A good night's sleep at Bangkok's Lub D hostel

I LOOK forward to visiting Bangkok again. I couldn't get enough of my stay at Lub D Bangkok. Yes, it's a little odd that I would travel hours on a plane just to sleep in a hostel. You see, Lub D (pronounced laab-dee) isn't just an accommodation, it's an experience.

When I look for accommodations, I don't just want a place to sleep but rather a place to socialise. It's one of the reasons why youth hostels have always been my choice of accommodation as opposed to fancy hotels, where you almost never see or talk to other occupants.

The problem with youth hostels though, is that people come and go very frequently and you often end up with a poorly-maintained place to stay. Besides cleanliness, safety also becomes an issue because you're sharing a room with complete strangers from different side of the world.

For such an inexpensive place like Lub D, I arrived with low expectations. The hostel was recommended by a friend, who described it as "quite good". I booked it off Agoda.com for US$63 (around $85) for five nights.

There were four different types of room: a Mixed Dormitory and a Ladies Dormitory that can fit up to 10 single beds; if you seek privacy, there's the Railway Twin Room consisting of single bunk beds and the Double Room, consisting of a queen size bed.

Lub D occupied what looked an office building with a refreshing approach to housing travellers in Bangkok. It has a modern and hip design of the map of Bangkok on its walls and its décor all concrete, giving it a sleek industrial look with minimalist design.

I was swept off my feet the moment I stepped into the hostel in Bangkok. The place was squeaky clean and the front terrace was brimming with people who were taking it easy for the night. I hadn't seen my room, but I liked this place already!

I was greeted by a super friendly receptionist, who swiftly went through my booking and handed me a blanket and the keycard to my room with a big smile...not forgetting to remind me that I get free Wi-Fi access anywhere in the hostel.

The accommodation is all keycard protected. Entrance to the ladies dorm area required keycard access for extra security, they sure know how to make a lady feel special.

The room was immaculate. What I saw next to my bed gave me a sigh of relief a huge locker! Yes, safety! This hostel has everything in my checklist! Cleanliness, safety, and a fun place to meet people. It's better than I expected.

I assume the bathrooms are cleaned several times a day because they're always spotless. The Lub D cleaning ladies were always there in the morning to greet me with a smile, giving me a great start to my day. Shampoos and soap are provided, and being a lady, I need a hairdryer after shower...they have it too!

The lobby of this hostel is a great place to just hang out and meet new people. The centre is a large common room, stocked up with games and travel guides. There is also a mini-bar, serving light meals and beverages throughout the day and night.

An in-house travel agent is available in the lobby, and they also organise outings and Thai culture classes such as Muay Thai or Thai cooking classes for anyone interested to join. It's a great opportunity to get to know other people living in the hostel.

However, if you prefer to go solo, there are computers in the lobby to get in touch with family and friends back home and rave about your amazing time in Thailand.

A laundry room is also available with clothes tumble dryer. Right next to the laundry room is a mini theatre, stocked up with a large collection of the latest movies, and beanbags to add to the laidback feel.

You can always chill in the mini theatre and watch a movie while waiting for your laundry to be done.

As for location, this hostel is strategically located in the city centre in Silom, Bangkok's business district. It's walking distance to the Patpoong night market, some shopping areas, temples and the MRT and BTS train stations.

Lub D also has a second branch in Siam Square for the shopaholics. In Siam Square, you have the shopping paradise is at your doorstep: Siam Discovery Centre, MBK Centre, Siam Paragon, Ratchaprasong shopping district and Sukhumvit Road. It's also very close to the BTS Skytrain. Do I need to go further?

I find out later that Lub D means "a good night's sleep" in Thai a very fitting name with what it has to offer: cleanliness and safety, which is everyone's main concerns about accommodations, plus some extras.

I certainly had a good night's sleep at Lub D without a worry about bed bugs, or strangers sneaking through my belongings while I snoozed. Out of a 10, I'd give it a full 10. For $85 for five nights? My stay at Lub D was definitely worth every penny. The Brunei Times