I always stay at the Buddy Lodge when I am in Bangkok. Situated on the infamous Khao San Road, it is right in the heart of the action, with everything required right on your doorstep. The pull-factor is definitely the roof top pool, where you can easily forget that you are in the middle of such a huge, manic city,
There is no bar food which is a shame, however, you are only ever 2 minutes from a plethora of food choices outside the hotel, plus many, many excellent massage establishments and 80baht in a cab to MBK. Failing that, again, the Khao San road has plenty of stalls selling clothing, jewellrey, dvds and so forth, and several loud bars!
The staff at the Buddy Lodge are very friendly and helpful, and the rooms are of a good standard and size.
I will defintiely be returning again next year :o)