Where to Stay in Luang Prabang: Lotus Villa Boutique | Laos
It was starting to darken when I arrived at Luang Prabang causing me to hurry my pace in locating my hotel. Guided by my Google Map, I walked past the main street of the city's historic district. It was a lovely surprise finding out a few days before that Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel situates right smack in the UNESCO Heritage area of the city. Established in 2008, this small property houses 15 soothing rooms and 2 suites – all designed within the fervor of the architectural style of Laos’ colonial past.
A stone's throw away from quaint cafes, holy temples, and riverside restaurants, my accommodation of choice infuses both Luang Prabang's colorful storied past and vibrant local life. As I handed my passport to the friendly receptionist, my ears flapped at what I heard next. “The Tak Bat (morning alms of the monks) passes in front of this property every 5:30 am”, the man manning the front desk told me.
After downing the welcome drink, he led me to my room located on the second floor of the two-story property. We passed by a small courtyard to which he pointed out “where we serve our breakfast”. I surveyed it and instantly found the atmosphere an ideal place to start the day with a sumptuous Laotian breakfast. What’s there not to like: trees and flowers all around you and the sound of birds chirping.
The Frangipani Room
Since this was a travel partnership with Lotus Villa Boutique, I had no idea what kind of room they would assign to me. It turned out to be the “Frangipani Room”. It is named after a genus of shrubs and trees called Plumeria – a tropical flower that lived up to the collective theme of Lotus Villa: of everything that blooms in nature.
My room is measured at 15 square meters with cream colored concrete walls, brown squared floor tiles, and teak-colored wooden furniture that includes a cabinet, working desk, side tables, and a king-sized bed. The open shower is placed behind a step wall while a folding door leads to the toilet.
The airy room opens to a veranda overlooking the garden courtyard and the view of the surrounding towering trees from its neighboring properties. For the next several nights, this became my home during my initial trip to Luang Prabang.
A French Encounter
The next morning while I was having breakfast at the courtyard garden, the waiter introduced me to the manager with whom I had exchanged email correspondence prior to my arrival. I was expecting to meet a lovely lady because the name on the email said 'Camille'. (I hurriedly fixed my hair and popped a pimple). To my surprise, a Caucasian man walked up to me and cheerfully greeted me, "Hi, how you doing? I am Camille ('Cha-Mille'), the General Manager". Turns out he's French, and in their country, they have many gender-neutral names.
He asked me for my opinion about their property, and I answered back with all honesty, "I love how the place dishes a homey ambiance and how it fused the heritage architecture of Luang Prabang with the natural environment around it."
Breakfast of Champions
For breakfast, they let guests choose from different varieties of Laotian noodle dishes and what type of bread and egg you like it to go along with. On top of that, a fresh platter of fruits and squeezed juices are served with coffee or tea.
These loaded breakfasts fueled my day-long exploration of Luang Prabang’s UNESCO district either by foot or by using the hotel’s bicycles, which guests can use all day long for free.
A Peaceful Haven in the Historic Area
Talk about hitting a double target with one arrow, not only because Lotus Villa Boutique is located inside the UNESCO Heritage district of Luang Prabang, it is also a place of total peace and serenity.
Only a few strides away and you will reach one of the many temples located in the city. A couple of dozen hops and you can reach the riverside of the Mekong River. Any direction you go leads you to a very interesting discovery.
Despite its strategic location, it never sacrificed privacy because the only noise that fills up the surroundings of the property is the tweeting of the birds and the sounds of the swaying of the tree leaves.
If anyone were to ask me where to stay in Luang Prabang? I would honestly recommend this place based on my amazing experience staying at Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel.
Room Categories & Offerings
- Lotus Rooms: 19 sq. meters timber-paneled layouts complete with private balcony wings.
- Water Lily Rooms: 24 sq. meters spaces showcasing open-style bedroom baths, organic amenities, and French doors leading directly to a courtyard garden patch.
- Orchid Suites: Expansive 50 sq. meters footprints consisting of 2 separate integrated rooms.
* Note: All room classes feature completely complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout your stay.
