9 Best Hotels in Laos

Vientiane's newest—and arguably best—chain hotel blends traditional Lao touches with modern conveniences like super-fast Wi-Fi. Rooms have both showers and bathtubs, as well as views over the city. The hotel has two restaurants, a lounge, and a pool bar, so you'll be well taken care of. The staff here are definitely some of the best-trained in Laos. 

Formerly a prince's residence, this century-old property has been refurbished and expanded into a series of French colonial homes surrounded by pools and gardens and is one of Luang Prabang's best-kept secrets. The owner, a serious collector, has furnished every nook and cranny with fine-art pieces, paintings, and antiques she's come across during her global wanderings. The rooms and suites are spacious and decked out in superior wood furniture, with poster beds and writing desks. All accommodations have either terraces or garden views. In the spirit of keeping modern touches to a minimum there are no TVs, though they are available upon request, and Satri House has excellent Wi-Fi throughout. Other amenities include two swimming pools, a spa, and a well-regarded French-Lao restaurant. The hotel is a member of the prestigious Secret Retreats boutique lodging collection.

Rooms at this landmark property have high ceilings, hardwood floors, Oriental rugs, and period pieces that reflect its many histories—from its inception in the French colonial period to its life as a hotel in the 1930s and again in the '90s (with a period of expropriation by the Communist government in between). Lush gardens surround a large pool, and the lobby, decorated with fine antiques, is adjacent to a small bar and elegant restaurant, La Belle Epoque, which specializes in Lao and French cuisine. City tours are available via the hotel's London taxi.

This complex of historical mansions stands under official UNESCO World Heritage Site protection, thanks in no small measure to the efforts of the former owner to retain its weathered but handsome look. The vintage Citroën parked out front, original wooden floors and clay tiles, and the use of dark wood, silks, and homespun local fabrics in the large rooms enhance the colonial setting. You can buy the fabrics in the hotel shop, along with Lao teas, coffee, and spices. Some rooms have four-poster beds. Deluxe Room 6 has a balcony like that of the executive suite, ideal for watching the morning alms procession of local monks. The 3 Nagas Restaurant on the lobby terrace is a longtime favorite for its fine food and elegant surroundings and the Nagini bar in the French colonial building serves cocktails with class.

The queen of resorts in Luang Prabang, this gorgeous and tranquil oasis occupies the old French colonial hospital and is surrounded by leafy gardens and shaded verandas. The spacious suites, which have claw-foot tubs and private patios, are clustered around an enormous courtyard and huge pool. Lao and French cuisines are served in the colonial dining room, and there's a well-stocked library, state-of-the-art fitness center, and self-contained spa specializing in all types of relaxation packages. Best of all, this serene haven of exclusivity is a 5-minute stroll from the center of town, near all the wats, markets, and restaurants. Attention to detail and personal service are the hallmarks of this temple of opulence. Be prepared to blow the bank, though, as this is one of the most expensive accommodations in Laos.

For those looking for something glamorous and exclusive, this sister property of The Apsara, across the Nam Khan River, has a swimming pool, private verandas, and a free 24-hour shuttle-boat service to take guests across the river. The nine boutique rooms are in a villa decorated with fine contemporary Asian art. The hotel is a stone's throw from town, but its private position across the river makes it feel secluded.

Its prime position on Phou Vao (Kite Hill) gives this sumptuous hotel the best views in town. Traditional Lao touches are everywhere, creating a sense of exotic luxury in the rosewood-furnished rooms. In the evening you can relax over cocktails at the Dok Champa Bar and soak in the restful garden surroundings. The restaurant is among Luang Prabang's best, serving authentic Lao food and rich French dishes. Seven different therapies are available at the spa; stay a full week and you can try a different treatment each day. The hotel provides a free shuttle service into town for its guests. The hotel is very expensive during the high season, but substantial discounts are offered during slower periods.

Situated outside the city by a pleasant waterfall, the Rosewood is a romantic sanctuary, that takes its decor cues from the heritage architecture of the city and traditional Lao art. Rooms vary from riverside and pool villas up to luxury tents on top of a hill with panoramic views. There's also a spa and the hotel operates its own river cruises.

Though some say this elegant hotel was a French governor's mansion, in actuality it was the colonial-era prison (complete with guard towers); regardless, it's now one of Luang Prabang's most exclusive resorts. Slightly hidden away on a quiet side street, the hotel's historic buildings stand amid lovely courtyards. One building is a spa, one is a cooking school, and there is a swimming pool along with a sunken seating area with a bonfire for chilly nights. Rooms come with poster beds and have either hot tubs or plunge pools. The restaurant serves fantastic farm-to-table Lao and French cuisine.