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MODERATE<br />
Asian Pavilion Hotel Formerly called the Hotel Constellation, during the ’60s and<br />
’70s journalists, spies, diplomats, and adventurers slept, drank, plotted, and socialized<br />
here. <strong>The</strong>se days, it is not particularly remarkable and a stay here would purely be about<br />
soaking up the atmosphere <strong>of</strong> times past. <strong>The</strong> hotel is quite central but a bit dingy. <strong>The</strong><br />
carpet could do with refurbishing and the walls would benefit from a spell <strong>of</strong> redecorating.<br />
However, this is undeniably a place with history.<br />
379 Samsenthai Rd. & 021/213-439. Fax 021/213-085. www.asianpavilionlaos.com. 40 units. $25 single;<br />
$25 double; $35 triple. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; Internet; room service. In room: A/C, TV, fridge,<br />
minibar.<br />
City Inn Vientiane This brand-new hotel is a stylish option for downtown<br />
Vientiane. <strong>The</strong> decor is minimalist with a touch <strong>of</strong> traditional <strong>Laos</strong>. Double rooms<br />
are spacious, with unfinished stone floors, cream-colored walls, and contemporary wood<br />
furniture. Cool rattan furniture and traditional Lao silk bed throws round out the look,<br />
alongside modern comforts such as flatscreen TVs and American standard tubs and sinks.<br />
<strong>The</strong> large lobby has sparkling white floors and Scandinavian-style furniture mixed with<br />
dark-wood accents. This is a great place to check into for a few days. Longer stay/serviced<br />
apartments are also available.<br />
Pangkham Rd. (across from Day Inn) Lane Xang Ave., P.O. Box 3925, Vientiane. & 021/218-333. Fax<br />
021/218-444. 40 units. $55 deluxe; $90–$100 suite. MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar;<br />
sauna; smoke-free rooms. In room: A/C, TV, minibar.<br />
Haysoke Guest House Right near the central Nam Phu fountain and with a rather<br />
grand facade, the Haysoke ranges from modest budget accommodations to muted, midrange<br />
semiluxury. It has a nice homey feel with plenty <strong>of</strong> rattan furniture and rustic rugs.<br />
<strong>The</strong> basic rooms are very basic but are very clean. <strong>The</strong> A/C doubles are actually pretty<br />
nice. Some <strong>of</strong> the downstairs rooms smell a bit musty and damp, so it is probably best to<br />
look at a few before choosing your room.<br />
83/1-2 Heangboun Rd. & 021/219-711. Fax 021/219-755. http://haysok.laopdr.com. 22 units. $13 single<br />
with shared bathroom; $18 single; $22 double. MC, V. In room: A/C, TV.<br />
Hotel Beau Rivage You found it! <strong>The</strong> best riverside mini hotel in Vientiane.<br />
Don’t let the pink facade send you running—the Beau Rivage <strong>of</strong>fers fun, colorful accommodations<br />
in a picturesque location. <strong>The</strong> Australian owners and hotel staff are extremely<br />
friendly, and unlike other hotels in this price range, employees here speak English very<br />
well. Superior rooms on the third floor are the best choice—they are painted blue and<br />
have excellent views; second-floor superiors are a bit too pink for my taste. This is probably<br />
the only riverside hotel where they have really thought about maximizing the enjoyment<br />
<strong>of</strong> the river views, and being a bit up the river it is very quiet. <strong>The</strong>re are also art<br />
exhibits scattered around. <strong>The</strong> bar/restaurant is rustic and very comfortable, and in true<br />
boutique style the Beau Rivage has an attached spa.<br />
8–10 Fa Ngum Rd. & 021/243-350. Fax 021/243-345. www.hbrm.com. 16 units. $57 superior double;<br />
$42 standard double; $39 standard single. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; Internet; room service; spa.<br />
In room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.<br />
Hotel Khamvongsa This brand-new hotel is tastefully located in an old French<br />
villa near the river. It is all very old Indochina with black-and-white tiled floors, wicker<br />
furniture, plenty <strong>of</strong> dark-wood furnishings, and high ceilings. <strong>The</strong> rooms are spacious<br />
217<br />
VIENTIANE 11<br />
WHERE TO STAY