Bangkok Hotels: "Guest Friendly" Policy & Rules

When visiting Bangkok with the intention of bringing guests back to your room, the choice of hotel is just as important as the location. Not all hotels allow guests for free, and some may even deny entry to "Ladyboys" or additional visitors.

What is a "Guest Friendly" Hotel?

A Guest Friendly (or Joiner Friendly) hotel is an establishment that allows you to bring an unregistered guest back to your room overnight without charging an extra fee (often called a "Joiner Fee").

  • Standard Policy: Most guest-friendly hotels allow one guest per night, provided your room is booked for two people (Double/King occupancy).
  • The "Joiner Fee": If a hotel is NOT guest friendly, they may charge you anywhere from 500 to 1,500 THB per night just for the guest to enter the elevator.

How to Identify a Guest Friendly Hotel

Before you book, look for these signs:

  • The "Double Occupancy" Rule: Always book your room for 2 Adults, even if you are traveling alone. This ensures there is "space" in the booking for a guest.
  • Check the Reviews: Search for keywords like "Joiner," "Guest Friendly," or "Ladyboy friendly" in the hotel reviews on sites like Agoda or Booking.com.
  • Direct Inquiry: You can send a polite email asking: "Is there a joiner fee for overnight guests?"
  • Specialized Websites: There are many databases online that maintain updated lists of "Guest Friendly Hotels in Bangkok."

How Many Guests Can You Bring?

  • Usually One: Most hotels follow a strict "one guest per guest" rule. If you try to bring two or more guests at once, the hotel will likely charge an extra fee or block entry for security reasons.
  • Security & ID: Even in the most friendly hotels, your guest must leave their ID card (Thai National ID) at the reception. This is for your safety and theirs. When the guest leaves, the hotel may call your room to ask if "everything is okay" before returning the ID.

Probability of Entry: Will the Hotel Allow It?

  • Sukhumvit Area (Soi 4, 7, 11): In these areas, the probability that a hotel is guest-friendly is very high (80-90%), as they are used to the nightlife scene.
  • Luxury 5-Star Hotels: High-end international chains (like Marriott or Hilton) are often more strict. While they may not charge a fee if you booked for two, they have much higher security and may be less discreet.
  • Small Guesthouses: Almost always guest-friendly and very discreet.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

  • Be Discreet: Even in a guest-friendly hotel, avoid being loud or causing a scene in the lobby.
  • Safety First: The ID deposit at the reception is your best insurance. Never tell a guest "it's okay, you don't need to leave your ID."
  • Tipping: A small tip to the night porter or security guard can often make your experience much smoother if you are frequenting the hotel with guests.