Many ask for alternatives to the overpriced Novotel. Here's a list of hotels, guest houses and hostels which have surfaced:
Sananwan Palace, very nice and friendly almost-new guesthouse about 20 min by taxi from the terminal, with pool under 500 Baht.
Floral Shire Resort is just on the edge of the airport, maybe 5 minutes from the terminal. 1200-1300 baht. Brand new. No pool. Sort of motel-style.
Queens Garden Resort, only 5 min. from the airport. New, no pool, 900 baht.
Grand Inn Come, sort of a typical Thai small-town hotel on a loud street, no pool, 20 min. from airport, 1800 baht "Let out professional masseuses treat and pamper your stiff and stressed."
Avana Hotel, sort of the kind of suburban upscale hotel where Thais hold weddings and conferences. Pool and all the usual amenities, 1200 baht. Maybe about 30 min. from the airport.
Ibis Hotel Huamak Chain hotel about 30 min from the airport with reportedly small boxy rooms and gruff, unfriendly staff. Pool, 800-1200 baht.
Ratchana Place, a hostel off the Bangna-Trat highway AWAY from the city centre, self-described 25 min. from the airport, 350 baht. Free WifFi.
On Nut Guesthouse, backpacker hostel about 35-40 min. from the airport and within walking distance of the end station of the Skytrain/BTS line.
Nasa Vegas Hotel, many recommend. Said to be 15 min. from the airport. 590 baht, 900 baht rooms have a jacuzzi. No pool.