The Best of Cambodia & Laos

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