Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Hottest Summer Guesthouse & Hostel!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Hottest Summer Guesthouse & Hostel! This isn't your average fluffy hotel review; we're going gritty, we're going real, and we're going to see if this place actually lives up to the hype. And you know what? They might not have paid us to say nice things, so we’re real.
(First Impressions, Not Always Paradise):
Alright, so "hottest summer guesthouse & hostel"? Okay, okay, bold claim. Let's just say the exterior wasn’t instantly Instagrammable. Think…clean, but not sizzling. But hey, I wasn't expecting pure luxury, especially since this is a guesthouse/hostel mix. I was hoping for some serious Thai vibes, and the lobby, thankfully, delivered. Wafts of lemongrass, a friendly (and very helpful) doorman, and a welcome drink that actually quenched my thirst. Score one for team "Escape."
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (But They Try):
Okay, let's be real. My travel buddy uses a wheelchair, and understanding accessibility is paramount. Escape to Paradise does have facilities for disabled guests, an Elevator, and a Car park [free of charge], but the devil's in the details. The website? Sparse on specifics. So, we called. They were eager to help, which is a HUGE plus. But the reality was a bit… complicated. Getting into the main entrance was easy, the elevator was there (and well-maintained!), But some rooms, particularly those with showers, were a bit cramped for maneuvering. The staff went above and beyond to help, even rerouting us to a more accessible room, so kudos to that. They're trying, they’re just not fully there yet. More detailed info is definitely needed.
Rooms – Functional, But Comfortable:
We're talking basic but decent. Our room (a non-smoking one, thank goodness, and they did offer plenty) was clean, well-lit, and had all the essentials: comfy beds, air conditioning (essential!), a perfectly-functioning shower, and a little balcony. They also had Internet access – wireless, of course, and even… gasp…Internet [LAN] if you're a retro tech geek like me! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and it worked, people, it actually worked!). The blackout curtains are a godsend after a long flight. Now, I wouldn't call it luxurious, but it was perfect for crashing after a day of adventures. Oh, and the daily housekeeping? Spot-on. Our room was always spotless, and they even left us (free!) bottled water. They also had a mini-bar, which was handy for a late-night snack.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe & Sound:
I get a little anxious about cleanliness, especially post-pandemic. Escape to Paradise gets high marks here. They were OBSESSED with hygiene, and I mean that in the best possible way. Hand sanitizer everywhere, anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, even individually-wrapped food options (we'll get to that later). They have a doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. And yeah, all staff are trained in safety protocol. The rooms were sanitized between stays, and they even give the option to opt out of room sanitization if you have your own preferred method. This is the detail that is important. There is CCTV in common areas and outside the property, 24-hour security, and smoke detectors. I felt genuinely safe.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Food Glorious Food (Mostly):
Okay, here's where things get a little…uneven. Escape to Paradise has multiple restaurants, serving up Asian, International, and Vegetarian cuisines. There’s also a coffee shop and a poolside bar. Awesome, right? Well…
- Breakfast: Buffet. Not your epic, grand, all-you-can-eat that you usually see from hotels. More of a continental/Asian mix. The staff were super accommodating with allergies and Vegetarian alternatives. Breakfast takeaway service was a nice touch for early risers.
- Lunch/Dinner: The menu was pretty extensive, and I was surprised by the quality. Asian cuisine was great, the Western fare was reasonable. They do offer a la carte and even a daily dessert. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes! Happy hour? Absolutely! Poolside bar? A-okay for me.
(A little aside… one day I ordered what I thought was a "classic" Thai dish. Turns out, it was…let's just say, the chef has a unique interpretation. Hilarity ensued because the staff were mortified, and they were genuinely apologetic. They comped the meal, brought me a different dish, and practically begged me to come back the next day! It was that kind of service that really makes a difference.)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Days & Fitness Frenzy (Maybe):
Escape to Paradise promises relaxation. They have a swimming pool (outdoor, with a view!), a gym/fitness center, a spa (where they had a Spa/sauna), and multiple treatments.
- The Pool: Stunning. Seriously. The view from the pool is worth the trip alone. It was a real treat, and the perfect spot for a quick dip or a whole day of lounging.
- The Spa: The spa experience? Meh. I got a massage, which was fine, but nothing to write home about. They do have foot baths, body wraps, and body scrubs, but it all felt a bit…generic.
