New Joe Guesthouse, Bangkok, Thailand

The charm here is not so much about the rooms themselves but the setting, with a chilled restaurant area set in a calm courtyard full of flowers and greenery.

Young travellers mill about at the simple plastic tables or play pool. A big kitchen serves up crusty pizzas and colourful stacks of noodles.

Joe\'s is a cruisy, pleasant place to hang out, away from the frenetic comings and goings of the rest of the neighbourhood.

A trip up the old stairs reveals a predictable cocktail of budget facilities: grimy walls, marked lino, peeling paint and simple rooms. While rooms are a touch shabby, they let in quite a lot of light and are not depressing. More expensive ones have hot water and air-con, while all have budget shower-over-toilet bathrooms, clean (if very thin) sheets and mini balconies.

Airport - Khaosan Road Take the AE2 Bus from Suvanabhumi Airport to Khaosan Rd Bus Station. From Khaosan Rd Bus station walk back approx 10m turn right at New Joe sign post, into Trokmayom. (small side street) Walk approx 100m and New Joe Guest House is on your left.

Taxi - Khaosan Road Ask for Khaosan Road, if Taxi drop off is at Tanao Road end, then with Burger King behind you walk to the other end of Khaosan Rd. turn left at Gullivers Bar, approx 25m turn left into Trokmayom, after passing Boots. New Joe is is approx 100m on the left. If drop off is at Chakrapongse Road, locate the police station then head towards Boots, turn left into Trokmayom after passing Boots. New Joe is approx 100m on the left