Lotus Villa

Hotel Grade: Medium Boutique

Introduction

If you stay in Luang Prabang you ideally want to be in the UNESCO centre and the Lotus Villa’s location is perfect, tucked away in a quiet street between the main thoroughfare and Mekong River, bringing everything within walking distance. The traditional Lao-Colonial house is finished to a high level and the warm welcome and professional service offered by the staff will settle you in to Laotian life pretty quickly. A great combination of location, quality, friendliness and value for money.

Facilities

Lotus Villa's garden is an oasis in which to have a quiet drink or a leisurely breakfast.

Rooms

Rooms are relatively small but comfortable with french doors opening onto the beautiful tropical courtyard garden. Each is appointed with local artisan made terra cotta tiling, woven silk and carvings. Each has air-conditioning and fans, safes and free WiFi.

Victoria XiengThong Palace

Hotel Grade: First Class Boutique

Introduction

Luang Prabang is one of most atmospheric cities in South East Asia and including a stay at the Victoria XiengThong Palace will only add to the special feeling. Lovingly restored, this was the last residence of the Laos Royal Family and the location reflects their position, right in the quiet heart of the old city at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, surrounded by the golden spires of the town’s famous Buddhist temples.

Facilities

With sweeping views over the Mekong River the Alamea restaurant is hard to beat, offering both Lao and international cuisine. The Victoria Spa offers a wide range of treatments including body massages, body conditioners, scrubs and facials. The outdoor cinema operates most evenings and bikes can be borrowed to explore the city.

Rooms

The 26 elegantly appointed rooms and suites capture the essence of Laos’ unique culture and style with rosewood furniture and local textiles used throughout. All either overlook gardens or Mekong, are air conditioned with flat screen TV, iPod dock, minibar, free bottled water, safe and coffee / tea making facilities. En suite bathrooms have a bath and separate shower.

Villa Maly

Hotel Grade: First Class Boutique

Introduction

As soon as you walk in the Vila Maly the opulence and rich fabrics bring alive this atmospheric former royal house. The deeply varnished wooden floors and dark colonial style paintings are counterpointed with colourful prints to successfully combine the colonial art deco past with a Laotian feel. An easy walk from Luang Prabang’s heart the Maly sits in a leaf neighbourhood and has the added bonus of a superb central pool, very welcome after a hot day out.

Facilities

The central pool is beautiful with alternating swathes of black and white mosaic tile, framed by an exquisite deck of tropical hardwood and shaded by mature trees. Le Vetiver restaurant and bar offers superb alfresco garden dining and Jouvence features a choice of beauty and massage treatments. Bicycles are available from reception.

Rooms

There are seven low rise buildings housing 33 rooms, all with a view of the garden and pool. Each subtly mixes Laotian architecture with an essence of the colonial past, as wooden parquet floors, four poster beds, mahogany armoires and classic fans create a luxurious feel. All have air-conditioning, minibar, safe, tea / coffee making facilities, WiFi and satellite LCD TV.

BelleRive Boutique Hotel

Hotel Grade: First Class Boutique

Introduction

The BelleRive is a small, luxury boutique hotel whose easy, laid back feel will quickly wrap you in its charms, amplifying Luang Prabang’s ethereal beauty. Overlooking the Mekong in the heart of the UNESCO protected town you couldn’t wish for a better location to explore the markets, shops and historical sites.

Facilities

One of the biggest draws is the garden restaurant located on the riverbank terrace directly overlooking the Mekong. Guests can have breakfast or dinner or just relax on the sun deck, shadowed by large tamarind trees, watching the flow of the mighty river. Complimentary bikes are also available to explore the town.

Rooms

The hotel is made up of two historic buildings, one of which used to be the City Mayor’s. There are just 8 rooms, all facing the Mekong and tastefully furnished in an elegant mix of traditional Lao or Colonial style with polished wooden floors and alcove or private balcony overlooking the river. All have free WiFi, air conditioning, minibar and safe.

Luang Say Residence

Hotel Grade: Deluxe Boutique

Introduction

Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, this French Colonial styled property is perfect for those seeking luxury and elegance within intimate, idyllic surroundings. As you relax in the tropical gardens, surrounded by mountain views, it’s hard to believe you’re just 5 minutes from the town centre.

Facilities

La Belle Epoque restaurant looks out over the gardens and meals can be either taken inside or alfresco. It specialises in Laotian or French cuisine and much of the menu features produce from the hotel’s organic garden. The 1861 Bar has a distinctive Colonial feel, even featuring an open fire for the cooler months. There’s also a fabulous 20m pool which is very welcome after a day’s touring.

Rooms

The 24 spacious colonial styled suites are spread out within five pavilions that are dotted through the secluded gardens. Each is beautifully proportioned with polished wood floors, four poster beds and open terraces. All are en suite and have individually controlled air-conditioning, ceiling fan, mosquito net, flat screen tv with international channels, mini-bar, hair dryer and complimentary WiFi.