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Lodging in Laos
Rate it! Votes (0) | Comments (0) By Tim Leffel Posted August 6th, 2007

Editor's Note: This article was written in 1999, prices have changed, and details have undoubtedly changed.  do additional research before traveling.)

The nation of Laos is like a quiet mystery. It seldom grabs even the smallest headlines and generally seems to be content to sit quietly in a corner. It has so far avoided the giddy push for foreign investment and mass tourism carried out by its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, and has also sidestepped the kind of political messes experienced by its other neighbors: China, Burma, and Cambodia.

Times are slowly changing, however, and Laos has become much more open to travelers. The traditional French clientele is giving way to a wider mix, with the number of US visitors increasing exponentially every six months. The trend is bound to continue with the government's launch of "Visit Laos Year 1999" campaign - their first big marketing push for tourists.

Travel has become much easier in the past year, with simpler border crossings and visa requirements, better roads, and an amazing array of great restaurants. A handful of new hotels have opened and others have been upgraded. Information on Laos is scarce, however, with little or nothing available from traditional trade sources. The Lonely Planet guidebook - currently the only one in English - is hopelessly out of date.

Following is a rundown on dependable lodging choices in the two cities that receive the bulk of Laos' visitors: Vientiane and Luang Prabang. All accept Visa or Mastercard, and a few even accept American Express. Though French has been the traditional second language, English fluency is seldom a problem. Commission rates are officially ten percent, though this is sometimes negotiable. An additional 10% tax and 5% service charge will be added except where indicated.

VIENTIANE
LAO HOTEL PLAZA, centrally located and near the Mekong River, is the newest and ritziest property in Laos. The hotel sports a spacious marble and carved wood lobby, several restaurants and bars, pool, fitness center (with $5 massages!), and international-standard guest rooms. $100 single, $120 double. T: (856-21)218800. F: (856-21)218808.

NOVOTEL VIENTIANE, the largest property in Laos and the traditional choice of business travelers to the capital, proffers the expected services and facilities, including a pool, business center, good restaurants, fitness center, and a multi-lingual staff. Rooms are trim and functional, but are packed with amenities. $45--$180 single or double. T: (856-21)213570. F: (856-21)213572.

TAI-PAN HOTEL, on a side-street right off the Mekong River, is an attractive mid-range offering that offers good value and a central location. One restaurant and bar are on site and some rooms offer balconies with partial river views. All rooms contain satellite TVs and minibars. $49--$65 single, $64--$79 double, incl. breakfast. T: (856-21)216906. F: 856-21)216223.

LE PARASOL BLANC, located near several major tourist attractions, is a lovely bungalow-style property that makes for a peaceful escape. Natural materials and lush gardens combine to make up an environment that is more common at a beach than in a city. A small pool, comfortable lounge, and reasonably-priced restaurant add to the appeal and rooms feature satellite TV, minibars, and A-C. $38 single/double, incl. breakfast. T: (856-21)215090. F: (856-21)222290.

LUANG PRABANG
PHOU VAO HOTEL, located on a hill several miles from the center, offers the most amenities and has a pool. It is a long way from town, however, and has little local charm. Okay for groups with a crammed itinerary, but poor for those who want to take advantage of a town meant for strolling. $66 single/double. T: (856-71) 212194. F: (856-71) 212534.

HOTEL SANTI, located in the center, was once a palace for the local princess. It's teeming with local charm and character and is stocked with artwork and historic artifacts. The restaurant and bar here are great values, there's a leafy courtyard for relaxing, and airport transfers are free. $45 single/double. tablespoons and F: (856-71) 212267.

PHOSI HOTEL, in a convenient location near the Royal Palace Museum, is a comfortable hotel that boasts extensive gardens for the location. A-cup rooms contain minibars and TVs, the restaurant has reasonable prices, and one of the two bars is outside under the trees. $28-$40 single/double. T: (856-71)212192. F: (856-71) 212719.

MOUANG LUANG HOTEL, the newest property in town, is built in the style of a Lao Buddhist temple, with curved red roofs and gold leaf trim. It boasts some of the nicest rooms as well, with hardwood floors, heavy local wood furniture, and nice baths with tubs. The hotel has a function space, a good restaurant, and a pool under construction at press time. $30--$45 single/double. T: (856-71)212791. F: (856-71)212790.

CALAO is the only property on the Mekong River. With only five rooms, this former colonial mansion is good for those who expect personal service. Guest rooms are spacious and have large balconies, while the restaurant and bar also face the river. $55 single/double. tablespoons and F: (856-71) 212100.

Please note, prices and information were current as of this writing. Things often change rapidly, so please call and check current status.

Tim Leffel is a freelance writer who just spent five months traveling through northern Africa and the Middle East, before spending a year teaching English in Korea. He now resides stateside in between adventures. A budget travel expert, Mr. Leffel is also the author of Make Your Travel Dollars Worth a Fortune (see top of this page).

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