$-$$, Banglamphu
Fodor's Review:
Buddy Lodge has contributed greatly to Khao San Road's new trendiness by offering Bangkok's backpacker center its first boutique hotel. Standard rooms are very comfortable, but paying the extra B400 (roughly $12) for a deluxe room is worth it, considering the extra space and bigger balcony you get. You'll really appreciate the rooftop pool after trekking around the Old City sights all day. The lodge is also close to the river and many attractions like the Grand Palace.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip