Its been 4 or 5 years since I stayed at the Swan Inn opp Dawin but it was nice enough back then. Since then I've heard average reports, like the above.
There are quite a few of these places now there are a few in the alleys opp the Rajah car park too), so if you're not intending to pre book you're probably better of walking in and insisting on checking the rooms first before committing.
Might depend on the time of day or night.
In any case, from Sukhumvit Rd to the end where Maxim's is its only about a 1 minute walk, less than 100 meters.
That was back in Jan. there has been a crackdown on Xanax of late and it seems a lot harder to get. Last time the guy in the pharmacy looked me up and down and took some time in deciding beforing selling me some. I think he remembers me.
Don't know but the (larger) pharmacy next to Bully's pub near the corner of Suk and Soi 4 has a large amount of stock and worth asking.
The "z" class of drug is harder to get in Thailand though and the best you may be able to get is Valium or Xanax (if your lucky).
As with most pharmacies, always worth asking for the type of med (Eszopiclone) as it may not be branded in Thailand as Lunesta.
I've stayed there a few times and very nice. Usually a little out of my price range and I stay at the Dawin but always keep an eye out for any specials and have occasionally stayed there for what I would have paid for at the Dawin. The only thing is, wifi isn't always complimentary so you need to check.
I've never done it but I guess if you don't have much luggage and you're staying near a BTS it would be ok.
Personally for an extra B200 ($7) or so I like the convenience of a taxi. Its no big deal after forking out $1000+ for a flight...then again, there is Bkk traffic to contend with at certain times.
There's a number of clubs that get going around that time. Climax, Insomnia (both popular) and Liquid (struggling) are in the area and a few higher class places a cab ride away.
Outside Nana and along Sukhumvit mobile bars are set up with tables and chairs and you can drink away the night.