Hotels in Vientiane

[Stradivari]

I'v e heard that almost all hotels in Vientiane are guest friendly now. But does anyone have any specific experiences with the IBIS or Crowne Plaza with regard to guests?

Or do you think it's still better to go with three star hotels, who are more relaxed about visiting guests?

I'd be surprised. Once I asked a number of them per email, answer was mostly negative. I stayed in Beau Rivage, one of the loveliest places on the riverside, and it definitely is not guest friendly.

[Buksida1]

Very good WiFi. Large rooms with a writing desk and chair. A little dark inside with 2 windows that open. They are trying hard to please the guests. I think that the south African manager would consider most requests. They will not take tour groups, which is a serious plus!

[Mogwai]

I highly recommend the Laopoet hotel.

Thanks for the tip Buksida1. Just one question: did the rooms have wifi and a chair or a couch? There's not much information on their website.

By the way: it's Lao Poet Hotel.

[Red Kilt]

Laopoet. New hotel with large rooms, a great bathroom, super bed and a good breakfast. The contents (2 beer and soft drinks) of the fridge are included and restocked every day. Rooftop swimming pool that give you some river view and sunsets. Introductory rate is $68. Very girl friendly. I highly recommend the Laopoet hotel.

Great find Buks. I have been waiting for this place to open. Great location too. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Buksida1]

The Ibis charged me $82 and has a pleasant staff with a good breakfast. However, the room was incredibly small, about 10 x 12 feet. Checked out and moved to Laopoet. New hotel with large rooms, a great bathroom, super bed and a good breakfast. The contents (2 beer and soft drinks) of the fridge are included and restocked every day. Rooftop swimming pool that give you some river view and sunsets. Introductory rate is $68. Very girl friendly. I highly recommend the Laopoet hotel.

[Pwrmnd]

I'v e heard that almost all hotels in Vientiane are guest friendly now. But does anyone have any specific experiences with the IBIS or Crowne Plaza with regard to guests?

Or do you think it's still better to go with three star hotels, who are more relaxed about visiting guests?

[Red Kilt]

I get a better nights rest on my own, to be honest. But my sense is that the Dhavara is fairly liberal. It's a bit fancy, true, but not over the top. Not for those on a budget, and very centrally located for sleepy VTE.

In my original post I used "south-asian" to refer to the Indian region as I had assumed Dhavara was very much influenced by that culture given the glitzy gold decor all over.

Good to know it's accessible to most travellers (non cheap charlies).

The position is excellent.

[Chacal60]

Given that she arrived direct to my room (I always call reception and tell them to let the lady come straight up), I assume that there would have been no problem for an overnight. Previous experience is that around ten pm there is a call and a request for a copy of her ID. The last time that happened we were literally in flagrante, the receptionist asked to talk with her, she hung up, and we just finished up so she was out by 10:15.

I get a better nights rest on my own, to be honest. But my sense is that the Dhavara is fairly liberal. It's a bit fancy, true, but not over the top. Not for those on a budget, and very centrally located for sleepy VTE.

Thanks for the update Chacal.

I have walked past Dhavara many times and it always looked too glitzy to me, as many South Asian hotels tend to be. Your report is helpful, although it would also be good to know what is the policy after 10 pm. I suspect it has become much more lenient across most Vientiane hotels now as tourism matures in the region.

[Red Kilt]

Dropped some coin and stayed at the Dhavara for a few nights last week, and pleased with the place. Breakfast was fresh and room very spacious and the bed large enough for three. Most importantly, GF with no charge although my lady showed up around six and left before 10 pm (which I've learned is the witching hour for overnight stays).

Thanks for the update Chacal.

I have walked past Dhavara many times and it always looked too glitzy to me, as many South Asian hotels tend to be. Your report is helpful, although it would also be good to know what is the policy after 10 pm. I suspect it has become much more lenient across most Vientiane hotels now as tourism matures in the region.

[Chacal60]

Dropped some coin and stayed at the Dhavara for a few nights last week, and pleased with the place. Breakfast was fresh and room very spacious and the bed large enough for three. Most importantly, GF with no charge although my lady showed up around six and left before 10 pm (which I've learned is the witching hour for overnight stays).

[Red Kilt]

I thought I would give this thread a bit of a kick along as it is now out-dated.

Anyone have any experiences regarding GF hotels?

The other threads mention that Lao Plaza allows girls but they apply a fee (10000 kip) but maybe this is only if you book a single room.

There are a lot of new hotels opening up, and as the "rules for engagement" become more lenient (because increasing tourism demands it), it would be good to have some updates.

I guess it's only a matter of time before hotels in Vientiane become similar to most Bangkok Sukhumvit hotels, where it is easier to list the non-GF hotels because they are few.

[Akumas]

The new Ibis Vientiane is nearly complete and will be opening soon. It's always good to see an international braded hotel in Vientiane, more options for us. Keep an eye on Accor's 50% sale to get it at half price when it opens.

[Akumas]

Not quite Vientiane, but I can confirm that the My Dream Boutique Resort in Luang Prabang is guest friendly. Report to follow in Other Areas.

[Red Kilt]

Thanks RK, we're in the same situation when it comes to staying below the radar. If something were to happen and somehow get back to my company, it would be an ugly scene and one I don't want to be in.

I did read the entire forum, it didn't take long! I have a few ideas in mind. Maybe Intercity. I'll post my review after my stay. I'm looking forward to a new adventure, but a bit apprehensive with the crazy Lao law and the possible shakedown scams that can come with it.

I am looking forward to your updated experience Pablo, as we both seem to be in similar situations.

PM me if you want to keep any particular details separate from the main board.

[Pablo]

All my trips to Vientiane have been business related too and my company has booked me.

Thanks RK, we're in the same situation when it comes to staying below the radar. If something were to happen and somehow get back to my company, it would be an ugly scene and one I don't want to be in.

I did read the entire forum, it didn't take long! I have a few ideas in mind. Maybe Intercity. I'll post my review after my stay. I'm looking forward to a new adventure, but a bit apprehensive with the crazy Lao law and the possible shakedown scams that can come with it.