Things are a little rundown at D&D Inn -- but it fits the bill for the backpackers that choose the Khaosan Road area for its nightlife. The hotel is set on a gritty block; from the outside it’s tastefully decorated in cream and green hues, but the dated, wood-heavy entrance is through a ground-floor shopping arcade. The lobby has gray stone flooring, a tan wood front desk, and dated pale blue armchairs. Walls are a mix of stone tiling and wood paneling, while smarter -- but nonetheless dated -- hallways sport granite flooring and white stone railings overlooking the pleasant courtyard. The pool bar, submerged just beneath the rooftop terrace (with a pleasant pool, but cheap and worn wooden decking), is every bit the traveler’s den. The restaurant, however, is a dated, grimy space, with ugly tile flooring, dark wood and wicker seating, and exposed piping that misses the retro industrial look by a mile. Given the noise level in this part of town, this isn't the spot for travelers wanting romance or peace and quiet. For younger partiers, friends, and solo travelers, though, it might fit the bill.

D&D Inn’s location on Khaosan Road -- Bangkok's premier backpacker enclave -- is perfect for those wanting nightlife. Travelers searching for something quiet or with local character might want to look elsewhere. The inn is surrounded by other hotels as well as bars, restaurants, tailor shops, and traveler-friendly market stalls. There are a few sights of note nearby -- it's a 10- to 15-minute walk to Democracy Monument, Phra Sumen Fort, the Giant Swing, and the ferries on the Charo Phraya River. There's no skytrain station or metro within walking distance, and most destinations of note will require a cab ride in heavy traffic. Expect a 10- to 15-minute cab ride to the Golden Mount, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho when traffic is light. It's about 20- to 25 minutes by car (without traffic) to the Siam and Sukhumvit areas, as well as to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Given the almost permanent gridlock in Bangkok, travelers should budget at least an hour (or more) reach Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi International Airports.

There’s a wide array of rooms at D&D Inn, which are generally clean, but basic and dated. All are air-conditioned and have keycard-controlled access. Deluxe Single Rooms have plain white walls and pale green accent walls, as well as beds with simple wooden frames, headboards, and built-in nightstands. Deluxe Twin and Deluxe Double Rooms have smarter dark wood accent panels behind garish green fabric headboards, plus attractive room dividers. There’s plain tile flooring, and rooms come with desks and open closets, but they’re otherwise rather bare. Wet room bathrooms have cheap gray plastic doors, black floor tiling and white walls, freestanding white sinks, and open showers with fixed showerheads (and no curtains).

Family Rooms, with two double beds, have red-and-white checkered tile flooring and built-in brown leather-effect, booth-like sofas that look out of place. More pleasant bathrooms sport chic green flooring, with cute accent patterns that also appear on the white tile walls. There are walk-in showers with fixed showerheads, separate water closets, and chic white countertop sinks just outside.

Amenities include tube TVs in Deluxe Rooms and flat-screen TVs in newer Family Rooms, plus phones, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and hairdryers. Rooms lack safes, though these are available at the front desk. Many rooms lack windows, while those facing the street are unbearably loud until well into the night. Some furniture is worn, and there are some reports of maintenance issues.

D&D Inn provides a decent range of basic facilities, the highlight of which -- and a welcome surprise for a budget property -- is its rooftop pool. This pleasant space has modern sunbeds as well as a poolside bar complete with snooker table that's open until late. There’s a decent breakfast buffet with a good range of hot and cold dishes that's included in some room rates. The Greens & Cheese restaurant, located across the street and shared with a sister hotel, serves a la carte Thai meals throughout the day, but it gets mixed reviews. Room service is also available. There’s 24/7 front desk service, and Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property.