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260<br />
LUANG PRABANG LUANG PRABANG & NORTHERN LAOS<br />
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and ladders to upper floors. Bathrooms are done in dark wood, shower and all. Convenience<br />
points are earned because the hotel is close to the town center, but far enough<br />
from the din to afford some peace. <strong>The</strong> connection to history comes as the very pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
staff welcomes you to a place that provides a glimpse into an aristocratic Indochina<br />
<strong>of</strong> a bygone era. <strong>The</strong> hotel restaurant (p. 266) is tops, too.<br />
Sakkarine Rd. & 071/253-888. Fax 071/253-999. www.alilahotels.com. 15 units. $125 superior; $175<br />
junior suite; $225 executive suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; Internet; room service. In<br />
room: A/C, TV, fridge, minibar.<br />
Mekong Riverview Hotel This is the only hotel <strong>of</strong>fering stunning mountain<br />
and river views from the balcony <strong>of</strong> every room. <strong>The</strong> location is well complemented by<br />
the exquisite design. <strong>The</strong> rooms are beautifully furnished in a French provincial style with<br />
dark-wood furniture, rattan chairs, and faded ocher floor tiles. <strong>The</strong>re is a shaded veranda<br />
overlooking the river providing a very pleasant place to enjoy your croissants in the<br />
morning. <strong>The</strong> rooms are equipped with every luxury you would expect in a top-line<br />
hotel. <strong>The</strong> beds are “remote controlled” and imported from Sweden. <strong>The</strong> hotel <strong>of</strong>fers free<br />
transfer to the airport and they have a golf buggy to take you uptown. You are also just<br />
next to the ethereal Xieng Thong temple, one <strong>of</strong> the Luang Prabang’s major landmarks.<br />
Mekong Riverside Rd. & 071/254-900. Fax 071/254-890. www.mekongriverview.com. 7 units. $190<br />
double. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant, breakfast only; Internet; room service. In room: A/C, TV, fridge,<br />
minibar.<br />
Villa Maly <strong>The</strong> newest super-deluxe option in Luang Prabang (along with the soon<br />
to be opened Amantaka), the Villa Maly opened in October 2008. Housed in the former<br />
home <strong>of</strong> Prince Khamtan (built in 1938), it <strong>of</strong>fers 33 rooms in 7 buildings, set among<br />
lush gardens. Rooms feature wooden parquet floors and four-poster beds. Le Vetiver<br />
restaurant <strong>of</strong>fers dining al fresco, and there is also a spa, pool, and gift shop. <strong>The</strong> company<br />
that owns Villa Maly also runs lunch and dinner boat tours along the Mekong for<br />
$35; ask them to book a trip for you. Breakfast is included in the room rate.<br />
BP 78. & 071/253-902. Fax 071/254-912. www.villa-maly.com. 33 units. $200-$350 deluxe double; $250<br />
standard double; $300 superior double; $200-$350 deluxe double. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant, concierge;<br />
Internet; outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer; minibar.<br />
Villa Santi Hotel For charm and convenience, the Villa Santi is the top in-town<br />
residence. Formerly the home <strong>of</strong> Lao princess Manilay, this low-key villa reopened in<br />
1992. Whether in the original building, in the nearby annex, or at the latest venture some<br />
6km (33 ⁄4 miles) from town (see Villa Santi Resort, below), you’ll find peaceful elegance<br />
and a connection with culture and nature. <strong>The</strong> decor is deluxe colonial, with overstuffed<br />
pillows, fine linens, mosquito netting, local weaving, parquet floors, and rosewood furniture.<br />
<strong>The</strong> tile bathrooms are small but neat. Nice touches include old-fashioned sun<br />
umbrellas available for borrowing, plus fresh flowers in every room. <strong>The</strong> newer annex just<br />
across the street has common balcony sitting areas and a charm all its own. Only four<br />
rooms have king-size beds, so be sure to specify when you book if that’s what you want.<br />
<strong>The</strong> staff is friendly and pr<strong>of</strong>essional. <strong>The</strong> downtown location is terrific, right in the thick<br />
<strong>of</strong> things.<br />
Sakkarine Rd. & 071/252-157. Fax 071/252-158. www.villasantihotel.com. 25 units. $170 deluxe double;<br />
$250 suite. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; Internet; room service. In room: A/C, fridge, minibar.<br />
Villa Santi Resort This resort is a roomier rural companion to the popular<br />
downtown Villa Santi and similarly sophisticated, without being stuffy. Tucked among