Vientiane is, without a doubt, one of the more provincial capital cities of the world, but it is still the major international gateway to this fascinating country. As with any national capital, there is a wide variety of accommodations encompassing the whole spectrum of budget options – from luxury hotels affiliated with international chains to youth hostels. Our recommendation combines the best of both worlds: the affordable luxury boutique hotel Lao Poet.
Lao Poet is a sister hotel to Satri House, a historic boutique property in the charming northern Laotian city of Luang Prabang. Both hotels are members of Secret Retreats, a curated community of unique and independent boutique hotels all over Asia that was featured recently by this author in an article in another publication.
Conveniently located on a tranquil side street in the heart of downtown Vientiane, Lao Poet is a striking building with an inviting rooftop pool. While there is onsite parking, a car is not necessary: the hotel is in easy walking distance to all the city’s sightseeing attractions (museums, temples, the Mekong River boardwalk and the lively market), and taxis are unbelievably cheap.
Secret Retreats Standards of Comfort and Service
As expected from any hotel affiliated with Secret Retreats, inside the rooms and suites are every amenity that one expects in a world-class establishment: comfortable queen-sized beds, user-friendly climate control (A/C), flat screen TV with multi-channel and multi-lingual programming, electronic safe for valuables, and refreshment corner with complimentary mineral water, mini-refrigerator and electric kettle for making coffee and tea. Free WiFi extends to all guest rooms, as well as public spaces.
The elegant black marble bathrooms are fastidiously clean, with spacious shower stalls equipped with an extra-large raindrop shower head. Bathrobes and slippers complement the more than adequate assortment of toiletries.
A crowning jewel of the property is the rooftop pool, a great place to cool off in a city that is often hot and humid. The pool is lined with comfortable chaise longues, and a rooftop bar serves snacks and beverages. Guests also enjoy access to the sauna and steam room, while a handsome spa offers a range of beauty and massage treatments.
More dining options are available at the main restaurant in the lobby. It is here where the à la carte breakfast is served, as well as lunch and dinner, with a repertoire of dishes inspired by Western and Laotian cuisine.
Riverside Boutique Resort
Halfway between Luang Prabang and Vientiane sits Vang Vieng, a scenic resort town popular with backpackers, adventure seekers, and Chinese tourists. The town is reached most easily by the Chinese-built high-speed railway line that connects Kunming, China, with the Laotian capital.
Riverside Boutique Resort is undoubtedly one of the finest properties in Vang Vieng, with three categories of elegant rooms and suites to choose from, all featuring either a private patio or balcony, furnished with a table and chairs. Each one of the 34 guest units features the full range of amenities as described above, with the addition of even more touches of luxury: king-sized beds, more square footage to move around in, evening turn-down service, and – a rarity in Laos – television with CNN. Like at Lao Poet, neither smoking nor pets are permitted in the rooms.
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The centerpiece of the resort’s grounds is the inviting swimming pool, surrounded by chaise longues affording stunning views of the limestone cliff mountains on the opposite side of the Nam River. The relaxation is made that much more complete by the poolside bar service – and by the nightly “happy hour” of two-for-one cocktails.
Discounts extend to the Riverside Sala Spa as well, with 20% off treatments before 14.00. There are a number of blissful spa packages to choose from, employing indigenous techniques and herbs that melt stress away. As is the case with most boutique hotels in Laos, there is no jacuzzi-style whirlpool tub or fitness room.
Dining is another special treat at Riverside Boutique Resort. A lavish breakfast buffet is served at the on-site Crabe d’Or restaurant, which is also open for lunch and dinner. Partake of either Lao or international cuisine on the balcony overlooking the river, where locals wade at night catching small fish by hand with the aid of flashlights. Another sight to behold in the afternoons is the aerial shows starring colorful hot-air balloons and ultra-light aircraft – two of the major recreational attractions for which Vang Vieng is famous.
Superior Value with Secret Retreats
It is highly recommended to book your stays at all hotels in Laos – and indeed, throughout Asia – through Secret Retreats, which has been catering to discerning travelers since 2012. The experts a Secret retreats will make sure you get the best overall bang for your buck: breakfast is always included with your reservation, and you will be kept proactively informed of any special offers, such as might appear on the relevant hotel website page.
Of course, Secret Retreats concierges will happily accompany you throughout your journeys in the region, whether in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and beyond. In addition to hotels, they will guide you to the best cruises, restaurants, and multi-dimensional experiences.
Room rates at either Lao Poet or Riverside Boutique Resort start at only $105 per night, and are adjusted seasonally and dynamically.
Check rates online for Lao Poet at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Check rates online for the Riverside Boutique Resort at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of Secrets Retreats and its two member properties for purposes of review. As always, the opinions expressed are his own. Additional photos courtesy of Diana Shahar and Lao Poet. See also reviews by this author of worthwhile properties in neighboring Thailand: Innside Bangkok, and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.
