9 Best Hotels in Vientiane, Laos

A small boutique hotel on a quiet lane near the Mekong River, the Ansara is convenient to local attractions. Its 28 upscale rooms come equipped with complimentary minibars and free laptops for guest use. The adjoining La Signature, which serves French cuisine, is one of Vientiane's best restaurants.

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. 

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 small boutique hotel above the namesake Euro-inspired bistro offers a few good-value, squeaky-clean rooms that range from basic-but-stylish doubles to larger mini-studio apartments. Located up a side alley near the fountain square, it's a perfect option to stretch the budget in style. Breakfast is included and served at the café downstairs.

This is a good choice if you're after a trusted brand with clean and comfortable facilities, right next to the Nam Phou Fountain and the adjoining restaurant and bars. The rooms are on the small side, but the beds are excellent. The room rate doesn't include breakfast ($10 extra) but there's good free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Something of a local landmark, the Lao Plaza stands six stories tall in the center of town. The modest exterior is a contrast to the modern comforts within: rooms are furnished with blond woods, shades of slate gray and navy blue, and some homey touches like fresh flowers and fluffy pillows.

With a convenient location in the heart of town near the Mekong River and comfort at competitive rates, this hotel is popular with business travelers. Rooms are spacious and have dark parquet floors. The ground floor holds the reception area, restaurant, and lounge, which are separated by potted plants and wooden dividers. Behind the building are a narrow garden and a small pool, a nice place to take advantage of the hotel's Wi-Fi.

A five-minute drive from the airport, this modern hotel with a sweeping art-nouveau facade has a pleasant location in front of Fa Ngum Park. The Mercure has all the usual Accor chain comforts and facilities, including a dance club that is popular with locals.

Rooms with Lao textiles and decor, finely crafted wood floors, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and fast Wi-Fi make this boutique hotel on a quiet downtown street a splendid choice. Some rooms have temple views, and a spa, a bar, and a decent restaurant are on-site. The staff here speaks fluent English, a plus in these parts. The hotel is a block or so up from the river in the heart of the city center. The 4th-floor Pepper Wood Bar is highly recommended for its creative tipples and nice view.