Jan Condotel Hotel Udon Thani

If you're looking for luxury, you've come to the wrong place, but this is my favorite budget place in Udon. First off, convenience. It's near Nong Prajak Park - the place to go for a morning run, get a massage, people-watch or eat on a sidewalk. There's a nice little restaurant across the street for when you don't want to walk five minutes, and a Seven-11 around the corner. Staff is friendly. When I asked if we could have an extra table, they brought one promptly. There's free coffee and the Bangkok Post in the lobby. I like our room's balcony better, though. There are two places on the soi that have washing machines for rent. Our room has been quiet during the whole six weeks we've been at the Jan, and I like to sleep without the AC - doable thanks to a good screen door. I hope I don't sound like a commercial, but compared with other places to sleep in this price class, the Jan is among my favorites. Let me be clear, though: there's zero luxury here: the furniture is worn, the mattress is getting a little soft (by Thai standards) and the fridge is good for drinks but not much else. If you want to be near the bars and bar girls, this probably isn't for you either. But there's parking under a roof, you can avoid the traffic closer to downtown, the big morning market is only a couple of (long) city blocks away, and nothing really beats a friendly front desk that tries to help you best they can.