Regarding a license, get an International Drivers Permit, that will take care of any license issue for the short term. To simplify life I would get a Thai license once in the country.
With your IDP and license from home it is pretty simple to do. Check the Thailand motor office (not sure of the correct name) site. Also do a search on the expat groups, there is good info there as well.
When I look at a hotel (or whatever) nowadays I always look for recent reviews. That is at least and indication that they have been recently operational.
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