Thanks for the info. I checked both the places out in Bangkok and ended up picking the majestic suites. The location was excellent in my mind for going out at night and not far from the train for travel during the day. In Pattaya I decided on the Citin Garden Resort. It's a little ways back from Walking Street, but I think I can manage it. Now I just need to survive the fun.
Reading only gets you so far. I'm also planning to see Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani so there's another ordeal. If anyone has some suggestion for where to go in Bangkok or Pattaya, I'm all ears.