Fleewinter

Lotus Villa is one of our favourite ‘bargains’ in Luang Prabang. Located smack bang in the middle of the ancient town, the handsomely-appointed rooms all sit around a tropical garden courtyard that provides ample space for chilling and relaxing after a day of sightseeing. As you are in the ancient town there is no pool (not allowed by UNESCO) but the hotel’s gardens are the perfect place to unwind.

There are just 17 tranquil rooms and suites at the hotel. There are four room types to choose from; the Frangipani Rooms, the Lotus Rooms, the Water Lilly Rooms and the Orchid Suites. The cheapest of them, the Frangipani rooms are delightfully decorated but a little on the small side for two people with suitcases - they open onto a verandah to the garden courtyard from the ground and first floors and the shower is behind a half wall at the back of the room. Two of these rooms can be co-joined to suit a family or small group. The Lotus Rooms, which are Lao traditional timber-paneled rooms, are a little larger and each room has two balconies; one private overlooking our tropical garden, the other a walkway balcony overlooking the quiet street where locals can be witnessed offering alms to the monks during the daily ceremony.

The Water Lily are much more spacious and feature an open style bath in the bedroom, as well as a separate shower with organic shampoo and soap, and french doors opening onto a courtyard garden. Features include work from local artisans such as the handmade terra cotta tiles and basins, furnishings, and plantation shutters the carvings on the mirror and windows.

Finally, the largest of all; the Orchid suites are twice the size of any other room with a bedroom, lounge room and bathroom in the style of Indochina blended with modern comforts. Located on the upper (second floor) the suites have a private balcony and the day beds can be made up to accommodate 1 additional adult or 2 additional children.

Made to order breakfast is served in the garden until 11.30am (a nice touch when you’re on holiday!) and while there is no restaurant serving lunch or dinner you will hardly notice as you are a stone throw from some of the nicest restaurants and bars in the town.