A Cool and Contemporary Homestay in Bangkok | Loog Choob | Homestay Review

So far this is the only place that I have been back to – I think that says a lot! It’s where I chose for Bella and I to stay when she came to Bangkok for the weekend. This was partly because of how much I love this homestay, and partly because of the location – which is really good for sightseeing, if you don’t mind walking a bit (we don’t).

Overview:

Occupying one of a row of unattractive, concrete 1960s shopfront houses along a canal just east of Banglumpu, Loog Choob is a stylish, contemporary homestay with just five rooms. A loog choob is actually a sort of Thai sweet, but when pronounced slightly differently it also means “reborn child”. Sukanya and her brother inherited the house and shop from their parents, but decided to convert it into something completely different but something that still remains true to the building’s heritage. Sukanya’s brother is an architect and he oversaw the redesign; his attention to detail and love of the building is very clear to see. It’s original and lovely, and just a very easy place to stay.

The lobby at Loog Choob Homestay

 Location Location Location:

The area itself might not be all that special, but Loog Choob only a 15 minute walk away from Golden Mount, and the other big sights of Bangkok Old Town. It’s also the same distance walk to a canal boat dock – these boats, which speed up and down the canal, are the perfect way to get to the shopping district of Sukhumavit. You can also get motorbike taxis very easily on the street outside, and, with a bit of patience, tuk-tuk and car taxis as well.

There are a few good places to eat nearby. Just opposite is Nang Loeng market which is famous for its sweets, and I had a fantastic bowl of roasted duck and crab noodles there as well. There is also an amazing street seafood seller on the corner. She’s ridiculously grumpy, and you have to get there early (about 5.30 / 6pm) to stand a chance of getting any of the good stuff, but her tom yam, with its thick rings of fresh squid and pungent broth, and BBQed mussels are exceptionally good.

The BBQed mussels. Delicious!

Come on in:

The overhanging shopfront area is filled with lush plants, and you enter into a cool, double height atrium with classical music playing quietly in the background, and books and other artefacts filling a glass cabinet along one wall. It’s lovely, a little retro, and very peaceful. The owners have an interest in modern art and there are gorgeous paintings propped up and hung everywhere. There are many communal areas throughout the building, including a stunning roof terrace with views over the city and two little nooks stuffed with beanbags for relaxing on. The perfect place to watch the sunset.

The view from the roof terrace.

On arrival at Loog Choob you’re given your own keycard to let yourself in and out, and Sukanya will sit down with you and go through everything, answering any questions you might have. She’s cleverly anticipated travellers’ needs, and will give you printouts of a map of the local area marked with places to eat, a wider map showing you how to get to the main sights, a list of popular places to go translated into both Thai and Chinese so you can point at them to taxi drivers (ridiculously useful), and another one with detailed directions back to Loog Choob written in Thai. So helpful! After that she is always around, as is her father, and more than happy to help, but she isn’t at all interfering (something I’ve struggled with at other homestays – stop telling me where to go and what to do – I’m an independent woman!)

This is your room:

Bright, simple and eat-off-it clean. I had the same room on both occassions, the overly large double bed was split into two when Bella was with me. I liked the bright blue wall with flashes of orange, and the functional-first design of the room. It felt more Ikea than Conran Shop stylish, but was still a lovely, calming place to stay. There’s a balcony with windows looking out onto the street so you can either open them to have a steamy outdoor area (sliding doors will keep your actual room cool), or keep them close and allow the air-con to penetrate through. The double glass also keeps street noise out at night. There’s a useful shelf above the small fridge (complimentary water) to put your bag, and a few hangers for your fancy clothes as well. The air-con was powerful and kept the room pretty much constantly below 20 degrees. Upstairs are two suites – one junior and one family – sharing a lovely living room. Both would be perfect for families, or couples wanting a bit more space and a bathtub.

My room at Loog Choob

Bedtime:

Cool, comfortable and quiet – I slept well here.

Getting clean:

The bathroom runs down one side of the room with opaque glass separating it from the bedroom area. Shampoo and shower gel are provided and there are two shower heads – one rain and one direct to choose from. My only gripe was that it wasn’t particularly private – fine when I was on my own, slightly annoying when with Bella. You can hear everything, and the door handles are oval cut-outs from the glass which means you have to be careful where you stand!

My sink.

 How do you like your eggs in the morning?

Breakfast isn’t provided as such, but there are containers of cereal, and other snacks you can help yourself to in the little communal kitchen, along with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. In addition there are a selection of baked goods put out every morning, and there is a chest freezer stocked with little pots of ice-cream and a couple of ready-meals you can purchase. If you fancy something else there is a Chinese place just around the corner where you can buy steamed buns and iced tea from.

Hell is other people. Apparently.

I didn’t really see that many other people there to be honest! I met just one young couple on holiday, but from reading reviews it seems the place attracts a real mixture of people.

Another shot from the roof of Loog Choob

Anything else:

There is a washing machine you can use (I hadn’t done my own washing in months – I baulked slightly – but figured it out!), and drying racks on your balcony. Make sure you book – with so few rooms she does get busy during peak season.

Loves:

The roof terrace. Sukanya. The attention to detail and travellers’ needs.

Niggles:

The bathroom not being particularly private. That there is no single discount.

Best for:

Flash-packing couples. Anyone wanting to stay somewhere a bit quieter in Bangkok but still with easy access to the big sights. Anyone who really loves seafood.

Final Verdict:

I really loved this place, and would happily go back yet again.

The Damage:

2100 bhat a night for a double or twin room. The two suites are 3600 and 4400 bhat respectively. The place is also on Airbnb.

Loog Choob website.