- Fitness Center: Okay, not gonna lie. It was a bit…minimalist. But it had the basics, and the staff were more than happy to point you in the direction of more intense workout options.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things Count:
Escape to Paradise is good at the little things. They have a concierge, a laundry service (essential!), a cash withdrawal ATM, currency exchange, luggage storage, and a gift shop. Also, they provide Invoice. Everything was done to make life easier. They also had a business area, although I didn’t use it. They offered essential condiments, which was a delightful touch.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Vibes:
Escape to Paradise is definitely family-friendly. They have babysitting service, kids meal, and kids facilities.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy:
They offer airport transfer, have a car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. They even have taxi service!
My Take and the Honest Truth:
Escape to Paradise isn't perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges in places. But, here's the deal: They try. They try really hard. The staff were amazing, the location was great, and it was clean. If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, and convenient place to explore Thailand, Escape to Paradise is a solid choice. It’s not pure luxury, but it's got charm, it’s got heart, and it's definitely "hot" in its own (slightly imperfect) way.
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My Unsolicited Offer for You:
Look, booking a hotel can be overwhelming. But if you're looking for a guesthouse/hostel that is trying hard, that’s clean, and has a great location, Escape to Paradise is a solid bet. We got a great deal booking directly on their website (hint, hint!). To sweeten the deal, they often have packages with spa treatments, so check those out.
- Book now and get 10% off spa treatments!
- Book 2 nights or more and get free breakfast!
- Special deals for long-term stays!
- Free airport pick up when you book direct (check details with them!)
Click here to book your Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Hottest Summer Guesthouse & Hostel!
(Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this review, and all opinions are my own. The "hottest" claim is subjective, but the service was definitely warm!)
Vietnam's BEST Kept Secret: DHTS Business Hotel & Apartment!
Alright, buckle up, butterfly! This ain't your grandma's travel plan. This is the Summer Guesthouse & Hostel, Thailand: The Messy, Emotional, and Probably Slightly Hungover Itinerary. Consider yourself warned.
Day 1: Bangkok - Swamp Ass & Sweet Street Food
- Morning (or, more accurately, whenever I drag my sorry ass out of bed): Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Seriously, the heat hits you like a goddamn brick wall the second you step out. Immediately reminded why I love hating humidity. Settle into the chaos, find the sky train (THANK GOD for public transport), navigate the throngs of people with the general grace of a newborn giraffe, and make my way to the Summer Guesthouse. Hopefully, the AC works. Pray for AC.
- Afternoon: Uh, unpacking? More like, attempt to find the least wrinkled shirt in my backpack before I give up and embrace the glorious swamp ass. Then, the quest for food begins! Khao San Road, here I come! (And by "come," I mean try not to get completely overwhelmed by the sensory overload). First stop? Pad Thai stand. Gotta be authentic, right? The first bite is heaven, then the chili hits and I question every life choice that led me here. Worth it.
- Evening: Wandering the night market. Bargaining for everything is a skill I clearly haven't mastered. Still, managed to score a pair of "authentic" elephant pants (pretty sure they're made of polyester, but WHATEVER). Drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Watching the sunset, feeling a surge of… something. Is it joy? Is it existential dread? Who knows! Probably a little bit of both. Later, the dreaded "ping pong show" rumors start floating around, and the whole thing immediately feels wrong, so I nope right out of that scene.
Day 2: Bangkok - Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Temple Trauma.
- Morning: Okay, this is the day I’m going to be a responsible tourist. Maybe. Visit the Grand Palace. OMFG, the gold! The glitter! The tourists in their ridiculous floral shirts! (Wait, am I one of them now? Ugh.) Took a wrong turn, ended up in a scorching courtyard with a thousand monks praying, felt extremely out of place, and kind of ashamed of my disrespectful touristy-ness. Maybe I needed to do more research???
- Afternoon: Tuk-tuk ride! Pure, unadulterated adrenaline laced with the constant fear of being flung into oncoming traffic. My driver, a grizzled old dude with a permanent grin, takes me through some back alleys I'm pretty sure are illegal. Pretty awesome though! I decide I need to buy one of those ridiculous straw hats that look like a rice paddy (but it's a fashion statement, dammit!). Attempt to bargain for it; fail miserably.
