Escape the Ordinary: B-Your Home Hotel, Don Mueang Airport's Hidden Gem
Escape the Ordinary? More Like ESCAPE the Ordinary! (B-Your Home Hotel Review: Don Mueang Edition - Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, so I'm back. Back from the frontline, the airport - Don Mueang specifically. And I'm here to tell you about B-Your Home Hotel. Forget those sterile, soul-sucking airport hotels you usually find. This is… different. And that, my friends, is a good thing. Or, and I'm just being honest here, sometimes a very chaotic thing. But in a good way. Mostly.
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Right, let's dive in. Because honestly, after the journey I had getting there via Grab, I need this review. For therapy.
Accessibility: The Good, The… Well, The “Almost.”
Okay, so the official word is "Facilities for disabled guests." And yes, the elevator is a Godsend. I'm not in a wheelchair, obviously, but I have seen some truly awful attempt at accessible hotels, and B-Your Home seems to genuinely try. I'm talking ramps, wider doorways, the usual. Though, (and this is a personal gripe) the "accessible" toilet stalls sometimes just have… tighter maneuvering space after you get inside, which feels counterintuitive, like some kind of design joke. Someone probably thought it was hilarious. Still, applaud the effort, I suppose. And I did see someone navigating around with crutches like a champ.
Speaking of which, check-in/out [express] and contactless check-in/out? YES PLEASE. Especially after that Grab driver tried to convince me he needed a "special tip" because the traffic was "very bad, madam." (It wasn't). A smooth, quick check-in is always a win.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Fueling the Journey
The restaurant situation… ah, the restaurant situation. This is where things get a little… interesting. More on that later. Suffice to say, they do have places to eat. Restaurants are technically plural! But whether they're accessible to everyone, well, that depends. Navigating the walkways with plates of food can be a challenge (more on that below). Food-wise though? Again, it’s good. It is definitely there.
Internet: Wi-Fi Wonderland (Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And yes, it's actually good wifi. I didn't have to go through the usual airport hotel dance of refreshing the page 17 times and muttering about needing a better brain. Actually, scratch that, I’m always muttering about needing a better brain. The point is, the Wi-Fi worked. Internet [LAN] and Internet services are also listed, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore?
(Rambling Alert! I’m a remote worker. Wi-Fi is life. So, any hotel that understands the importance of stable internet deserves a medal. Especially when you're on a deadline and the client really wants that presentation… you know? The good kind of life and death, the job-saving kind.).
Things To Do, Ways to Relax (Or At Least Try To): The Spa, the Pool, and My Inner Couch Potato
Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff. Spa/sauna? They have 'em! Not the biggest spa in the world, but I've seen worse. And the Pool with view? Yes, yes, and yes! I spent a solid hour floating around like a half-deflated beach ball, just watching the planes take off. Pure zen. They also provide Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool - a whole smorgasbord of relaxation! The Fitness center is also a good one that I haven't been to yet but I do plan to at some point (that's the plan, anyway!)
(Emotional Reaction Time! Okay, the pool deserves a medal. It was genuinely lovely, and a welcome escape from the airport chaos. I give it a 9/10. Minus one point because I’m pretty sure a rogue butterfly landed on me at one point, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe Approved (Almost)
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer… they seem to be taking the whole COVID thing seriously. More than some… ahem… other places I've been lately. Seeing the staff diligently wiping down surfaces gave me a smidge of peace of mind, but let's be realistic. You can’t fully escape the germs these days. Rooms sanitized between stays, Room sanitization opt-out available, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items… good news is, they seem to take it seriously.
(More Rambling! I'm a bit of a germaphobe. Okay, a lot of a germaphobe. The sight of someone coughing anywhere makes me want to run screaming into the street. So, yeah, I appreciated the effort.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Odyssey
Okay, buckle up. The food situation is… an experience. They have a Breakfast [buffet], which is a lifesaver when you're dragging yourself out of bed at 5 AM. A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar… They say they have it all. And they mostly do.
But here's the juicy part. The first morning? Breakfast [buffet]. Amazing. Great selection, fresh fruit, the works. The second? Chaotic. Utterly, delightfully chaotic. My plate had a precarious tower of bacon, scrambled eggs, and fruit, and as I was attempting a heroic maneuver around a toddler wielding a plastic fork like a weapon, I nearly spilled the whole thing onto a very important-looking businessman in a suit. It was all a bit… frenzied. This led to much internal debate about dining in room.
The Poolside bar came to the rescue, though. A post-breakfast cocktail (yes, before noon, don't judge) was exactly what I needed to recover.
(Quirky Observation! I'm convinced the coffee shop is staffed by the same people who design the airport security lines. Order your coffee, wait 10 minutes, then watch them brew it. It's a performance art piece, I’m telling you.)
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials and the Extras
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities… you know, the usual. Food delivery is a fantastic option, especially after a long day. And the Concierge was actually helpful, which is a rare and beautiful thing.
For the Kids: The Kid-Friendly Factor
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal… I can't speak to this extensively, as I don’t have kids, but I did see a family looking very happy by the pool, so take that as you will.
**For the record, the *Babysitting service* is available, and that may mean you can have a quiet time to yourself!
(Back to Rambling! Seriously, though, sometimes the simplest things are the best. Like a friendly face at the front desk or a good, strong cup of coffee. This place gets it.)
