The D&D Inn has a legendary status for a lot of backpackers on Khaosan Road, and is definitely the most famous. I had been to Bangkok four times previously and always heard of this place, on two occasions I’d tried to get a room here but it was full, this is a display of the popularity of the place.
Becoming more and more curious about the D&D, the next time I visited, I wanted to make sure of getting a room there, so I phoned them to book a room before I arrived in Bangkok. On arrival, alone, wearing my backpack, I felt as if they were about to say to me “sorry, we’re full”, but I interrupted and said I had a reservation.
The D&D Inn Sign Above the Busy Khao San Road
I have to admit I had previous misconceptions about this place, since it is so popular with Thailand backpackers. In my mind I had it down as somewhere like where DiCaprio’s character in ‘The Beach’ movie stays in Bangkok, when getting to my room I found it to be almost the opposite.
Usually when I stay somewhere, I like to go into a property and have a look at the room before I check in. At the D&D I had pre-booked without checking the place out, but I breathed a sigh of relief when I was shown my room.
The D&D Inn, Khaosan Road, Bangkok
The first thing I noticed was that the room was clean, a good sign for a budget Bangkok hotel or guest house. Amenities included a TV, a shower with hot water and a telephone. There was also a small room next to the bathroom with a window to the outside. I’m not sure what the small room was for, but any surplus space can come in handy.
The D&D inn is big, bigger than you would think when you look at it from the outside. There is a grand total of 145 rooms here, and when a place regularly sells out that number of rooms, you know it’s popular!
Everywhere I went in the property was super-clean, the lobby, the staircases and hallways were always well-kept. Breakfast was basic but high quality food, the fresh fruit for breakfast they have in Thailand hotels is a staple for many travelers diets in the country.
Something that definitely deserves a mention is the rooftop swimming pool and bar, not every guest house in Bangkok has one, but it really is great. When you’re staying in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s Banglamphu district, a pool is the perfect way to cool off and relax after exploring the area for the day.
The rooftop pool area is also a great place to mingle with other guests and make friends, a lot of the backpackers or ‘flashpackers’ who stay here meet travel buddies and end up hitting the road together on their adventures.
Overall I’d say the D&D Inn on Khaosan Road wasn’t what I expected, it was a lot better, the rooms are great value and if you can get in here, you can be sure of a great accommodation experience.