Reasonable Hotel with breakfast

Hi, I've got a visitor with his Thai wife arriving in Udon next Friday evening. As my spouse is from Sakon I don't know a lot about hotels in Udon. When my wife & I are in Udon we normally stay in a Thai hotel well out of the city centre, a couple of km off the ring road.
We'll stay a few days whilst they're here but would like to stay in a hotel where we can walk or get a samlor to the market as it is a pain finding a park, especially now days with the renovations at the shopping centre. The guy is very green having only had 2 very short trips to Thailand before for an arranged marriage. He doesn't eat Thai food or hasn't done anything other than arrange a marriage / get married on his previous 2 visits. I figured staying somewhere with a reasonable breakfast offering both Thai & Western food would be the go. One of the Farang type establishments is not really suitable as my spouse & his spouse will want to stay in a Thai hotel. Any suggestions???? Hopefully not too expensive - say 500 - 800 baht per night. I've stayed at the Karen before but the breakfast is a shocker & the Ban Chiang Hotel which I thought was way overpriced for what it was.
While I'm at it any suggestions on places to visit - I thought I'd go for a drive to Ban Chiang for a day trip, another to Nong Khai & the river? Any help would be much appreciated, thanks.

Jet, whilst I appreciate what you say about not wanting to stay in a 'Farang establishment', I would recommend the 'Irish Clock' on soi Samphan as it's within walking distance of both the Centrepoint night market/UD town, and Central Complex shopping mall. The rooms there are very spacious with excellent quality beds, free WiFi internet, and IMHO the best breakfast in town. They have a comprehensive menu of both Thai and Western food (which can be served in your room if desired). I believe the room prices are around 750 - 850 Baht per night.

http://www.irishclockudonthani.com/

Reviews here:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revi ... vince.html

You could also stay at the Top Mansion about 30 metres down the Road from the Irish Clock and make the short stroll in the morning for Breakfast. Think its about 300 baht per night.

Perhaps you have already checked this out, but if not, there is an extensive listing of accommodation here:

http://www.udonmap.com/en/udonthani-bus ... ation.html

Hi,
Don't know much about hotels. Only stayed once at the Irish clock. Very good and the breakfast first rate.
As for places to visit. I did a tour one day to the King Cobra Village, watched the show then went on to Lam Pao Dam for lunch. Got talking to a couple of people and they said to spend a few hours at the new Dino. Park. It had just opened and was free to get in and park. Spent a couple of hours there. Very good and worth the visit. I believe they have opened a Zoo down near King cobra village. But have not been to this.
The U-Bonrat Dam is worth a visit, you can go on boat trips, half day or full day. BIG dam. Good fishing. They also have a good golf course at the entrance to it. Also overnight accomadation.
Erawan Cave is worth going to see. Take a good pair of shoes. Was told it was a few steps up to it. On approching it, about 2 km away, seen a BIG Budda half way up a sheer hill. How they got it up there i don't know. Counted the steps, 625, plus ramps. Well worth it on a clear day. Great views and a few resting places on the way up. The cave goes right through the hill, bring a torch, cave is lit but not very good in places.
Then there is Phu Phaya Prehistoric park. You could spend all day going around this. They also do guided tours. We just strolled around. Very good.
Hope your friend has a good time.
Nearly forgot. If there is horse racing on during your mates stay, try to pay a visit. If he is into that sort of thing. Its going out of town passed Big C, where the flyover is, and on the right hand side. Not far. On route 22. to Sakon Nakhon.
Cheers Doug.