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Big Johns Hostel Restaurant and Internet Cafe for Backpackers
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Location:161/8-9 Sukhumvit Soi 55
Description: Bangkok's only true blue Australian run Budget, Boutique, Backpacker, Hostel, Guesthouse, Restaurant and Internet Cafe. Our restaurant, which serves alcohol, is open 24 hours - something that's not easy to find in Bangkok anymore. Wed 31st October - Halloween - FREE Pumpkin Pie with all dinner meals - Normal Wednesday night specials apply. American Thanks Thurs 22nd November we'll be serving Turkey, gravy with lots of corn, peas, mashed & baked potatoes along with cranberry jelly, apple and pumpkin pies and ice-cream just 250 Baht per head. Christmas Day 25th December - Enjoy our now famous 5 Roast Meat Lunch or Dinner with Lamb, Turkey, Beef, Ham & Pork, gravy, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, baked and steamed vegetables, soup, minced fruit pies, apple pie, pumpkin pie and ice-cream all for just 450 Baht or 790 Baht with all you can drink Chang Draught Beer. Don't be fooled by more expensive, wannabe copycats or by those who maliciously malign us. The truth is, over 90% of out guests extend their stay and over 50% choose to stay here more than once. Here you'll feel like you're more part of a family or community because of the communal areas and overall more friendly environment and community. No other hostel tries harder to understand and meet your needs or gives you more for your money. You can easily spend double and only end up with only half as much. Unlike most other Hostels in Thailand, all nationalities including traveling Thais are welcome. Now in operation for over 6 years, we have, what is probably, Bangkok's most recently opened dorm. You'll receive a FREE BEER Coupon on arrival between now and November 30, and a Massage, Manicure, Pedicure & Waxing Discount Coupon on Check-in. Don't let our inexpensiveness fool you either. This may well be the best value for money hostel in Southeast Asia. The first hostel in Bangkok to offer dorm beds on Hostelbookers, we also offer some of the newest and best dorms as well, with some of the biggest/widest beds, in some of the most spacious and modern dorm rooms in Asia. Unlike our self rated competitors, all our dorms are air-conditioned, at no extra cost, and the mattresses and dorms here don't smell like stale sweat. We'll always try to put your needs ahead of our own. No extra or hidden charges Unlike many other hostels in Bangkok, (Thailand doesn't have a lot of Hostels) here there's no service charge or additional charges for air-conditioning or security lockers or fluffy towels or clean linen (not just sheets but comforters (dunas/duvets) and all bathrooms/showers, cleaned regularly, have hot water and are available 24 hours, like just about everything else here. You don't have to worry about being locked out, the doors and reception are open 24 hrs. Beware other Bangkok hostels claiming 24 hour reception and no curfew may not be telling the truth. We try to keep the do's and don’ts to a minimum, trusting you will be considerate to others. Big John's is a fun & friendly hostel and home away from home, not a prison. You don't need a member/discount/VIP card holder here as our prices are discounted for everyone. Our prices are not over inflated to offer a false discount Rooms Due to a recent fire, air-conditioned rooms (apart from the 12 bed dorms) are temporarily no longer available and all guests will receive either a substantial discount or total refund of their deposit if repairs have not been completed and they choose not to stay. All of our beds have pillows, sheets and comforters (dunas/duvets). not just thin acrylic blankets. We have plenty of single and double rooms where the cost of beds are only about the same price or less than many other hostels charge for beds in 4 - 10 bed dorms. Some of the private rooms aren't big, but you won't find better value for money. After all as long as you have a bed and sufficient communal space to relax and meet other travelers and locals, what else do you need? Many of the single & double rooms, including the 6 person mixed and female dorms, have mattresses placed on raised wooden floors, a feature which helps add a distinctively oriental feel. With over 50 beds and frequently fully booked you have every chance of meeting like minded travelers. All the triple rooms have bunk beds that are double on the bottom and single on top (see picture). Triple rooms may also be used for double/ twin use and you'll only be charged for a double/twin when you check in. Many of the double rooms may also be used as singles where we also offer a discount at check-in. The Four Person rooms can actually sleep up to 5 people as one of the beds is a double. Dorms The 6 person mixed and female dorms, have mattresses placed on raised wooden floors, a feature which helps add a distinctively oriental feel. The 12 person dorm rooms feature a power socket/outlet next to each bed along with a dimmer switch for control of your own light. All the dorms are air-conditioned and unlike our more expensive, nearest competitors, all of our dorms have windows and our mattresses and dorms don't smell like stale sweat. Always Open It's a great place for getting over jet lag as, no matter what time your body clock is on, most of the quality, generously portioned, home style food on our menu is available 24 hours. Unlike nearby hostels we haven't subbed the restaurant to someone else, meaning