*This article has not been solicited by the business owner nor compensated. I simply appreciate this hotel and it’s space.
Before researching my trip to Bangkok, I expected the hotels to represent the culture, or what I knew about it. I expected to see properties that were lively and colourful, like the photos I’ve seen of the country and (don’t laugh) Thai restaurants I’ve been to. In my research, that was the exception and not the rule.
Finding the right accommodations is important to me because a well-designed or well-situated hotel greatly enhances my experience of a place. My three factors for consideration are: design, location, and value, though not necessarily in that order.
Ultimately I decided on Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel – a boutique hotel that prides itself on sustainability and slow living. As you get to know me over time, you will see that this is exactly up my alley.
Design
The words I would choose to describe this hotel are eclectic, cozy and authentic. Nothing here felt contrived, and in fact I would wager that the majority (if not all) of the hard furnishings have either been salvaged or reconstituted. There are some serious retro vibes going on in this space and it is truly a living museum with relics from different eras. I was particularly captivated by the artistically painted walls and curio cabinets on the ground floor.
Attention to detail was at a peak – there was no surface that felt untouched or ignored – even the luggage storage room sports hand-painted walls of flowers and a meadow. While I’m not certain who deserves the credit for the design, I believe that this hotel has grown authentically and organically over time thanks to the craftsmanship and artistic talents of the owners. This doesn’t feel like a space that could be conceived of by a professional design firm – and that’s exactly what I love about it. One of my core beliefs is that beauty exists everywhere and talent does not require a piece of paper (a degree) to be valid.
Public space
From the moment I arrived, the hotel was warm and welcoming. You’ll notice they even have a welcome board at the exterior to greet new arrivals. The public spaces are inviting and varied, from loungers to communal tables at the ground floor, and including soft seating options in the stair lobbies as you ascend to the guest room floors. Throughout the days I noticed a lot of people lingering here, enjoying meals and conversations.
(Please forgive my blurry photos here folks – unfortunately these are the best I have to convey the mood and tone of the hotel)
Guest rooms
The guest rooms are an absolute delight. This is just what I needed day I arrived, having suffered from a very difficult travel day from Tokyo to Singapore and up to Bangkok. And most importantly, the bed was extremely comfortable.
What I love about the room are the details of the design and the quirky touches. There are so many that I’ve just got to list them all:
- Bird cage light fixture
- Painted barn boards
- Mixed media walls that are both wall papered and hand painted
- Retro-TV as a night-table
- Hanging teapots as flower pots, hanging outside above the Juliette balcony
- Reclaimed furniture that has been brightly painted
- Fabric wrapped hangers
- Hanging curtain for privacy between the bathroom and bedroom, otherwise separated by a window wall.
- The bent pipe design for the shower
The fixtures of the room are quite simple, but there are enough surfaces to organize your essentials and plenty of space for luggage. The TV in the room is not functional – it serves as a nightstand instead. This is consistent with Phranakorn-Nornlen’s intention to create a space for slow living and reconnection with nature. Rather than getting lost in a television program, my entertainment was the sound of birds chirping in the garden.
I encourage you to take a look at the hotel website (link below) you’ll see that the various room types differ in character but not in quality. Shown below is a Double Room.
Location
Phranakorn Nornlen is located in Old Bangkok on a quiet street located just off the main roads. There was a school across the street and vendors out and about, but I would still describe it as peaceful. It is about a 30 minute walk to the thrills and nightlife of Khao San Road. The location was good, but I wouldn’t describe it as a highlight.
I’ll also add, if you’re travelling there by tuktuk, you’d be best to use Google Maps (not Apple Maps). I made this mistake so you can learn from it.
Value (and cooking classes!)
I wish I had known more about this hotel before staying. Usually I just seek out a place to sleep, but as you’ve seen Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel is more of an experience. If I visit Bangkok again, I will make sure to leave time in my schedule to relax with a book or a craft for an afternoon or evening.
Better yet, a cooking class! Unfortunately my time in Bangkok was short and I wasn’t able to squeeze this in, but the hotel offers in-house cooking classes for Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai, or Tom Kha Kai in a professional kitchen. (I’m sure this is subject to change, so please contact them before you book.)
I’ll also add, I found the hotel to be very affordable and of great value for my budget. Since prices fluctuate and affordability is unique to each person, I would encourage you to check the hotel website or your favourite booking site to get a quote.
Service
While service is not on my list of considerations when I pick an accommodation, the service here deserves mention. The staff were extremely friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating with every question and request.
Conclusion
The only important question is: “would I stay here again?”
A: Yes, in a heartbeat.
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