Lanis House by the Ponds

We had hoped to change some money at the airport on arrival early evening but only one bank was sort of open but staff had decided to go for a break with no notification of time of return. Suffice it to say that you will quickly be made aware of other ‘facilities’ to change money at the small airport, so make sure you know the exchange rate. Just as well as we discovered that we had arrived on the first day of a 3-day holiday with no banks open. Remember you are in old Soviet-style communist country and flags displaying the hammer and sickle are everywhere, though you are free to move around but read up on changing money before you go. The hotel is as described, set down a lane a short walk from the main road and is quiet (and safe) but is very central and the convenience is a real plus for the hotel, especially given the heat – see the following paragraphs. The hotel is just about a 3-star and is a converted house. We had a family room on the ground floor which was spacious and clean but was basic and the beds are OK. The toilet/shower was a nice size and whilst the shower head was simple, the water pressure was good and the shower had its own heater, making for a very nice shower in the morning/evening. Wifi was good, as was the aircon, a good sized ‘fridge and tea/coffee maker, drinking water provided every day, so the room was comfortable enough. Hand your room key in at reception when you leave in the morning and your room will be cleaned. Breakfast was included and was a surprisingly good mixture of eggs, veg, fruit, bread and tea and coffee. The verandah, for breakfast, was outside and as the hotel immediately adjoins a small temple, the view was very pleasant, along with the garden and ponds. The hotel does not offer a washing service but turn left at the end of the lane and you will find a couple of places nearby which will do the washing for you at a very reasonable price. A special mention has to be made of Lai, a very pleasant man who seems to run the hotel almost singlehandedly but who was helpful at all times, so our thanks to him. What you really need to remember, for those who have visited Thailand, is that Laos is the poor relation in many respects and Vientiane does not have much to offer for sightseeing (apart from wats/temples) or shopping, though the people can be pleasant. Food is just not to the same standard as Thailand though we did find one restaurant with nice local food nearby (see my separate report on the Baan Maii 2 Restaurant) and which we eat at regularly after being disappointed at other places. You turn right at the end of the lane and then left at the first crossroads, very close, and you will find restaurants, shops, massage joints etc and a night market with all the usual stalls selling clothes etc at the end of the road. Turn right at the same crossroads and you will find a supermarket and pharmacy nearby, along with restaurants etc; you will also find a night market with stalls selling food. If you

This charming hotel is set back from the main street with a charming and mature tropical garden. Inside the hotel there are many interesting artefacts and photos. Rooms are large and spacious - simply and tastefully decorated. A good breakfast is served on a patio overlooking the garden. The whole atmosphere is relaxed and laid back - staff unobtrusive but very helpful as needed. Highly recommended!

Great location. Wonderful staff, with special mention of Lai. Clean and quiet location, nice garden with a Koi fish pond and turtles. Breakfast is more than adequate, highly recommended. They went out and bought a yogurt, when it wasnt available in-house, couldnt ask for more.