I most likely will be heading to Udon sometime this year at some point - any hotel recommendations. Central to everything.... (restaurants, nightlife (discos/bars), shopping (markets)).

Also what is there to see/do in Udon that is noteworthy?

The Centara Hotel & Convention Center is the best and newest in town http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/udonthani_hotels.asp

A good second choice is the Baan Chiang, right in the center http://www.banchianghotel.com/

I use top mansion.It's right around 350 baht.Right at all the action.Many farangs stay there when they visit udo. check out udonmap

Miss out the central and ban chiang, not worth the money.

Like above I use the Top mansion now, cheap and cheerful, beds are a bit hard but great location with off road parking. You could also try the Irish clock.

I use top mansion.It's right around 350 baht.Right at all the action.Many farangs stay there when they visit udo. check out udonmap

Been using Top Mansion for yrs now as well and 350thb every time, down sice is that they dont have elevator and if yu got room on 3rd fl, it's hard after nights out, but still prefer that over the anything else, and clost to good breky as well, and exelent parking, if you are with car or by bike.