (But still having Khao Soi dreams).
- Rating: Doi Inthanon: 5/5 stars. My scooter skills: 1/5. My beer consumption: 4/5. My sanity: Recovering.
Day 4: Neighbor Hoot Hangout and the Great Doughnut Debate
- Morning: Woke up at The Neighbor Hoot. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at home. Met some new friends after coffee.
- Afternoon: The Neighbor Hoot's cafe is great, I just wanna eat delicious things now. Great donuts (specifically the ones with the coconut flakes). Met a woman from New Zealand who said, without hesitation, that it was the best donut she’d ever had. Had to test this theory.
- Evening: Debate! The New Zealander and I made a plan to eat all the donuts and decide if it was truly the best donut in the world. We discussed the intricacies of the perfect donut: fluffiness, glaze, the right amount of chew, proper balance. It was important. A bit like a religious experience.
- Night: Result? We agreed. Best donut in the world. The simplicity of the perfect donut is a metaphor for the beauty of travel.
- Rating: Donut: 5/5 stars, all around. The Neighbor Hoot: 5/5 stars. My stomach: Extremely satisfied.
Day 5: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Bag Full of Souvenirs)
Morning: Woke up feeling a little sad to leave. Said goodbye to the new friends. Ate one last glorious Neighbor Hoot breakfast, and then I started packing.
Midday: Packed myself into the transport to Bangkok. Looked at my souvenirs. Maybe a little too much stuff. Probably had to buy a bigger bag.
Afternoon: The ride out of Chiang Mai was beautiful, and it was a stark contrast to how I felt as I left the Neighbor Hoot. I would miss my donut friends.
Night: Said goodbye to Thailand. Got on a plane. Said hello to home. Said hello to a whole slew of Thai cravings.
- Rating: Thailand: 5/5 stars. My desire to return: 10/5.
Neighbor Hoot's: The REAL Deal FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, You Need 'Em!)
Okay, spill the beans! Is "Epic Eats & Sleeps" just marketing BS, or is Neighbor Hoot's actually... good?
Alright, buckle up. I'm not gonna lie, the first time I saw the name, "Epic Eats & Sleeps," I rolled my eyes so hard they almost detached. Seriously. But then… I got there. And look, it's not perfect. The "Epic Eats" are, like, 80% epic. The pad thai? Amazing. The green curry? My soul felt cleansed. But one time I ordered the morning glory, and it was *way* too salty. MINOR GRIEVANCE. Still, compared to some of the hostel food I've choked down? Neighbor Hoot's wins, HANDS DOWN. As for the "Sleeps"? Comfortable enough. My dorm room was... well, let's just say it had a *personality*. (Read: a few questionable stains on the mattress, but hey, it's a hostel, right?) But the beds were comfy enough, and the AC worked. That's all that mattered in the Bangkok heat. So, yeah, maybe a *little* BS, but mostly… pretty darn good. Worth it? HELL YES. Just remember to take your own Clorox wipes, okay?
I'm a solo traveler, will I feel like a total loner at Neighbor Hoot's?
Nope! Actually, that's the *best* part. I went solo, armed with nothing but a backpack full of questionable travel snacks, and I made friends instantly. Seriously, like, the first night, I was stuffing my face with pad thai and suddenly this amazing Dutch woman with the brightest smile I'd ever seen just started talking to me. Turns out, she was also solo. And then, bam! A whole crew of us were headed to the rooftop bar. And then...well... let's just say the next morning was a blur of questionable decisions and shared hangover cures. (I learned that Thai iced coffee is a *miracle*.) Neighbor Hoot's *forces* you to socialize. The common areas are designed for it. You’ll find yourself chatting over the free coffee (thank god), or bonding over a shared struggle trying to navigate the Bangkok BTS. Trust me, you won't be alone. Unless you *want* to be. Then, by all means, retreat to your slightly-stained mattress and wallow in peace. No judgement here.
Is the location actually good? I don't want to spend my whole trip in a taxi!
Okay, the location is… *decent*. It's not *right in the middle* of everything, like some hostels that practically scream "Tourist Trap" but, *that's* a good thing. You're going to WANT to explore, to get somewhere… but it is accessible by the BTS and cabs, which is a HUGE win. My top tip? Learn the BTS. Seriously. It's a LIFESAVER in Bangkok traffic. Avoids those screaming tuk-tuk drivers trying to rip you off – though you SHOULD experience one ride for the thrill. So, yes, you’ll need to do a little bit of travel to get to the major sites. But honestly? I *liked* being a bit further out. It felt… less touristy. Less crowded. And the walk back from the BTS at night, when you’re *slightly* tipsy from Singha beers, is magical. Just, you know, watch out for those pesky scooters.
What's the vibe like at Neighbor Hoot's? Is it a party hostel? Or more chill? Or somewhere in between?
Okay, *this* is the tricky one. It depends. Generally, it's a *very* social vibe. Parties? Maybe. Chill? Definitely. In between? ABSOLUTELY. Let's just say I witnessed some *scenes* there. Like, one night, a group of Australians decided to 'spontaneously' start a karaoke session at 2 AM. (Earplugs are a MUST, folks.) Then, the next day at the pool, someone had a ukulele jam. It’s a mixed bag. You can find your niche. Definitely not a *silent* hostel, though. You'll hear laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the odd scream of someone who ate too much chili. But you can also find quiet corners if you actually NEED to sleep. The staff seem to understand the balance. If some idiots are being too rowdy, they will, probably, politely tell them to shush.
The food... again! Is it good *enough* to eat every day? Or should I explore local street food?
Okay, this is important. Yes, the food is GOOD. But *don't* eat there *every* single day. Please. Your taste buds (and wallet!) will thank you. Embrace the glorious chaos of Thai street food! Seriously, it's one of the *best* experiences. Find a little stall that looks busy (that’s usually a good sign), point at something, and pray you don’t regret it (you probably won't). The Neighbor Hoot’s food is a great comfort, a return to something familiar. But... the *real* adventure is out there. Try EVERYTHING. Even the things you *think* you won't like. (I, for example, developed an addiction to mango sticky rice. Don't judge.) Use Neighbor Hoot's food for, well, *comfort*. Use it as your backup plan for when your experiment with some mystery meat from a sketchy cart goes sideways.
Should I trust the hostel's tour recommendations?
Okay, *this* is where I get a little bit… grumpy. The tours are… fine. They’re convenient. They get you where you need to go. But? They cost more. And, I *felt* like they were pushing some of the more touristy things. The Grand Palace tour? Worth it. But pack your patience, and a hat. It is a heat oven there. The floating markets tour? Overrated. You will be in a boat with 20 other people all taking the exact same photos. (It’s Instagrammable, but it’s… not real.) The best tour? Make your own! Get a map, hop on the BTS or a ferry, and just… wander. Get lost. Discover little temples and hidden coffee shops. That's where the real fun is. Trust me. Or, if you do go on a tour, do it with your new hostel friends. The experience is always better when you're with the right people.
