Stepping into the Diamond City Hostel feels a bit like visiting a thrift store. There are multiple tables, sofas, and chairs -- none of which seem to follow any coordinating theme -- plus a variety of random decorative objects and lamps. There was even a fake snow-white Christmas tree illuminated with blue fairy lights during our springtime visit. A display case with gems and jewelry for sale sits off to one side. Beyond the lobby is a screened-in breakfast area where coffee, tea, juice, water, and popcorn is made available (free of charge) for guests throughout the day. Behind the front desk is a small swimming pool with a cascading fountain feature seemingly emerging from plants fixed on its low ceiling. Color-changing tube lighting is a nice, funky touch, though it does make the pool look more like a fountain than a place to swim. A similar decor scheme continues throughout the hotel, with huge oil paintings and a hodgepodge of statues and lamps with frilly shades found along the staircase and on all three upstairs floors of rooms. Most guests here are budget travelers from the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere in Asia, including some young people in town to party -- plus the occasional family.

This hotel is located just off the main road, in an area with lots of restaurants and a few other budget hotels and hostels. It's a 10-minute walk from the Jim Thompson House and Rachathewi BTS Station is only seven minutes away on foot. It's a 15-minute drive to the Grand Palace and 20 minutes to Wat Arun. Getting to the backpacker-filled Khaosan Road area takes 20 minutes by car or tuk-tuk. Siam Center is a 15-minute walk or skytrain ride away. The Suvarabhumi Airport can be reached in around 40 minutes via the SRTET City Line. Otherwise, the journey can take upwards of an hour by taxi, depending on traffic. 

Rooms at this hotel range from 22-square-meter (237-square-foot) Standard Rooms clear up to 40-square-meter (430-square-foot) Grand Deluxe Rooms. Decor is simple, with polished marble floors and the odd floral print on the wall. All of the units have comfortable beds (single king beds or two twin beds), plus lots of worn wooden furniture, much of it topped with gray marble. Big wardrobes contain digital safes, coffee cups, and insulated thermos-style pitchers. Rooms in Deluxe and higher categories add a few extra touches, such as red-and-black bed runners and throw cushions, plus balconies. Standard Rooms lack coffee- and tea-making facilities (all other categories have kettles), but guests can find hot water, tea, and coffee in the lobby day and night. Other amenities include small flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, and all units have individually controlled air conditioners. Wi-Fi is free in rooms and throughout the hotel and while it's generally reliable, it can slow down a bit during peak usage times. Bathrooms are simple, with shower/tub combos that could use a bit of a scrub-down. Basic toiletries and tube-style wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. Note that rooms by the elevator in particular can be noisy due to poor soundproofing. 

Diamond City Hotel offers decent amenities for a budget hotel. There's no spa or gym, but there is a funky shallow swimming pool with color-changing lights located in the lobby. A small meeting room with a projector can seat 15 or so people. Breakfast is included in room rates, with hot and cold items including a few Thai specialties. Other meals can be prepared on request at lunch and dinner. Hot and cold water, coffee, tea, fruit juice, and popcorn is available for free all day in the breakfast area, and there's a fridge with beer and soda available for sale. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and generally fast, with the occasional slow-down during peak usage times.