I look back on my stay at us hostel with very happy memories. It's a little out from the main areas but not only do they rent scooters but a lady very close by runs a taxi service which were soooo cheap it felt wrong. There is a local night-time food mart.a 2 min walk away too. Us hostel has a unique relaxed feel to it- homely. It has a large high ceiling open-plan communal area which feels like you're relaxing in a lobby, yet you're at home. It's kinda set up for gamer's, there is a large screen focal point on one side, kinda like its own area with bean cushions. There's a bar (with a very nice barman and a good range of drinks)and a pool. There's a computer at the bar too with a free game ready for you to play. Lol You've to rescue fish that are being thrown into a frying pan and throw them back in their bowl haha. They say 'help me' every now and then too. Funny. Therapeutic and fun. Simple yet effective. There's a great menu- great prices. Not super cheap, but cheap. Good fresh clean food. The owner 'Gaga' was super nice and helpful. So friendly- he went out of his way for us- He took me to the bank on his scooter the morning we were leaving to catch a ferry! Saved me soo much time and hassle. I was grateful. He organised games with all the guests, my friend and I weren't sure we even wanted to play, coz we were tired this night, but we ended up having a great time! Its not a party hostel but I really enjoyed my time there. It was different. And next time I visit Thailand Ill be sure to visit Gaga.. He's a legend. He has lots of rules printed out too. Lol Some of them made me laugh- like no swimming in the toilet. And some made me not want to use the pool coz it threatens you that you have to mop the lobby floor if you get it wet! haha But the rest of the rules were basic good manners. Pool closes early too. Confession: I went for a...
Read moreIf you wanna know how to NOT run a hostel - go here!
When we entered the room, we walked through a wall of mold smell. The second smell came out of the bathroom…the drainage system seems to have no siphon at all. Changing the room didn’t solve the problem. The water out of the shower and sink appears very dirty (Yellow-green). You don’t feel clean after a shower at all. And no, this is not common just because it is Thailand. The bathroom often smells like feces (own bathroom - so no other person going into our bathroom was the reason or us). The same smell is all around the pool area.
You feel every single spring in the mattress through a kind of plastic bed sheet. Pillows smell moldy as well. After the first night I woke up with a sore throat, probably from the mold.
The receptionist and the older cleaning lady seem to hate there job here. Another dude (probably european) who works there, no idea what is actual job is, is everything else than welcoming as well. Not even reacting on a hello or good morning was possible…
If music is played in the lobby, its playing over a TV which kinda hurts in the ears. WLAN works only part time- so it was really annoying to work remotely. When someone closes the door to their room, it is very loud because the doors are difficult to close
You’re not allowed to bring any alcohol to any time. Bar/food is way overpriced for what you get.
The community kitchen is not really usable - many items are missing and everything is filthy. There is not even a toaster or microwave.
All those things are leading to a very weird hostel vibe. It’s like there is a punishment if you’re having fun.
We are really looking forward to check out!
// the younger cleaning lady who hangs out in the communal kitchen was super nice to us, the younger bar dude seems to...
Read moreI am so thankful that we came across this hostel. It is truly picturesque and feels upscale but is still very comfortable and laidback. Gaga and June (the owners) are some of the kindest people we have had the pleasure of meeting on our travels. They were warm and easygoing people. The other staff were extremely kind as well from the kitchen staff to the bartender to the cleaning ladies, it was an all around wholesome vibe. While you can’t bring in outdoor food or drinks, there isn’t much need (depending on your budget). The food was filling for the price and cooked so well. The drink menu at the bar had lots to offer. The pool was absolutely serene and doesn’t close, so you could take a dip at midnight if you want to! We enjoyed our first night with a few beers on the pool deck in some comfy bean bag chairs and KNEW we had to extend our stay! The rooms and bathrooms were extremely clean, bathrooms were cleaned at least once every morning! Gaga and June were also very helpful with info about activities for us, directions and rentals for scooters. June even helped me contact a local ferry company when I selected the wrong date for my travel. Another charming detail about this place and one of the things that made me never want to leave was the hostel cats roaming around! If you’re a cat person you’ll be in heaven. We had a friendly cat affectionately named Vodka follow us around on the floor of our room and it added to the comforting vibe of the place. The only downsides if you’re on a tight budget would be the no outside food or drinks, and no free water refill. We also had a little confusion getting to the location due to temporary construction, but overall this place gets a big fat 5 stars! If you are in Koh Samui you simply MUST stay at US Hostel and support these...
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