It's close enough to Khao San without being in it. The road it's on is much chiller and cleaner. It's close to everything. The rooms are clean. Only downside is no free wifi.

Two friends and I stayed in Lamphu House recently after touching down in Bangkok. We had booked it a few months in advance after spotting it in Lonely Planet. For people who think they can walk in and get a room, forget about it as the receptionist told us they are booked up a month in advance for most of the year.

The guesthouse itself is located on a busy little street called Soi Rambuttri which is adjacent to the Khao San Road. Unlike most accommodation in this area, Lamphu House is located off the busy street and you walk up a little alley (completely safe) into the leafy courtyard which seems to drown out the 24/7 noise of Rambuttri and Khao San.

There is no shortage of staff at Lamphu. It appeared there was a different pair of receptionists every day, but they were all as good and helpful as each other. They all had perfect English as well. There is a luggage room and safety deposit room beside reception which are watched closely by two guys who you have to ask to open the doors so it is completely safe. There is also a girl at a separate desk who organises excursions and airport taxis which is very useful.

The rooms are very basic and a bit of the small side but it you are like us and just want a place to rest up in Bangkok, they are perfect. The two rooms were spotless and the air con worked perfectly. The bathroom is very simple and the shower is not separate to the toilet and sink so the whole floor will become wet. Not a problem for us but I know some people wouldn't like this. There is only one plug socket so a double adaptor would be useful if you are charging/using multiple devices.

The food was cheap and very tasty with a wide selection of Thai and Western offerings. There is no alcohol served at the bar but the owners do not mind you bringing some beers back from the shop to sip away on the decking. The Internet is 30 baht per hour despite the website saying free Internet is available but 30baht is nothing really compared to some places around Bangkok.

All in all, we had a great few days in Lamphu House and would highly recommend it as a place to stay if you want to experience Bangkok on the cheap. Don't forget to book well in advance.

We stayed at Lamphu house only for a few nights as we wanted to spend a bit of time in Bangkok more to adjust to the timezone than explore. This place fitted the bill: simple yet clean. The location is brilliant, close to lively streets, yet tucked away to avoid the noise. You can have breakfast and food downstairs in the patio. Good value.

We stayed a couple of nights in the big hotel next to this one (not recommended), until a room was free and then moved here. A lovely big courtyard where you can relax all day reading, using the computer or just doing nothing! There are very few places where you feel you can totally relax, especially in this area near Khoasan rd. If you like bamboo/wood/nature/quiet/smiley & relaxed staff - then this is the place. Great rooms, good mattresses, beds, showers and the food is pretty good too. A great location if you need to be in this area. Almost feels like we are on the beach!