A 9 room hotel which is based in an old restored house in the Old Town of Bangkok - you really get a good feel for local living rather than checking into some international hotel chain that would be the same no matter where in the world it was based. Asadang is also run with much care and attention to detail. As you walk in you are served a refreshing lemongrass drink which was delicious. You will be given a map of the area which shows you that ALL the major Buddha sites are within walking distance which is fantastic. They also highlight places to eat and see. The food recommendations are spot on. The rooms are very well decorated and maintained. There is wifi in the common area (not in rooms). The bathrooms are also very simply but tastefully done. I've been here for 3nights and highly recommend this. If there is a criticism it would be that the shower is quite weak! The breakfast options are quite broad and fall under continental or Thai. I tried both and would recommend trying the Thai option at least once.

This is something very different. The "antique" house has been carefully restored and converted into boutique-hotel by the couple of local architects, a humble family whom you'll definitely meet while your stay. Our favorite room was the studio upstairs (funny stairs go up to the roof) with the tatami-bed and little cute balcony overlooking the canal.
Local stuff that made us happy: park across the road where grannies are doing aerobics and grandpas are jogging; food stalls along the canal with cheap and amazing tom yam, noodles, etc.
Center of the city but so quiet (no backpackers, no drag queens) - lovely.