Open since the 1980s, the River View Guest House is a family-run property that allows guests to experience a taste of true Bangkok living. It fits right in in its busy Chinatown neighborhood, which is packed with shops and markets but removed from the real chaos of the city. Arches distinguish the front of the eight-story building, and large potted plants flank the entrance. Benches and chairs out front give guests a place to pause outside, and leather and rattan chairs in the small lobby provide another place to rest. Fresh flowers and orchids add a nice aroma. With its range of accommodations, this place attracts all sorts of travelers, including couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers, as well as plenty of backpackers.

This guest house is located in the Talad Noi area of Bangkok's historic Chinatown along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Surrounding it are shophouses, restaurants, a Chinese temple, and one of the more historic areas of Bangkok. Wat Traimit, where the famed 14th-century Golden Buddha is housed, is less than 10 minutes away on foot. Yaowarat Road, packed with all sorts of shops and food stalls, is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel depending on the destination, though the more fascinating alleyway markets are actually just south of Yaowarat Road, running parallel to it. It will also take 10 minutes to walk to the river ferries, which are a relatively easy and scenic way to reach the historic sights like the Grand Palace in around 30 minutes, including walk times. The metro at Hua Lamphong and the Hua Lamphong Train Station are a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the metro makes connections to vibrant Sukhumvit Road or buzzing Silom Road (which are 30 and 15 minutes away, respectively). Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airports are both nominally about 30 minutes away by car, but traffic is heinous in Bangkok and travelers should budget at least an hour or more to reach either.

Though all rooms are basic, they at least have a modern look that borders on urban-chic. However, there is a bit of wear that could use a bit of freshening up, like stains and scuff marks (to say nothing of the bathrooms, discussed below). Rooms are available in private or dorm configurations. Choices for dorm-style rooms are female only or mixed, and there's also a Family Room with a double bed and two singles. With two double beds, the Dragon Move room is the most colorful, with spicy red panels on walls and black and red lacquered furniture. The Sweet Breeze room features a softer blue on wall panels behind the bed and accents, along with gray walls. Colors in the Urban Chic room are mostly black and white. Expect to see variable details that range from pressboard headboards to glazed concrete or hanging industrial-style pendant lights throughout most categories. Rooms on the fifth floor have balconies overlooking the city or the river. 

Amenities include old-style tube TVs and mini-fridges. Some rooms have air-conditioning, but others come with just fans, which can be a real bummer in hot-and-humid Bangkok. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms except the least expensive Young Traveller rooms, which use a shared bathroom. As with many budget hotels in Bangkok, showers are only partitioned off from the main body of the room by a curtain and the floor in the whole bathroom will likely get wet. They all come with towels and soap, as well as hairdryers in some. Some of the bathrooms do have a damp, musty smell, and we saw lots of dirty grout and mildew. Additionally, toilets in the Urban Chic rooms are not separated from the room by any sort of door, which may make for some major privacy issues.

The rooftop River Vibe Restaurant and Bar is the hotel's best feature. It's a popular place for hanging out to eat, drink, and watch the sunset over the river. The space is open on three sides, providing incredible views, and guests can dine in the open air in nice weather. Food gets fairly solid marks and includes a range of classic Thai dishes. Breakfast is available but is not included in room rates. For lounging at the bar, sofas add to the laid-back atmosphere. An internet corner in the lobby has three computers for guests to use, and while Wi-Fi is free at the hotel, it can be spotty.