Artist’s Place
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The creation of a local artist who also painted many of the murals adorning Trat’s old town lanes, the Artist’s Place goes beyond a funky first impression to offer quality rooms in a few different flavours.
Travelfish says:
You’ll start by inquiring at the associated cafe, Pier 112, which is worth a visit for the food and lounge-y ambiance even if not staying. It stands beside the canal on the south side of Thana Charoen, while the rooms come in a few neighbouring buildings set a little further east on the north side of the road. The frontage done up in murals and an old-school samlor ensure that you won’t miss it when strolling down the quieter of the twin lanes anchoring Trat’s old town.
In the less decorative building we checked out a fan-cooled room with mosquito nets hung above soft twin beds raised off tile floors. It had a desk and a tapestry on the wall, but little else to brighten up the white concrete walls with narrow slits near the tops. A small bathroom is set just outside in a small living room; technically it’s shared but there are multiple bathrooms and few rooms so it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait when nature calls.
This building also has a six-bed mixed dorm with air-con, though we’d skip it in favour of a private room for the same price (or less) at places like Garden Home and Ban Jaidee. In addition, some simply furnished rooms accommodate up to four guests for less than 1,000 baht, representing good value for families and groups.
Pricier digs come in a pair of brushed concrete motel-type buildings on either side of a garden sporting some fountains and sculptures, including a striking Khmer-style statue at the front. Fronted by old-style wood shutters and doors, these enjoyed the full extent of the designer’s touch with hand-sewn fabrics, vintage toys and original paintings. Bathrooms sport metal basin sinks separated from showers by partial walls.
These higher-end rooms come with air-con, tiny TVs, hot-water kettles and perhaps a beanbag chair or loveseat. Every bathroom has hot water, including the shared facilities used by those staying in the dorm. The rooms we checked out appeared well kept. Free WiFi is also available.
In addition to the cafe with its book exchange and tables shrouded in bamboo trees, guests can check out the elephant statues in a brick courtyard before putting their feet up in a roofed lounge set closer to the road. The woman who greeted us in the cafe had a good attitude, wasting no time before handing us over to a friendly staffer to show us around. We’ve not met the owner, but, judging by his art, he seems an interesting guy.
Those seeking creature comforts on the cheap who couldn’t care less about style could check out nearby Residence House, a German/Thai-run spot with air-con rooms in a large concrete shophouse.
Contact details for Artist’s Place
Address: East end of Thana Charoen Rd, Trat
T: (082) 469 1900;
Web: https://www.facebook.com/TheArtistPlace/
Coordinates (for GPS): 102º30'47.65" E, 12º14'25.73" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: Under 600B
Room rates
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Dorm air-con | 250 baht | 250 baht |
| Dbl fan share bathroom | 400 baht | 400 baht |
| Dbl air-con private bathroom | 800 baht | 800 baht |
| Family room | 900 baht | 900 baht |
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.