The hype
Travelers love the Instagram potential and location but consistently complain about the small rooms and hard mattresses.
Josh Hotel
$35-60/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a Wes Anderson movie set experience in Bangkok's hippest neighborhood and don't mind trading square footage for aesthetics.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Incredibly photogenic '80s Americana design that feels like a movie set
- Located in Ari, Bangkok's best neighborhood for cafe hopping and street food
- On-site speakeasy 'The Key Room No. 72' is a legitimate nightlife destination
Resumen rápido: A style-over-substance boutique stay where the vibes are immaculate but the rooms are tight and the walls are thin.
Reseñado por @louisealburo: I stayed at Josh Hotel in Bangkok's Ari district and completely fell for the retro vibes. The design feels straight out of a movie, and my room had a cute balcony with city views. It's the perfect spot if you want cool photos and great cocktails.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The 'balcony' in some rooms is actually just a shower area with a railing, which is a confusing design choice that offers zero outdoor space.
- You are a solo traveler or couple who packs light
- You prioritize cafe culture and street food over hotel amenities
- You want a hotel that doubles as a photoshoot location
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
7.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable, but they sometimes miss dust on high shelves or under the bed.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but grout can be discolored and some guests report a lingering damp/musty smell.
- Maintenance: Visible wear and tear – chipped paint, scuffed furniture, and 'bubbles' in wall paint are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Clean but basic. Towels can feel a bit thin and worn.
- Odors & scents: Common complaints of a 'damp' or 'old building' smell in certain rooms, masked by air freshener.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Bass from the downstairs bar/restaurant until late
- Hallway noise due to non-soundproofed doors
- Street noise in front-facing rooms
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- The pool is a 'plunge pool' – great for a dip and a photo, not for swimming laps
- Deposit of 500 THB required upon check-in (cash preferred)
- No gym on-site, but plenty of fitness studios in the Ari neighborhood
Qué llevar
- Earplugs (essential for lower floors)
- Universal travel adapter (outlets can be oddly placed)
- Slip-on shoes for exploring the shoe-free cafes in Ari
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Josh Room (40 sqm) – The only room with a bathtub and actual walking space
- Family Room – Bunk beds make it a fun, albeit tight, option for friends
Habitaciones a evitar
- Superior Room – 18 sqm is claustrophobic for two people with luggage
- Rooms on the 2nd floor directly above the bar (vibration/noise issues)
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I am a light sleeper and would love a room on the highest possible floor, away from the elevator and the street side, to minimize noise from the bar.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is there a gym?
No, there is no fitness center on-site.
Is the pool big enough for swimming?
Not really. It's a small courtyard plunge pool, better for cooling off and lounging than exercise.
How far is the BTS station?
It's a 7-9 minute walk to BTS Ari (Exit 3 or 4).
Is there parking?
Extremely limited. There are only ~3 spots in front, strictly first-come-first-serve. Do not bring a car if you can avoid it.
Are the rooms really that small?
Yes. The Superior and Cozy rooms are ~18-20 sqm. If you have two large suitcases, you will struggle to open them both.
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your booking, but the on-site cafe 'Josh Kaffa' serves excellent brunch and coffee.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
The 'balcony' in the Superior Room is often just a semi-outdoor shower space – check the photos carefully.
- ✨
Use the secret back alley shortcut to get to Gump's Ari faster (ask the guard).
- ✨
The hotel has a 'cinema' room that is often empty – great for a quiet AC break.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The 'balcony' is often just a shower with a railing, not a place to sit.
💡The mattress is traditional Thai firm – which means 'rock hard' to many Westerners.
💡There is a hidden speakeasy bar inside the hotel called 'The Key Room No. 72' that requires a keycard to enter.
💡Some rooms have a damp/musty smell due to the humidity and older building structure.
💡The lighting in the rooms is 'moody' (dim), making it hard to do makeup or work.
Guía Local
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