we can provide great deals on food and drinks and it's your space to use and enjoy at your leisure. The reception desk, restaurant kitchen, internet cafe and front door are open 24 hours a day for those wanting to eat, drink, watch TV and play pool after the clubs and bars close. You can relax, chat with & make new friends all day and night in the restaurant cafe area which has been decorated with long, hanging Thai silks and teak wood carvings (see photos) . With friendly, mainly English literate, staff (at least most of them try, including the Aussie), Big John's, the original - run by Big John himself, family and staff (who will try to make your stay more of a home stay) - has developed a reputation, amongst backpackers and budget travelers - who want to get away from over busy traffic, seedy, sleazy, scam artist infested, tourist areas (like Khaosan, Silom, Nana & Asoke) - as the number one place to stay in Bangkok. Centrally Located Just 30 minutes from the new Suvarnabhumi International & Domestic Airport. Only 170 Baht + 50 baht Airport Service charge. There may be a hostel closer, but we can guarantee you won't get to or from the airport faster than from us. Thonglor (Sukhumvit Road Soi 55) - 'The Beverly Hills of Southeast Asia', quoting the Sunday New York Times, is a wide 2km stretch of road on the edge of the CBD, and the sois (streets) that lead off of it are for Thais, Japanese and Western Expatriates the desired location to live, shop and party. Don't be fooled, in a bus or taxi, Khaosan Road will take 1-4 hours to get to/from the new Airport and may cost as much as 700 Baht. Although, during the day, without a large backpack KS Road and Banglampoo are only 15-20 minutes and 18 Baht away from us in a boat down the canal. We offer the best of both worlds, close to the new airport in an up market cosmopolitan area full of restaurants and nightlife and close to shopping and the heart of Bangkok. Big John's is a safe and friendly, real home away from home - Centrally located, especially with the closure of Don Muang Airport. (Bangkok is a very big and sprawling city with an official population of 8,500,000 people but a more realistic population of 20,000,000 people). Big John's is a small ( from 1st January, 2007 - some what larger with over 50 beds ) Aussie run guesthouse and youth hostel that also includes an internet cafe, a bar and restaurant, Open 24 hours, both making and serving the number one Australian style pies, pasties, sausage rolls & burgers in Thailand - food also sold in local VILLA supermarkets, along with several other Bars and restaurants along Sukhumvit Road and shipped as far north as Rimping Supermarket in Chiang Mai and South to Samui and Krabi - Not forgetting delicious western style vegetarian meals and a range of vegetarian pies, along with international favorites including Big John's unique herb bread, thin crust Pizza, Canadian style Poutine, American style Meatloaf and Thai/Fusion and classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum (Spicy Soup) and Pad Thai (Noodles). Did I forget to mention our fabulous home made pork sausages - also sold to many local restaurants -, vege/tofu Burgers and vegetarian breakfast? Beer & Cider, we have a a selection of Beers and Cider including; Beer Chang, Beer Lao, San Miguel, John Smiths, Newcastle Brown Ale and Bulmers. Breakfast No other hostel gives you a wider choice or, or serves a better value for money full breakfast. Vegemite is free with breakfast. We also have cornflakes, Coco Pops, Frosties, Jam, Honey & Peanut Butter. Laundry We have numerous washing machines and driers and our staff will do your laundry for you at just 25 Baht per Kg. Half the price of most other hostels. So cheap locals in the know bring their laundry here. Sports & Entertainment We have numerous satellite dishes so you can watch LIVE Cricket, NFL & American College Football, NBA & College Basket Ball, Baseball and the European football and the FA Cup, no matter what time of the day or night it's on. During live EPL matches, on Saturday & Sunday nights, there's FREE local draft Beer for 2 minutes after every goal for anyone with an empty glass (meaning you've already bought one). During the F1 Grand Prix season there's free draft beer for 2 minutes after every crash, resulting in the driver retiring from the race, to anyone with an empty glass (see above). We also offer free Sausage Rolls to all drinkers during all AFL & NRL games (to the uneducated, that's Australian Football & Rugby League). During all AFL games broadcast on the australiannetwork if you are drinking beer from a glass you have 1 minute after every goal kicked from more than 50 m to get to the bar for a free glass of Chang Draft. And there's FREE Chang Draft until the first score in all AFL, NRL, and Live International Rugby matches, including the Rugby World Cup. Helpful Information and Travel Services We can help with information on how to get around Bangkok, to the temples and other sites without paying through the nose and without wasting most of your time sitting in a car or van in Bangkok traffic. We offer tours to Kanchanaburi, including the floating market, war cemetery, bridge over the River Kwai and the Tiger Temple. River and road tours to Ayutthaya are also available. Two day tours including Erawan Falls, Hot Springs, Hell Fire Pass, Elephant rides & bamboo rafting can also be booked here along with three day tours to Kanchanaburi & Sanghlaburi, including the above and Three Pagoda Pass, Viwagaram Temple, underwater temple, orphanage