Need tiny, perfect lodgings?

HQ Hostel is one of the most interesting little inns in Bangkok.

I take a five-minute walk from Saladaeng Skytrain station and discover that the HQ Hostel is one of the most interesting little inns in Bangkok, an excellent budget choice away from the usual Khao San Road hubbub.

The HQ is near Silom Soi 3, 50 metres off Silom Road and right opposite the main Bangkok Bank. That kind of prime location and the low room rates make this a highly attractive spot to park your bags and get your shuteye.

The hostel has been welcoming backpackers for a year and, according to the friendly staff, business is good.

Bare concrete walls and metal decor give the place that trendy "industrial" look. At check-in you get keys to your room and locker, plus a keycard for the residential area, where dormitory-style guestrooms start at Bt380 a night per bed.

That's the price of the small Type A rooms, which accommodate 10 people in bunk beds. It's kid of cramped, but with a lamp at my bedside I'm happy with a book, charging up my phone before getting some sleep.

There are shared toilets and showers on each floor, and everything's nice and clean.

For a little more elbow room, book into a Type E dorm for eight people for Bt490. If you need enough space to swing your cat, Type L handles six people and Type M four people, and both cost Bt600.

You won't be square dancing, regardless of room type, but the HQ's first floor has a spacious, air-conditioned common area for everyone.

Guests hang out in front of the big cable television, watch DVDs, read books, magazines and tourist brochures, or surf the Net for free. There's a foosball table and beanbags too. It's quite pleasant.

Couples can get a private room for Bt1,500 with a comfy queen-size mattress on the floor and an ensuite bathroom, separated from the sleeping area only by a curtain.

The sleeping area is rather small with a tiny window above your head, but the shower is big.

Keep in mind that the private rooms are on the fifth floor, and you'll be climbing all those stairs. Think of it as the morning exercise you never got around to.

A light breakfast at the hostel's Mofu Cafe is included in the room rates, and by light I mean cereal and tea, coffee or milk. Order your fill from the regular menu or see what's steaming at the 7Eleven is a few steps away.

Silom is the avenue that never sleeps, so catch the Bangkok buzz a short hop away, at the best place in the city for people watching.

Lumpini Park is aflutter with tai chi classes early in the morning, and the hungry business-district office crowds erupt at lunchtime.

And, even late into the night, you'll never see a yawn on Patpong Road and Silom Sois 2 and 4.

Unlike Khao San, this is a place to rub shoulders with the locals, not your fellow travellers. And that's a nice change.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Centrally located to all the amenities, friendly staff, good security

Low point: The rooms are made for aliens from the planet Tiny.

Pay for it: Bt380 to Bt600 in the dorms, Bt1,500 for a double, with a light breakfast included

Find it: 5/34 Silom Soi 3, Bangrak, Bangkok

Phone it: (02) 233 1598.

Browse it: www.HQHostel.com