Nongkhai Resort

Words cannot describe my disbelief about this particular hotel. Admittedly it is inexpensive, however that does not excuse what I encountered on a recent 2 day trip. As always I chose this hotel not because of price but because of good reviews & location to the local train station. After an almost 12 hour journey by train from Bangkok Nong Khai Resort was a welcome sight, however things would soon change for the worse. Upon entering the room it was clear that it's suffered total neglect, worn towels, TV from the 75 ', worn out mattress, chipped tiles in the bathroom, like warm water, virtually non existent a/c. I could go on, however I feel I've said enough. Onto the staff & I'd to add that on one of the nights (9-30pm) I requested a drink & the only member of staff to be found was fast asleep in reception! I've stayed in Thailand many times & this unfortunately was one of the worse hotels I've had the misfortune to encounter. If location is paramount then fine, otherwise AVOID at all cost!!

I got into Thailand without documentation on the promise I would return back to Laos that day? To the tuk-tuk driver at the Laos/Thai border, I put my thumb in a clenched fist towards my mouth in a rapid motion signifying I was looking for a drink. He understood and took me here, in a fraught 10 minute ride that was exceptionally bumpy, especially over the tracks. Yes they have a lounge. This is a wonderful hotel that I did not expect. Lush gardens, a sparking pool, smiling attendants throughout and d*mn cheap too. If they ever allow me back into their country, I'm returning to this hotel. From here, I got a taxi to Udon Thani that took an hour or so and cost $20 US...

I really liked this place that is opposite Nong Khai's also great railway station where I arrived on the day train (express railcars with comfortable aircon in second class) from Bangkok. The proprietress spoke little English but check in was efficient. I had a standard room for THB800 but more expensive standalone villas are also available. The room is entered via three or four steps; unusually, the door opens outward. The room was tiled and the bed fairly hard but still comfortable enough to obtain a good night's sleep. The curtains do not quite block out all light but there was not one shining in so it wasn't a concern. The doona was too lack; there was no top sheet. Pillows were OK. An older style CRT television and a stocked minibar were in the room along with a desk and backless stool and a war drobe, as well as one bedside table. Two oyster lights, one in a far corner were the source of illumination. The aircon took a couple of minutes to kick in but being split system and modern was effective and quiet, thankfully. WiFi was very good, only cutting out a couple of times. There was a double power point in the bedroom to recharge devices. The bathroom's shower only provided warm, not hot water. Two small bottles of each of shampoo and bath gel, and two shower caps were provided as were two bottles of drinking water. The pool looked inviting but I did not use. I had an excellent pad Thai (good for two persons!) plus a Singha beer in a can for THB130. Breakfast was not included but the cook would have obliged had I so desired. There are shops nearby. There was no karaoke that I heard. All in all a great place. Its convenient location to the railway station is a huge plus.