J. Mansion: Pictures, Reviews and Rates

Update added 30/01/07: We are very sorry to report this, as this used to be one of our favourite guesthouses. However, in recent months, Big has been allowing more and more big tour groups to fill the rooms here, meaning independent travellers, including regular customers, are not getting rooms or are being pushed out into the shabbier J. Hotel 150m away. In addition, prices are not being stuck to, staff are increasingly stressed and unfriendly and all in all we are now reluctant to take any more reservations for this guesthouse. We apologise for this inconvenience, and are leaving this review up for research purposes. If you wish to book yourself directly, then please call the number listed opposite. Please note that bookings made directly are not guaranteed and you may be relocated to the lesser J. Hotel on arrival (paying the same price).

Old review, first published in 2005: J. Mansion is where you'll find all the clued up twenty-somethings visiting Ao Nang. It offers guesthouse style - laidback, friendly, relatively cheap (for the beach area) - with something approaching hotel quality and facilities. Rooms are huge (palatial, if you're used to backpacker digs) and absolutely spotless - this has to be the cleanest guesthouse in the whole of Thailand.

The place is very conveniently located in the centre of the few remaining backpacker guesthouses, bars and cheap restaurants in Ao Nang, so there is plenty of opportunity to meet other travellers - plus it's only an 80m stroll to the beach.

The cheerful owner, Mr Big (real name) and his staff go out of their way to accommodate their guests and are permanently and genuinely nice to everyone. Big himself is usually on hand in reception in case anyone needs help.

There's a pretty standard guesthouse restaurant serving the usual fare, but there's plenty more on offer just outside the door. If you don't want to hang out here, J. Mansion also boasts a large roof terrace, which is great for topping up your tan or watching the sun go down over the islands, perhaps with a beer or two. The view over the cliffs and the sea is breathtaking.

J. Mansion also has a sister guesthouse, J. Hotel, in a similar style but with older furnishings, located 150m away and run by Mr Big's father. Guests may be relocated to here on arrival if they have not been able to manage the bookings, as happens occasionally in peak season.

Rooms: There are 21 standard rooms, double and twin in a modern block with 3 floors. The guesthouse's location at the top of a short but steep road affords the rooms at the top a great view of the surrounding mountains and the islands. If you don't mind the stairs, you can request these on our booking form, at no extra cost. Those who don't like walking may prefer to stay on the lower floors.

All rooms are quite large, tiled and unbelievably clean. They come with air con, hot water shower, fridge and satellite TV. There are no balconies. Safety deposit boxes are available in the lobby only.

Facilities: All accommodation has air-con, hot water, satellite TV and fridge and can be supplied with an extra bed for 300B per night. Safety deposit boxes (lockers) are available in the lobby only. There is no swimming pool. The reception cafe/ restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and meals can also be ordered to eat in-room. Other services include motorbike rental, tour counter, speedboat trips and internet facilities. Car parking is not available.

Anything else you would like to know about this hotel? Send us an email and we'll tell you.