Opened in 2005, this was one of the city's first boutique guesthouses. Thoughtfully converted from a 1940s shophouse, it sits on Ratanakosin Island in the middle of Bangkok's historic quarter and has been in the care of the owners' family for 7 generations. It's still arguably its homeliest place to stay, and the warm service from owner, Khun Jason, and his small team is second-to-none. You really are treated like old friends from the moment you walk through the door.
Stepping into the tearoom-esque lobby is to be transported into a laidback but classy olde-worlde realm. Jazzy guitar music plays, ornate birdcages from Chiang Mai stand tall, and much of the structure came from Ayuthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital (now specialising in reclaimed teak from dismantled old Central Thai wooden houses). There are 10 charmingly unique rooms with antique hanging oil lamps, hand-painted porcelain washbasins and cute murals. Drift around the corridors and you'll find a glass walkway directly under a roof skylight, to naturally light as much of the hotel as possible, and tree-root-like banisters. Borrow one of their beautiful vintage bikes and explore the capital's cultural delights, or join one of the hotel's fantastic night bike tours to see the city after dark. For an affordable, friendly stay in the heart of Bangkok, you won't find any better.
Highs
- A genuine sanctuary hidden on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok
- Impressively blends old-world charm with modern touches, so no sacrifice in comfort
- Home-away-from-home ambiance with personal helpful service. Chances are owner Khun Jason will be behind the reception to offer great advice and recommendations
- Impressive green credentials - charity donations at check-in matched by the hotel, solar heating, bedding and towels changed upon request, no throwaway toiletries to name a few
- Close to Bangkok's main historical landmarks: the Golden Mountain temple is opposite; the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha are a 20-minute walk
Lows
- There's long-term construction work opposite the hotel, so expect some noise during the day and dust outside. Saying this, work stops by the evening and it didn't impact our stay at all
- Although all rooms are lovingly conceived, some are small, lighting can be subdued, the stairs to mezzanines are steep and creeky, and storage can be limited
- Limited outdoor space and no onsite pool, though guests can use a neighbouring hotel's pool for a very small fee
- A little far from Bangkok's main shopping areas such as Sukhumvit
Best time to go
Bangkok can get very wet from July to October. Although the heat is on all year round, March to May is the hottest time to be in the city, and December to February the coolest.
Our top tips
Take a short taxi ride to the Chao Phraya River, and from there jump on a public river-taxi or rent a longtail boat and whizz along this sensation-filled aquatic artery which bisects the city. Make sure you explore the narrow tributaries off the river proper. It doesn't take long before the city buzz is but a memory, and you enter the pastoral realm of lackadaisical riverine life.
- Boutique B&B
- 10 rooms
- Breakfast + tea room
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
In each of the 10 individually decorated rooms you'll find reclaimed teak furnishings, quirky murals, antique oil lamps, hand-painted porcelain washbasins crafted by owner Nantiya and flower-inspired metalwork. Each room carries its personalised floral scent in ceramic containers, hand-made soap and shampoo. Sumptuous dark fabrics and fresh blooms contribute to the elegant feel, and all rooms have air-con, TV, WiFi and minibars.
The biggest are the Family Suite and Honeymoon Suite, which both have sitting areas and outdoor bathtubs. Previously, we've stayed in a ground floor Family Suite which had a door at one end that opened on to a narrow corridor with fridge, amenities, wardrobe, and a huge rainshower. Beyond, an outdoor, plant-flanked space with a huge green stone bathtub allows you to bathe amidst the fronds and enjoy almost complete silence. A tree-house-style room is up some steps; perfect for a second couple or kids. Back in the bedroom proper, the comfy kingsize bed - marshmallow-soft pillows and crisp white linen - rests on a wooden plinth.
We stayed in the King Loft Suites on our most recent visit, which is a duplex at the back of the hotel (blissfully quiet) with a bathroom/lounge on one floor and a rather precarious steep wooden stairs leading up to a mezzanine level bedroom. It was nice but lacking some natural light. We felt the nicest room was the Garden Suite, which had a four-poster bed, lots more space, and a private mini garden with a bathtub. The Twin Rooms are also quite lovely, the smallest but cosy.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
This is essentially a B&B, although it does have a small tea room with limited food selection, but you're greeted with a refreshing cup of Thai ice-tea and biscuits and a cold towel to cool off. You can order freshly-brewed coffee or tea, fresh fruit juices and snacks in the lobby until 8pm. There's 24-hour room service from the small tea room.
Upon check-in, you will be asked to fill out a form to make your breakfast selection (there's a great range of options) for the next morning which is taken in the lobby, where you can chat to owner Khun Jason. Everything we tried was excellent and beautifully presented: asian donuts with pandan custard, waffles and honey, grilled pork skewers and sticky rice with spicy sauce, fried eggs with Chinese sausage, plus tropical fruit, juices and coffee.
The amount of eateries and street food vendors within walking distance is mind-boggling. In your room you'll find a personally curated folder with a 72-hours Guide to Old Bangkok, vegetarian restaurant suggestions, and best cafe selections nearby - which guests may find impossible to locate on their own. Brilliant.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- The hotel has a fleet of vintage bikes for guests to borrow free of charge and you can also join the night cycling tour to get a unique insight into the fascinating city (Tues, Thurs & Sun). It's a great way to explore the city at night, and make new friends
- Climb the dazzling Golden Mountain temple across the street from the hotel, to watch sunset. Heritage monument Phra Sumen Fort is also only minutes away by foot, as is famed political landmark Democracy Monument
- Phan Fah Boat Pier is just across the road. For a glimpse into Bangkok’s canal culture, take a river boat into the city centre (to Saphan Hua Chang Pier near National Stadium. Jim Thompson's famous silk shop takes just 10 minutes by boat
- The Queen Sirikit Gallery is steps away, and holds regular exhibitions of artistic interest
- The National Museum, Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha are all within a 20-minute walk from the hotel
- Backpacker-ville, Khao San Road, is a 20-minute walk away. This is the area to buy cheap (tacky) souvenirs and to drink until you drop. Or, more sensibly, feast on a diverse array of cuisines, from Israeli to Indian to Thai to fast-food
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
Kids
Cots are provided free for under 3s. Though this is a small hotel, so those with children may prefer somewhere with more space and a pool.
Family friendly accommodation:
The Family Suite sleeps 4 and the Honeymoon Suite has space for 3 people. Twin rooms are also available for older children. The Garden Suite has an additional daybed. Note that the steep steps of the King Loft Suite are not suitable for toddlers.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Old Capital Bike Inn is located in the heart of old Bangkok, across the street from the Golden Mountain, Metal Palace, King Rama VII’s Museum, and Phan Fah Boat Pier.
By Air:
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (25km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange a transfer (recommended as taxi driver's are unlikely to find it) from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (45 minutes) or Don Muang (domestic flights only). The hotel isn't close to any metro stations, so taxis are your best bet for getting around. They’re easy to catch and very cheap (just insist on them using the meter). Alternatively, the Grab app is popular in Bangkok and takes the stress out of taxi hailing.
By Train:
National Stadium Skytrain Station is about 10 minutes away by boat and 25 minutes by taxi. Sam Yot is the closest metro station, approx.10-15min walk to the hotel.
By Boat
Phan Fah Boat Pier and the Chao Phraya River are yards away.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm your booking through i-escape.
More on getting to Thailand and getting around
Airports:
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International 25.0 km BKK
Other:
- Beach 30.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape