I would strongly advise against ever staying at Mad Monkey Phuket. My experience there was absolutely terrible – honestly one of the worst hostel stays I’ve ever had – and it’s shocking how such a well-known brand can deliver such a poor standard of service and facilities. I had booked 4 rooms.
To begin with, the staff attitude was appalling. From the moment of check-in, the team came across as arrogant, dismissive, and easily irritated. A simple request, such as asking if our private rooms could be next to each other, was met not with politeness or even a calm refusal, but with unnecessary aggression – they practically snapped at us for even daring to ask. Throughout my stay, whenever I requested even small things, like something as basic as water, the staff acted annoyed, as if I was inconveniencing them for expecting minimal hospitality.
As if that wasn’t enough, the facilities were in terrible condition. The water pressure in the shower was so weak that it was almost impossible to bathe properly. The air conditioning was a nightmare – it would repeatedly shut off in the middle of the night, leaving the room hot and stuffy, which forced me to wake up multiple times just to turn it back on. The poor quality of the beds only made things worse. Not once during my stay did I manage to get a proper night’s rest.
On top of that, the hostel doesn’t even have basic conveniences like an intercom or phone to contact the front desk. This meant that every time an issue came up, I had to physically go downstairs to get help – highly frustrating and incredibly inconvenient. Things reached an unacceptable level when I actually discovered a mouse in my private room. The mouse got into my food supplies and chewed through some of the packets I had purchased. This was not only disgusting but also deeply concerning from a hygiene and safety standpoint. And once again, without any way to call for help, I had to go all the way down to reception myself to report the problem.
Now, when I compare this to my experience at Lub D Hostel, the difference is night and day. Lub D offered far better value at a much lower price – in fact, it was almost 7,000 THB cheaper than Mad Monkey, yet the quality was significantly higher. The staff at Lub D were warm, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. They even offered me complimentary drinks and a full meal as an apology when they couldn’t arrange rooms next to each other – a small gesture, but one that made me feel respected and cared for as a guest.
In terms of facilities, Lub D was vastly superior. Despite being marketed as just a hostel, it had amenities like a TV, fridge, intercom, kettle, and hairdryer included in the private rooms, none of which were available at Mad Monkey even though it severely overcharges guests under its so-called "brand" name. Mad Monkey delivered zero value for money, and I deeply regretted booking there.
In conclusion, my stay at Mad Monkey Phuket was extremely disappointing, frustrating, and uncomfortable on every single level. Between the rude staff, broken facilities, poor cleanliness, and complete lack of basic guest comfort, I would warn anyone against wasting their money there. Do yourself a favor and book at Lub D or literally anywhere else in Phuket – you will get better service, better facilities, and a far more enjoyable stay at a fraction...
Read moreDisappointing Experience - Needs Better Management
I recently stayed at Mad Monkey Phuket, and unfortunately, my experience was far from what I expected. From the moment I arrived, the front desk staff was unhelpful, setting a poor tone for the rest of my stay. The hostel lacked any real atmosphere, with only one other guest in sight when we checked in. It did get busier later, but the crowd was much older than expected, which wasn't the vibe we were looking for.
My friend and I were considering joining the bar crawl after meeting a couple of other guests who had signed up. However, the reps running the event were neither enthusiastic nor engaging, and with only four people on the list, it didn't seem worth it. We decided to go to some local bars instead and invited one of the guys to join us, which he did.
The next morning, I noticed other guests enjoying a free breakfast and inquired about it. I was told that breakfast wasn’t included because I booked directly through Mad Monkey, which I found odd since they advertise their website as offering the most competitive prices. Later that evening, my friend went to redeem his free drink token, but I couldn’t find mine. When I asked the front desk if I could get a replacement, the staff member was rude and made me wait without any explanation.
After a few minutes, the general manager came over in a threatening manner looking very angry and asked if I had discouraged people from joining the pub crawl. This was not only false but also seemed a really inappropriate and unprofessional thing to ask a guest and also surprising to me as I had only invited one person to join us instead. Justin seemed stressed and blamed me for the lack of participation in the crawl, mentioning that he had salaries to pay. Although he eventually gave me the drink voucher, the entire situation left me feeling uncomfortable.
I'm sorry, Justin, but it's not the guest's responsibility to ensure your events are successful. Hostels should create an environment where guests naturally want to participate, and that requires good management and a welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately, the lack of professionalism and the way I was treated left a terrible impression. I hope Mad Monkey Phuket can find someone who knows how to manage the staff and social events properly while treating guests...
Read moreMad Money Phuket is a hidden gem in the heart of Phuket, offering a unique and welcoming experience to travelers from all walks of life. The standout feature of this establishment is undoubtedly its cooperative staff, including Pin, Nan, Ohm, and Ben, who go above and beyond to make guests feel at home. Their warm hospitality creates a sense of safety and security that is essential for solo travelers looking for a comfortable stay.
From the moment you step into Mad Money Phuket, you are greeted with a sense of belonging that is hard to find elsewhere. The staff’s dedication to cultural inclusion and respect for diversity ensures that every guest feels valued and accepted. This commitment to creating a safe space for all visitors sets Mad Money Phuket apart as a beacon of inclusivity in the hospitality industry.
One of the key advantages of staying at Mad Money Phuket is its prime location within walking distance of essential amenities. Whether you need a pharmacy, laundry services, local markets, diverse dining options, medical facilities, or simply want to relax on the beach, everything is conveniently close by. This accessibility enhances the overall convenience and enjoyment of your stay in Phuket.
Mad Money Phuket excels not only in providing a comfortable retreat but also in keeping guests entertained with a variety of social activities. Whether you’re looking to mingle with fellow travelers or prefer some quiet “me time,” the staff strikes the perfect balance between engagement and relaxation. This thoughtful approach ensures that every guest can tailor their experience to suit their preferences.
My stay at Mad Money Phuket was nothing short of amazing thanks to the exceptional service provided by Pin, Nan, Ohm, Bea, Art and the entire team. Their dedication to creating a welcoming environment where guests can feel at ease truly sets this establishment apart. If you’re seeking a memorable and enriching experience in Phuket, look no further than Mad...
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