I'm plannig a travel to Thailand and I am a bit confused about what area could be better for lodge. I am looking for a budget but comfortable hotel. Perhaps something like Silom Serene or Grand Diamond. Well, I have seen a good review about Swana Hotel, but I don't know if it will be a convenient area for doing sightseeing...
http://www.sawasdee.com/hotel/620262/swanabangkok.html
Any suggestion will be welcomed. Thanks

The Swana Hotel is located not far from the famous Khaosan Road. It is not close to the skytrain/subway. Young people from the Khaosan Road area whom don't mind walking in the heat and huminity can get to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho in 25-35 minutes.
The other two hotels are much better located (about a 10 minute walk to the skytrain) and IMO a better class of hotel. You might also consider the Asia Hotel or the Holiday Mansion both in the Siam shopping area or one of the many mid priced hotels on Sukhumvit.

Thank you very much for your answer, Scotters. I have to decide now whether we are "young people" or not (early thirties). I am not sure that I like Asia Hotel. What about Holiday Inn in Siam? www.sawadee.com offers it for 3200 TBH a night. Is in a good area?

Okay you are now talking upper mid range and have a variety of nice hotels. The Holiday Inn (which can be had for as low as 2850 baht) is in a good location on the lower part of Silom Rd towards the river and a 5+ minute walk to skytrain. However the rooms need a good reno.
In the same price range consider the following which I feel are better quality and great location.

Centre Point Silom Appartments - Great location by the river, short walk to skytrain and ferry, Rooms much larger than regular hotel ones, on top of a Robertson department store.

Up in the Siam area both the Novotel and the Pathumwan Princess are excellent. These are close (walkable) to some of the best and most popular shopping malls as well as the central skytrain station.

The fairly new Majestic Grande in the Sukhumvit area has been given good reviews. Within easy walk to skytrain.

I have established a budget of... well 60-65 euros/night (I guess it might be about... 72-78$?). Of course, if I find a cheaper hotel with similar services I will be delighted. There are some aspects which are not very important for us: for instance, we don't need a really huge breakfast: we are from a country where people... ejem... don't usually have a proper breakfast.
I am not sure if we are using a luxurious spa, either. On our first visit to Asia, we are willing to walk around and see as much as possible.
I have been checking your suggestions and liked very much some of them...
Another question about Holiday Inn: is better located the one on Silom?
Thank you very much.

Sorry I got the holiday Inns mixed up. You did say HI Siam and I took it as the one on Silom. The newer one used to be the President Hotel and it is in a great location and from all reports a great place to stay. The rate of 3200 baht for April 1st on is about average. You will find on most sites the rate includes taxes/service charges and breakfast.

Thanks

I had a look at Holiday Inn on Ploenchit/Sukhumvit Rd - as Scotters said very good location right next to Intercontinental. Rooms are nicely renovated as are public areas. Pool is OK but not exceptional and small but OK gym. Rack rates are high (over $100) - but internet should get you around $85. We have stayed a few times at Nai Lert Park - ex-Hilton and now Swissotel/Raffles. Renovated last year and has fantastic grounds. It is a little more than your target but on asiarooms.com, you can get it at $107 including breakfast - have a bigger breakfast and save on lunch. Unrenovated rooms are $95 or so. Of all the 5 star hotels I think this is outstanding value and if it is not pushing the budget too much think about it as Bangkok really offers fantastic value 5 star accommodation.
Sofitel on Silom Rd also has very nice rooms (but crap pool ) and last year I saw prices of around $60 which for room quality was also great.

Spaniards seem to have Sofitel Silom as a fav and it gets really good feedback at Spanish foros. However, it seems to be increasing its fees and perhaps I would prefer a 60-euros hotel.
Nai Lert Park looks really nice, but perhaps a bit too expensive. I have to save some money for visiting all those wonderful restaurants that everybody is usually talking of!
You are all very kind. Thanks.