The Dorm Hostel — Restaurant in Ratsada

Even if it ended with a nice gesture, the receptionist handing me a keychain gift (not sure if they do that with all guests), with a written request to leave 10/10 review, sadly I couldn't ignore the shortcomings of this hostel that seemed like just a downgraded version of Marco Polo Poshtel (not sure which one came first, but from breakfast to "funny" wall messages, there was a similar "creative" signature).While I was initially attracted by reviews mentioning hostel's cleanliness, I couldn't say I shared the same opinion. Certain public areas were quite messy. The staircase to the first floor (where shoes are forbidden) didnt seem to be cleaned for some time. In the showers (which had a good water pressure), there was mold. None of the three handsoap dispensers in the only bathroom had soap in them. It just felt the staff doesnt have time or organizational skills to maintain everything in working order.But I was mostly surprised by finding a not clean (i dont want to call it "used") bed cover in my bed. It had some fresh stains, hair and crumbles (well, not just on bed cover), and seemed just to be folded after the guest before me (even the folding seemed messed up, so i really thought maybe the bed was forgotten). When I asked the housekeeping to change it, they initially approved. The younger housekeeper started changing everything, sheet included (which i believe is a good way to do it, when it is not certain if the bed was completely changed), but when the older one returned, she made her put the sheet back (the sheet that was thrown on the floor in the meantime), laughing all along. No, that wasnt really funny.Then instead of letting the young housekeeper put on the new bed cover she brought along, i noticed that the older one brought something that seemed to be the same old bed cover that i complained about (the duvet was already inside). When i asked if that is a new thing, she was convincing me it was. Already at that moment, i felt ridiculed. But i said, "okay, if you say so."After all was done, i came back to my bed, unfolded the bed cover and confirmed my doubt - all this performance of changing the bed, without them changing anything! The only difference was that the bedsheet was also on the floor in the meantime.This got me really frustrated, mostly because they lied to my face (what for?), and mostly because they invested energy in "changing" everything while actually just stripping everything off and returning it (why? It takes the same amount of energy to do it for real). Feeling like an *, i asked what seemed to be the problem? Dont they have clean bedding, or what? But they had. I asked them to give it to me then, and i would happily prepare the bed myself. Which they accepted. Lol.I dont know, with that poor breakfast, the visual mess, unpleasant "toilet" scent at hostel entrance, and generally low level of cleanliness (you can see how yellow the pillow is once you remove the pillow case yourself), it felt that other reviews mentioning spotless hygiene were misleading. Or were my standards too high? In any case, i stayed in a dozen of Phuket hostels during my month here, but none of them tried to insult my intelligence. There are better places, and no, Dorm Hostel sadly doesnt deserve 10/10, to quote the request they tell everyone at check-out.I also tried to leave them space for hostel improvement, so instead of lowest marks, i left average ones, even if the experience was truly below average. P.S. When a guest asks whether a ferry with a pick-up operates everywhere in Phuket, a genuinely helpful answer would be "yes". And not "no, it's only our hostel's pickup". I understand everyone just tries to earn money, but it shouldn't be done by misleading guests who just trustfully ask for...

Ease of check-in: Check-in only around 2pm as bed needed to be cleaned. Paid a refundable deposit of 200 baht for access card (to main door which closes at 11pm).

Living conditions: No lift access but 24-bed mixed dorm is only at Level 2. Bed equipped with power socket, fan and lamp with privacy curtain. Counted 3 shower cubicles and 3 toilets which are separate and unisex. Advised to bring along your own number lock as it is not provided. Small balcony near the lockers area for hanging wet laundry. Hostel allow guests to use the cafe so it's nice. Kitchen is equipped with fridge, stove, water dispenser, plates and cups. A microwave oven is available for takeaway food to be heated. Breakfast provided every morning from 0730 till 1030. Basically toasted bread, omelette, salad and coffee. Receptionist Soe (see photo) and another lady who cooked my breakfast did their jobs diligently.

Facilities: Local mart right beside the hostel. Sunday Walking Street is a mere 10min walk away. There is also Kim Massage and Hong Massage (300-350 baht for Thai massage). Foodies can try Thai Noodle Restaurant (60 baht noodles) or Cafe Dimsum by turning left and walking straight. Smart bus from Terminal 1 can get you to the airport.

Room for improvement: Aircon on the dorm is switched off 1130 till 1630 which makes it hot and stuffy in the day. Suggest to align with housekeeping hours (i.e. 1100 till 1400) to make guests more comfortable.

All showerheads in the shower cubicles were leaking water and should be replaced. The shampoo and soap dispensers have an odd shape so it's not possible to place own toiletries. Maybe install a ledge or basket for guests with own toiletries. That being said, enough hooks were provided.

The white towel issued to me was dry and hard. Owner can consider replacing the towels to more fluffy ones. BHPC towels with cute bear motifs are on sale at Jungceylon or Central Patong for 199 baht and comes in multiple colors.

Overall value for money at 260 baht per night considering the responsive staff, free breakfast and proximity to the...

-WE DON'T RECOMMEND IT!! We booked this place based on the great reviews, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment!

From the moment we arrived, we noticed a strong, unpleasant smell in the reception area. While the receptionist was friendly and spoke English well, the service quickly went downhill.

The facilities were shocking. Guests are required to remove their shoes before going upstairs, yet the floors were filthy and covered in hair—definitely not hygienic. Walking barefoot felt like a health risk.

The bathrooms were even worse—dirty, with hair everywhere and completely clogged drains. Taking a shower was like standing in a flooded tub.

Things got even more unsettling when we got into bed and found small ants crawling around. Then, when we tried to charge our phones, we realized the power outlet was in such bad shape that it was nearly unusable.

But the worst part? When we went downstairs, my partner found a cockroach inside their shoe. We reported it to reception, pointing out that the issue was likely due to the two overflowing trash bags nearby, but they did absolutely nothing about it.

The next morning, we went down for breakfast, but with only one staff member attending to a long line of guests, we didn’t even bother waiting. We skipped it and checked out as fast as possible.

AVOID this place...