It was starting to darken when I arrived in Luang Prabang, causing me to hurry my pace in locating my hotel. Guided by my Google Maps, 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 is situated right smack in the UNESCO Heritage area of the city. Established in 2008, this small property houses fifteen soothing rooms and two suites—all designed within the fervor of the architectural style of Laos’ colonial past.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang: Lotus Villa Boutique | Laos
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 a.m.," 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, "This is 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 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 lives up to the collective theme of Lotus Villa: of everything that blooms in nature.
My room measures fifteen 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 in 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 are you doing? I am Camille ('Cha-Mille'), the General Manager." It 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 out a homey ambiance and how it fuses 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 would like to go along with it. On top of that, a fresh platter of fruits and freshly squeezed juices are served with coffee or tea.
These loaded breakfasts fueled my day-long explorations of Luang Prabang’s UNESCO district, either on 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 is Lotus Villa Boutique located inside the UNESCO Heritage district of Luang Prabang, but 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 sacrifices 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 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.
Hotel Fact Box
Room Categories & Offerings
- Lotus Rooms 19 sq. m. | Timber-paneled layouts complete with private balcony wings overlooking the gardens.
- Water Lily Rooms 24 sq. m. | Showcasing open-style bedroom baths, organic amenities, and French doors leading directly to a courtyard garden patch.
- Orchid Suites 50 sq. m. | Expansive footprints consisting of two separate integrated rooms for premium space and privacy.
