ZZ House

ZZ House is a simple backpacker guesthouse, and it doesn't even have a lobby or indoor sitting area. However, the guesthouse has set up long tables and benches outside for guests to relax on, and this area serves as the all-purpose lobby, check-in desk, and socializing spot. The most impressive asset of the property is its excellent array of paintings that adorn the walls, both in the outside sitting area as well as in the hallways and rooms. Local artist friends of the owner have contributed some lovely work, with colorful elephant paintings and other large prints that greatly enhance the ambience of the simple property. There's also a small alcove with a collection of books, a guitar, and plenty more paintings. Most guests are young budget travelers. 

ZZ House is located just east of the Ping River in a small alleyway off of the main river road. It would be a peaceful and tranquil location were it not right next door to a school, and it's very very noisy here from the early morning through the early afternoon, when the students go home (though, honestly, this hotel is best used as a base for exploring and thus most guests won't be bothered). The guesthouse is just around the corner from a number of good local restaurants and shops, plus the well-stocked Rimping Supermarket. It's a 15-minute walk to the night bazaar and downtown area. Unfortunately, a walk to the gates of the old city take around 20 minutes, which may be too far for many guests. However, there are plenty of tuk-tuks available in the area. It's a 10-minute drive to the bus station and railway station, and the airport can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes by car. 

There are only 12 rooms at the tiny ZZ House, all of which have fans and half of which have air-conditioning. The air-conditioned rooms are downstairs, the fan rooms are upstairs. Downstairs rooms also have small flat-screen TVs, but they only have local channels and don't get good reception. All rooms are kept in spotless condition, with light tile floors and modern paintings made by a local artist on the otherwise plain walls. Each room has a tiny desk with a stool and a large refrigerator stocked with beer and soft drinks. Each bathroom is divided into two tiny rooms, one for the sink and the other housing a toilet and a gas-heated shower. Towels are provided, as is soap and shampoo in wall-mounted dispensers.

There really are no facilities at ZZ House beyond free property-wide Wi-Fi, although there is free instant coffee and tea available from a small table setup upstairs, and travelers can bring their cups downstairs to the outdoor tables to start the morning.