“How would you feel about us living here?” I overhear a couple ask as I’m sipping my welcoming iced tea in the lobby of the 3 Nagas Boutique Hotel.
In the heart of the world heritage zone of Luang Prabang, 3 Nagas’ three century-old buildings are all protected by UNESCO. Each of the 15 rooms is different, but all have a balcony or terrace, a large bathroom (with huge towels), very comfortable beds, and all the usual amenities you’d expect at a boutique hotel (with the exception of a television).
You won’t have time for TV; you’ll be too busy soaking up the atmosphere of this ancient royal capital, whether it be watching the sunset in the garden or wandering the town (keep your eye out for the nagas (serpent deities) decorating the 32 temples in town).
A stay at the 3 Nagas also means you’ll have a guaranteed seat at their phenomenal restaurant, back at the quality when Amanda Hesser first wrote about it for the New York Times in 1995.
From US$202+ per night inclusive of breakfast
– Excellent pastries with breakfast.
– Book a ride in their red 1950 Citroen or cream 1957 Mercedes.
– Manager Marko Fluka chats with guests and subtly seeks opportunities to make their stay exceptional.
– Wifi and water pressure improvements are planned, but aren’t a quick fix.
– You’re staying in a living neighbourhood, so don’t expect a silent night.
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
The afternoons in Luang Prabang can get hot – even in the winter. What better way to cool off than a dip in the pool?
Le Sen Boutique Hotel, because it is located outside of “downtown” Luang Prabang, has such a pool. It is the centrepiece of this zen-like hotel with 19 rooms, including two suites and one villa.
This Lao-owned and -managed hotel is barely one year old. The decor is minimalist chic, and it has the full range of amenities, plus a large fitness centre. Many staff are university students studying nearby; they’re charming and efficient.
Le Sen’s restaurant (with room service) serves both western and Lao fare, including a must-try traditional buffalo laab, luxuriant with local aromatics and herbs. A new lounge, ideal for chilling and sipping a cocktail, will soon open.
From US$99+ per night
– Free mini-van service “downtown” (or you can borrow a bike, or walk in about ten minutes).
– Beautiful copper sinks in the large bathrooms.
– The lovely sound-muffling fountain could be kept on all night to cover the voices of guests waking early to witness the sunrise tak bat ceremony (and the neighbours’ roosters!).
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
Location, location, location: the De Lanna Boutique Hotel has a great one. Almost in the centre of the old city, the De Lanna makes it easy to walk almost everywhere. Just a minute or two from the Sunday Walking Street Market, the beautiful Wat Phra Singh, and to several cooking schools. While you’re close to all the attractions, the De Lanna is on a quiet street with minimal traffic and without loud music. A great location.
The highlight of this 35-room boutique hotel is the garden and pool. There are both shady and sunny spots to sit and sip your cocktail, and the pool is a good size for play, exercise or just a cooling dip. There are also several koi ponds near the guest rooms.
The De Lanna features two suites, 11 deluxe and 22 superior rooms. I’m not sure I would call the rooms “ultra-modern” as the brochure does, but they are comfortable (however, if you have back or knee problems, note that the furniture is very low to the ground).
A buffet breakfast is included in the rates, and the restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, and provides room service.
From US$145+ per night
– Beautiful pool and garden; convenient and quiet location
– Originality: you use different dolls to signal you’d like your room made up, your linens changed, or to request that you not be disturbed
– Bathrooms need updating
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
From the moment we arrived, everything was harmoniously synchronized, from the friendly greetings to the welcome drink and jasmine scented lobby. We learned upon arrival that both the Shinta Mani Club and the Resort were available for relaxation and activities. Each with their own unique pool area and restaurant, we had an abundance of options to choose from.
On the Club side, where we stayed, is an incredible restaurant named Kroya. The champagne brunch, which is included with the stay, has every kind of fruit and bread you can imagine in addition to specialty food options and a full menu cooked to order.
The rooms are spacious, yet cozy, with tasteful decor and plenty of space to rest and work. After a lifetime of sleeping in what I thought were very nice beds, this was by far the most comfortable.
And last but not least, the best part of the entire experience; the service. The tagline reads “Open Doors, Open Hearts” and we couldn’t agree more. This was the best service I think we have ever received. There is always someone to greet you, serve you or help you and all with a genuine, heartfelt smile.
It’s just an added bonus when you learn about The Foundation that they operate through the profits of the Club & Resort.
From US180+ per night
– Incredible service with genuine smiles
– Amazing champagne brunch buffet included
– Huge salt water pool at the Shinta Mani Resort
– Most comfortable bed ever
– Shower didn’t stay hot long enough (only a problem for certain rooms, hotel is aware and working on it)
Angelina & David
Review Team