and long wooden bridge. Optional extras are cycling, kayaking and trekking. We also offer bookings on daily VIP buses to Cambodia - siam Reap, Ankor Wat & Phnom Phen - the Eastern - Koh Chang, Koh Kut, Koh Wai, Koh Mak -& Southern Islands- Koh Tao (turtle island - diving), Koh Phangan (Full moon party), Koh Samui - South - Phi Phi, Krabi, Phuket, Had Yai, Koh Lak & Northeastern Thailand - Nong Khai and Laos - Vientien. Other Services Traditional Thai massage, Oil Massage and Reflexology (Foot Massage) is available from Praiphana in the original building - only 50 Baht for a 15 minute neck & shoulder massage, 1 hour massage from 200 Baht, 2 hours from 400 Baht. Other services include manicure, pedicure and hot waxing. We have a free book swapping service and a library with a large selection of travel books on Thailand and Southeast Asia. FREE maps of Bangkok, showing BTS (Skytrain), MRT (Subway) and canal routes are usually available at the reception desk. We also have more detailed maps by Nancy Chandler, which include Sukhumvit, China Town, Banglampoo, Chatuchak (JJ- the weekend market) and greater Bangkok for sale. We were the first hostel in Thailand to offer free high speed, ADSL, internet access and free WI-FI. We also have printers, CD burners an card readers to help you copy save and upload your photos. We also have headphones with microphone and webcams to help you keep in touch with friends & family. We also offer free bag / luggage / baggage storage to returning guests, and to store your bags should you be taking a later flight, train or bus, all of which makes us the big one for others to follow. There is also no charge for locker use while you are staying with us. Upcoming special events. You need not stay with us to join in. Wed 31st October - Halloween - FREE Pumpkin Pie with all dinner meals - Normal Wednesday night specials apply. American Thanks Thurs 22nd November we'll be serving Turkey, gravy with lots of corn, peas, mashed & baked potatoes along with cranberry jelly, apple and pumpkin pies and ice-cream just 250 Baht per head. Christmas Day 25th December - Enjoy our now famous 5 Roast Meat Lunch or Dinner with Lamb, Turkey, Beef, Ham & Pork, gravy, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, baked and steamed vegetables, soup, minced fruit pies, apple pie, pumpkin pie and ice-cream all for just 450 Baht or 790 Baht with all you can drink Chang Draught Beer. Weekly Specials: Every Friday night is Ladies night with Free Gin, Vodka, Rum, Whisky, Mixers & local Draft Beer from 5pm - 7pm for ladies, 20 Baht per drink for ladies from 7-9pm and 40 Baht per drink for ladies from 9-11pm. And for the guys there's a FREE Jug of Chang Draght Beer with every purchase of 3 Burgers. Saturday Nights - FREE 12 inch Pizza with every 3 Liter Tower of Chang Draft Beer. Every Sunday Breakfast - all you can eat Pancakes and Maple Syrup. Every Sunday Night you can enjoy Roast/Smoked/BBQd - with hickory & mesquite wood chips - Beef and/or Ham and/or Pork with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and gravy from just 190 Baht - the second Sunday of each month includes Roast lamb, the last Sunday of each month includes Roast Turkey. Every Monday Night is Pizza & Beer Night with a Free 1 liter Jug of Chang Draft with every 12 inch Pizza. Every Tuesday Night is 2 for 1 Night with Buy 1 get 1 free meat pies and 2 for 1 Chang Draft Beer (buy one get one free**) 5 - 11pm*. Every Wednesday Night is Hi Card Wins FREE DRINKS - cut the deck against the bar and win and your drink is FREE* 5pm - midnight. Bangers & mash & beer only 170 Baht. Thursday Nights - All you can eat BBQ Buffet Just 150 Baht. All you can drink Chang Draft 350 Baht. We have a DVD player to check and watch your latest purchases and a lounge area on the 4th floor for those who just want to chill for a while. We don't have a swimming pool, but there are swimming pools nearby available for casual use. There is also an Olympic Size Swimming Pool in Sukhumvit Soi 40 that can be used for 50 Baht per day. We don't have a self kitchen, but the bbq's are available for anyone who wants to use them. Barter VEGEMITE and Large blocks of Cheddar cheese (Australian preferred) are always welcome and can be bartered here, as can Kosher Hard Salami, beef hotdogs, hot English mustard, MAPLE SYRUP, Bundaberg Rum, and good, preferably South Australian, Wine. If you have any other delicacies you wish to barter please email us in advance. We're also interested in Sports memorabilia and Australiana which can also be bartered for food and drinks and maybe rooms, but not your booking deposit. Being the first western run hostel in Bangkok, we are continually looking to improve our services, upgrading our facilities and coming up with new and innovative ideas which are frequently copied. Don't be fooled by falsely manipulated ratings, read the comments and take them with a grain of salt.. A great hostel is much more than a room or a bed. Here at Big John's we strive to bring both travelers and locals together in a safe and friendly environment conducive to the exchange of cultures and ideas. A warm and friendly, home away from home, offering opportunities and experiences you will remember for a lifetime and an environment you won't be in a hurry to leave. C YA SOON Big John PS. If you've read this far you're probably one of the more literate potential guest we generally attract and prefer. Facilities: • Bar • Restaurant • Garage • Swimming Pool • Air conditioning • Wi-Fi |
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