- Evening: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). This time I'm actually prepared. The view from the river at sunset? Mind-blowing. Seriously, could stare at it for hours. The light, the reflections… it's just… damn. Ate some questionable street food and later find it in the next couple of hours, ending up in a late-night bout of stomach cramps. At least the view was worth it.
Day 3: Bangkok - Train to… Somewhere Beautiful?
- Morning: Train to Chiang Mai. Another early start, UGH. The train's supposed to be an "experience." More like a crowded, stuffy metal tube filled with the sounds of snoring, crying babies, and the rhythmic clack of the tracks. Still, there's a certain… romance to it. Or maybe I'm just delirious from lack of sleep. Bought some instant noodles from a vendor (because apparently, I haven't learned my lesson about questionable food).
- Afternoon: The scenery starts to change. Rice paddies, mountains, and the feeling of something other than the city starting to sink in. Try to people-watch but end up taking a nap. Or four.
- Evening: Arrive in Chiang Mai! The air is noticeably cleaner. Check into a hostel. A group of overly enthusiastic travelers welcomes me with some beer. They are talking about jungle trekking/ elephant encounters (I don't think I'm quite ready for that). The whole atmosphere is making me hopeful.
Day 4: Chiang Mai - Elephants (Maybe…), Temples, and a Deep Dive into a Cooking Class
- Morning: So, I’m considering an Elephant Sanctuary visit. However, I spend WAY too long researching the ethics of elephant tourism. Decide on a sanctuary that seems reputable, but it’s still a moral minefield.
- Afternoon: Instead of that, I decide to check out Doi Suthep, a temple on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. The climb, the gold, the view… chef’s kiss. Met some lovely, very zen monks. Felt a little bit more at peace with the world. Or maybe it was just the lack of humidity.
- Evening: COOKING CLASS! This is MY JAM. Spent the entire afternoon chopping, stirring, and sweating over a hot stove. Learned how to make green curry from scratch. Almost burned the kitchen down (metaphorically… I hope). Ate so much curry I thought I was going to explode. Best. Day. Ever.
Day 5: Chiang Mai - Exploring the Wild Side (And Possibly Regretting It)
- Morning: Rent a scooter. Bad idea. I almost immediately get lost trying to escape the city. End up on a dirt track that looks like it leads directly to the jungle. Decide to explore this and find some waterfalls.
- Afternoon: Got lost. Again. The waterfall was beautiful, the hike was brutal. Got bitten by something. Possibly a snake. Probably just a mosquito. Still, I imagine my life flashing before my eyes as I run away screaming.
- Evening: Swear off scooters forever (probably not). Find a rooftop bar with live music. Drink too many Chang beers, chat with some fellow travelers, and feel surprisingly optimistic about life.
Day 6: Chiang Mai - Floating Market & Goodbye (For Now)
- Morning: Visit the floating market, which turned out to be not as charming as I hoped. I'm kind of over the touristy bits.
- Afternoon: Get ready to leave. Saying farewell to the lovely Summer Guesthouse & Hostel, and Thailand in general, is bittersweet. I'm so excited for the next adventures!
- Evening: Eat my weight in mango sticky rice. One last, glorious, sticky, sweet goodbye. Then, off to the airport. The end? Nah, just the beginning…
This itinerary isn’t perfect, and it’s definitely not the most efficient way to travel. But it's real. It's filled with good, and it's filled with bad. And honestly? That's half the fun. Now, where's my bug spray?
**Bhatti House, Collection O 50161: Your Unexpected Delhi Oasis Awaits!**
Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Hottest Summer Guesthouse & Hostel - FAQ (with a Side of My Sanity)
Okay, fine, I'm intrigued. What *actually* is "Escape to Paradise" and is it as instagram-perfect as it looks?
Alright, buckle up. "Escape to Paradise" is… well, it *tries* to be paradise. Picture this: Koh Lanta, sun-drenched beaches, cheap Chang beers, and a guesthouse/hostel hybrid that’s somehow managing to stay afloat. And yes, some of the Instagram photos? They're spot-on. The sunsets are *genuinely* that ridiculous. The pool? Actually usable. But… reality, as always, bites. It’s less "castaway-chic" and more "slightly-sweaty-but-still-smiling backpackers-chic." Think well-worn flip-flops and a constant soundtrack of reggaeton. But hey, I'm not complaining. Most of the time. Honestly, some days I wanted to scream... but the mango sticky rice, man. The mango sticky rice. I'll get to that.
