We stayed here for 2 nights, at an excellent rate of 850 baht/night. However, the cheap rate did not make up for the fact that the hotel is in a mad-traffic-soul-less-free-of-all-interesting-sights sort of place. If you are interested in Kaosan Road - a 15 minute walk will get you there. That's about the highlight, really ..... The rooms are very clean, only a few (8or so) channels on TV. One English (HBO). Food is average. They do not serve wine with the meal, but you can order beer. The Wi-Fi internet worked only one day while we were there. Service was attentive but usually ineffectual. When you order room service, be prepared to wait for a telephone call back to confirm whether they can serve your order. We wouldn't stay again, and cannot understand why anybody would stay here a second time, given the enormous choice in Bangkok, and such wonderful areas to explore/enjoy elsewhere?

Myself and my partner stayed here for two nights when we arrived in Bangkok for three weeks travelling. We arrived at around 8pm after a long 20+ hours travelling and were welcomed by the staff who were very friendly. As the taxi pulled up a member of staff came out to collect our bags and the reception staff were very helpful. The hotel is about a 10 minute walk from Khao San Road and you can also get to the river just as quick. The room was really nice, a powerful shower and very clean. I would definately consider this hotel again if I was to go abck to Bangkok.

Stayed at Swana for 4 nights and loved it!! Staff are friendly, the rooms are clean and is close enough to Kao Shan (15 min walk or 37BHT by taxi), out of the loud and busy Kao San Rd.
Be aware that there's no swimming pool, not sure why there's a pool picture! But seriously, with so many things to do in Bangkok you hardly have time to enjoy a swim, so this is not a problem.

"Yes, yes, yes... I visit Bangkok two-three times a year and try still to stay somewhere in the Old district. Swana is really perfect. Friendly staff, clean and fresh looking rooms, satisfactory breakfast and the location is good enough to walk by foot to Khao San whithin 5 minutes. If you can take the deluxe room-superior seemed for me little too small. Choose also from backside-these with windows ovelooking the courtyard are quite noisy. Only minus- there is no lift. Thing twice before you choose the 4th floor...but of course the staff will help you with even extremely heavy luggage...Anyway best western is best in the Banglamphu area "