Lyndie

Just retd from Laos (great place to visit especially Luang Prabang) stayed at Pansea Hotel in Luang Prabang for a special celebration. What a joke-we viewed pool view rooms 501-504-were told one of these rooms would be allocated to us as we were celebrating 20 yrs of marriage. When we arrived they had already allocated the room/s to others-with no apology or offer of a bottle of wine or discounted rate. Just stiff luck was the reply from the french management. Their minibus left us stranded in the middle of a dirt road. Never again. Also in HoiAn in Vietnam the HoiAn riverside resort is undergoing a few challenges-cable tv network is not operating and rooms smell of sewerage. This is just not good enough when guests are paying top dollar in both countries for facilities and service which does not meet expectations. The budget accom at both destinations are much more reliable, in many cases.

Sameera_Anand

Hi Lyndie and sorry to hear re your exp with Pansea, LP. I had a similar lousy exp with the hotel in July and sent a stinker, not to the said French mgt (who was part of the reason for the lousy exp) but to their head office, an address I found from their website. They were very apologetic and did indeed come through with some recompense. Would strongly urge u to write to them. Quite agree - will never stay at that property again, tho did have a good exp subsequently at their Siem Reap hotel.

Kathie

Sorry to hear of your experience. I wonder if there is a new manager since our stay a year ago. We had a fabulous stay (had one of the pool view rooms) with exceptionally attentive service. The French manager checked with us at least once a day as to how our stay was going, whether there was anything we needed. The manager had been there just a month, and was very invested in making everyone's stay superb. They shuttled us into town at our request, everything was perfect.

Lyndie

Many thanks for replies. Just wanted to add that travel in Asia is DOWN to the extent that travellers can call the shots as to what they pay if they don't necessarily want to stay 4-5 star. In HoiAn prices are discounted up to 50% we're told and in some cases, more. Luang Prabang is very quiet, also. Weather in HoiAn is cold & rainy but beer is good and so is Dalat red wine VND35,000 a bargain -(similar to merlot). We are still having fun despite antics of dumb hospitality management and wish all and sundry the finest for 2004.

butch

What a shame about Hoi An Riverside Resort - we stayed there last year (VERY GOOD rate) and absolutely loved it - beautiful room, service was excellent. We were considering staying there again Mar 2004 -- thoughts on that?? Do you know anything about the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort?

Lyndie

Hi butch
Determined not to retun to HoiAn after experiencing change in the town and also Riverside since July03; the complete lack of caring on the part of the mgt of Hoi An Riverside resort. We are in our third room in 6 days- still stinks of the sewer, and very little hot water-not enough for 2 showers-you must wait 20 mins for water to heat up. Cannot watch cable tv ans reception is pitiful. The streets are getting busier and it is not a relaxing place to visit after the beauty and laid back atmosphere of Luang Prabang in Laos. You gotta go. If you loved Hoi An you will love LP. Victoria Hoi An looks lovely but we haven't stayed there. The one at Sapa was fabulous for food and appeared to be well run. Post and ask here under new topic. Best of luck and get to Laos-Luang Prabang is very special.

Lyndie

Wanted to update others re our unsatisfactory stay at Pansea, Luang Prabang. They have apologised profusely and we are satisfied that the management appreciate they caused us considerable angst. When one plans for these expensive trips of a lifetime it really diminishes one's experience when hotels of this standard do not deliver what they promise. The General Manager finally acknowledged our comments and criticisms and we are happy to accept his generous offer of a complimentary night at Pansea Yangon in April. All up, they have done as much as possible to ensure we are happier than we were!