Is it truly "hottest" or just… hot? And, like, what's the vibe?
"Hottest" is subjective, honey. It's hot, Thailand-hot, which means you sweat in places you didn't know you *had* places. (Namely, my eyebrows. They were constantly damp). Vibe-wise? It’s… active. Like, *really* active. Partying every night. Daytime yoga sessions (that I never made it to, because post-Chang-binge yoga feels deeply unethical). People swapping travel stories, flirting shamelessly, and occasionally, attempting to learn Thai phrases. Think: a slightly chaotic, highly-caffeinated, international potluck of humanity. You'll make friends. You'll lose friends. You'll argue over the last banana. You know, the usual.
Bed situation: Dorms, private rooms? And are the beds actually comfortable? (a crucial question)
Okay, bed situation. Yes, they have both. Private rooms are your escape hatch if the dorm life starts to feel like a claustrophobic fever dream (which, trust me, it will at some point). Dorms are dorms. Expect the usual: snorers, light stealers, the occasional rogue mosquito buzzing in your ear at 3 AM. And the beds? Comfortable-ish. Not luxury hotel comfortable, but decent enough after a long day of swimming and/or nursing a hangover. Bring earplugs. Seriously. I'm still traumatized by the gentleman in bunk 3 who sounded like a rusty lawnmower.
What's the food situation like? I NEED to know about the food.
Oh, the food. This is where "Escape to Paradise" kinda, *truly* shines. They whip up some seriously delicious grub. Breakfast is included - basic bread, coffee, and, of course, fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner? A mix of Thai classics and Western-ish comfort food. And the prices? Cheap as chips (which, by the way, they serve). But back to the highlight: THE MANGO STICKY RICE. I swear, I almost wept the first time I tasted it. It was so unbelievably good. Creamy coconut milk, perfectly ripe mango, fluffy sticky rice… I ate it every single day. I might have even dreamt about it. It's practically a religious experience. Just thinking about it makes me want to book another flight.
Activities and Things to Do? I'm not sure what I want to do, but I want to DO THINGS!
Oh, you'll do things! Too many things, possibly. Escape to Paradise organizes excursions. Island hopping? Check. Snorkeling? Check. Sunset cruises with way too many free cocktails? Big check. Muah. They also have a pretty solid bar, which… well, it becomes it's own activity. And then there's the beach. Just… the beach. You can spend your days getting a tan, swimming, reading, or people-watching. And the evenings? Beach bonfires, fire dancers, and potentially some questionable choices. The point is, you'll never be bored (unless you *want* to be, which, sometimes, you absolutely do).
Is it good for solo travelers? I'm a little nervous.
Absolutely. It’s *designed* for solo travelers. That's kind of its thing. You'll be surrounded by other people in the same boat. Strangers become friends surprisingly quickly, bonding over shared experiences (and shared hangovers). I met some of my best friends there. And yeah, on the first day, I was a little awkward. A lot awkward. Hiding behind my book, pretending to be intensely engrossed in the plot. But then someone offered me a beer, and the rest, as they say, is history. It's a great place to push yourself a little outside your comfort zone. Honestly, it's the kind of place that makes you *want* to be social. Or at least, makes the social parts easy.
What if I need to WORK? Is the Wi-Fi decent (and can I escape the temptation to just... play on the beach?)
*Sigh*. The eternal question. Wi-Fi, it exists. It's… okay. Sometimes good, sometimes spotty, depending on the weather and the number of people streaming movies (curse you, Netflix-bingeing Brits). Honestly, trying to work on Koh Lanta is a heroic effort. The beach beckons. The sun is calling your name. The iced coffees are *divine*. My advice? Schedule dedicated work blocks and stick to them. Go early in the morning before the hordes descend. Or, you know, accept that you'll be slightly behind on everything. Because, honestly, who can blame you for wanting to play?
Okay, the elephant in the room: What about mosquitos? Are those little buzzers going to destroy everything?
Yes. Yes, they are. Mosquitos are a fact of life in Thailand. They will find you. They will bite you. They will itch for days. Bring DEET. Lots of it. And mosquito coils. Use them. Everywhere. I had a run-in with a particularly aggressive mosquito in the bathroom, and it was a brutal two weeks of itching and blaming myself for being so delicious. Learn from my mistakes. Also, consider long sleeves and pants for theRooms And Vibes