Getting Around: Airport Transfers and the Great Taxi Debacle
Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service… The Airport transfer is a lifesaver. Seriously, avoid the taxi madness if you can. It made my life infinitely easier.
Available in All Rooms: The Room Rundown
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] - your standard hotel room fare. It's clean, comfortable, and everything works! (Though I couldn’t quite get the TV to show anything other than Thai soap operas. Which, admittedly
Cairns' Most Luxurious Oasis: Valle Vista Apartments Await
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to be privy to my gloriously chaotic itinerary for a stay at the B-Your Home Hotel near Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. This isn't your glossy magazine travel plan, folks. This is the raw, unfiltered experience, punctuated by questionable decisions and the occasional existential crisis.
Pre-Trip Panic Attack (Aka, The Day Before Departure)
- 4:00 PM: The email from the airline. "Your flight has been delayed." Fantastic. I'd already packed three emergency chocolate bars. Now I'm seriously considering eating them to quell my pre-flight anxiety. This isn't a trip; it's a logistical puzzle with a looming deadline.
- 5:00 PM: Scrambling! Did I remember to pack the mosquito repellent? Okay, yes. But what about the adapter? Oh god, the adapter! The chaos has begun.
- 7:00 PM: Resigned to the fact that I will probably forget something vital. Decided to embrace the chaos. Made a last-minute decision to get a ridiculously oversized travel pillow. Comfort reigns supreme. Priorities.
Day 1: Arrival, Airport Shenanigans, and a Quest for Decent Coffee
- 6:00 AM (Bangkok Time): Landed. The air hits you like a warm wet blanket. I am immediately sweating, even though I'm still at the gate. Brilliant start.
- 6:30 AM: Immigration. The line is longer than my patience. Trying to maintain a zen-like state. Failing.
- 7:30 AM: Finally out! Found my shuttle to B-Your Home. The driver is weaving through traffic like a seasoned pro, and I'm pretty sure I need a Dramamine already.
- 8:00 AM: Checked into B-Your Home. The room is clean, surprisingly spacious, and the air conditioning blasts like a polar vortex. I immediately sprawl on the bed, feeling the jet lag hit.
- 9:00 AM: The coffee situation. This is critical. The hotel's instant coffee? Absolutely not. I'm on a mission. Decided to venture out to find a decent cup. This turned into an epic 45-minute trek through the local streets. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place run by a woman with the kindest eyes. Best. Coffee. Ever. The language barrier was a hilarious obstacle course, leading to much pointing and miming. I ordered a cappuccino and some surprisingly delicious pastries.
- 10:00 AM: Back to the hotel. Spent the next hour completely comatose in a chair. The jet lag is real.
- 12:00 PM: Decided to order some street food from a food delivery service. Everything was delicious, but I'm pretty sure I accidentally ordered something with a LOT of chili. My mouth is on fire. Worth it.
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Rest and recover. Read a book, got some sleep, got up in the airconditioner, and repeat.
- 7:00 PM: Attempted a walk around the neighborhood. The heat is oppressive. The sounds are a symphony of honking scooters and chattering voices. I feel utterly overwhelmed. Turns back.
- 7:30 PM: Found more chocolate.
Day 2: The Temple Triumph (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling miraculously refreshed. Maybe the air conditioning worked its magic.
- 9:00 AM: Determined to visit a temple. The heat is already intense, but I'm committed.
- 10:00 AM: Arrived near Wat Don Mueang. I was surrounded by local markets, loud vendors, and bustling traffic. It was pure chaos. I had to navigate narrow streets and crowds of people, but I finally found the temple.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: I spent the next hour wandering through its serene courtyards, observing the intricate architecture, and trying to absorb the peaceful atmosphere. It was pretty amazing.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Got some amazing Pad Thai from a street vendor. This is a win.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The sun is relentless.
- 2:00 PM: Naptime. Need to recharge.
- 6:00 PM: Decided to wander by the market again.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, at the same place I had Pad Thai. Why mess with perfection?
Day 3: Airport Prep and Departure
- 8:00 AM: Pack. Again. I swear, unpacking is harder than packing.
- 9:00 AM: Panic about forgetting something. Check everything three times.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute coffee run to the place with the kind woman! My farewell to her was a jumble of smiles and gestures. I feel connected to this place already!
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Board the flight, and, say goodbye to Bangkok, with my heart full of memories.
- 1:30 PM: Start planning the next trip (before the plane even takes off).
- 2:00 PM: Fall asleep.
This itinerary is not perfect. It's not particularly glamorous. But it's mine. And it's a reflection of the messy, beautiful, and often ridiculous experience that is travel. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Unbelievable Pondok Novira Find in Mancagahar, Indonesia!
So, what *is* this "Escape the Ordinary" place anyway? Is it actually… good? Be honest!
Location, location, location! Is it actually *at* the airport, or is it a sneaky "near the airport" situation? Because that’s a dealbreaker for me.
The Rooms - What's the vibe? Are they like, clean? Basic? Luxurious? (I'm aiming for *somewhere* in between.)
Breakfast… a crucial question. Is it actually good? And is it included? Don't give me one of those sad continental breakfasts.
Shuttle Service - Is it reliable? Because I've been burned by airport shuttles before.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just… there?
Any downsides to consider? Because nothing's perfect, right?
So, bottom line: Would you recommend B-Your Home? And for who?
