Villa Cha-Cha Banglumphu

A budget hotel with simple, traditional interiors, Villa Cha-Cha provides a pleasant base in a convenient location. Thai art pieces, sculptures, handicrafts, and traditional hand-painted wooden furniture adorn common spaces, with figures and sculptures dotted about the wood-paneled lobby. A central courtyard is home to an outdoor pool skirted by some trees and loungers for an overall charming place for a dip or to sunbathe. A partially outdoor dining space adorned with red lanterns hanging from the ceiling and a homey mix of floral tablecloths and cushioned wicker chairs overlooks the pool. The streetside dining area of the hotel's restaurant is equally homey and has a charming koi pond and greenery. The property gets a mix of travelers, but mostly a younger clientele of backpackers are drawn by the nightlife in the area. 

The hotel is situated in Bangkok's Banglamphu neighborhood, a convenient location that's close to lots of dining options, nightlife, and shopping. Khao San Road, a nightlife, dining, and shopping destination that's particularly popular with backpackers, is just two blocks away (three-minute walk). Plus, it's also home to a night market that's full of food. Nearby attractions include the Bangkok National Museum (eight-minute walk) and the Wat Phra Kaew Temple (18-minute walk). The Golden Mount is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. The Grand Palace is a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute drive. Wat Arun is a 15- to 20-minute drive. The best way to navigate around town is by tuk-tuk, and the hotel offers its own service. Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 30- to 60-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

Rooms here are fairly basic, but they're clean. White walls and tile floors provide a simple backdrop to spare and tired furnishings and decor, which include floral curtains and occasional art adorning the walls. White bedding is topped with red accent pillows and bed runners. Amenities are fairly spare as well, including tube-style TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, safes, free daily bottled water, and free Wi-Fi. Higher-category rooms add electric kettles, plus some, like the Royal Family Room, have a sleeker look and more modern amenities like flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are small and entirely covered in blue or green tiling. They're equipped with showers. Towels, some toiletries, and hairdryers are provided. Note that noise can be an issue due to thin walls and poor soundproofing.

Features are convenient for a budget hotel. The outdoor pool, though small, is a pleasant space with trees, greenery, and sculptures adding to the ambience. The small wooden pool deck is lined with loungers and chairs. A poolside dining area overlooks the scene, plus the hotel's restaurant has a large partially outdoor streetside dining space. The restaurant serves Thai and Western fare, including breakfast (but it gets mediocre reviews), and there are plenty of dining options in the area as well.Besides the pool and dining areas, the hotel offers a living room-like space where guests can relax. Other amenities include a sauna and tuk-tuk service. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.