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Region: Northern Laos> Province: Luang Prabang> Location: Luang Prabang
Villa Ban Lao
Beautifully preserved in a tranquil environment
Ban Mano, Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Province
Tel: (071) 252 078
Fax: (071) 212 438
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Description
Housed in an enormous colonial-style building and set on large rambling grounds, Villa Ban Lao is beautifully preserved in a tranquil environment. Situated in a peaceful area of town, a little out of the tourist centre, it's still only a five-minute walk to most attractions. The rooms are generously sized, at a range of prices corresponding to amenities on offer such as fan and aircon, TV, fridge and location. All rooms have bathroom with hot shower and some have baths. Fairly recent renovations have seen a new wing erected at the back of the building with rooms here a little more modern and conventionally styled. There are large shared spaces, with traditional wooden furniture, and a balcony overlooking the guesthouse entrance and carpark.
Total rooms: 27
Family room
30 USD (low season)
40 USD (high season)
Standard - Single
15 USD (low season)
20 USD (high season)
Standard - Double
20 USD (low season)
25 USD (high season)
Deluxe- Single
20 USD (low season)
25 USD (high season)
Deluxe- Double
25 USD (low season)
30 USD (high season)
Added to Travelfish on: 3rd May, 2004
Last visited or updated on: 9th October, 2006
Guest feedback
reservations don't matter - 
By rsljm12 ( total comments: 2 
) Stayed here 2/2007
We booked our stay at the Ban Lao guest house for four nights in late February over the internet. We followed all the procedures the Ban Lao required, including reconfirming a week ahead. When we arrived at the guest house, we were told, sorry, no room. But we had reservations that we reconfirmed, we said. Sorry and no interest in helping us. As it turns out, they decided to let the people in the room we had reserved stay longer irrespective of their commitment to us. After much discussion, with multiple persons and us refusing to leave (no where to go in any case as much else was booked that we knew about), the Ban Lao did find us another guest house around the corner to stay.
We can't comment on the facilities other than to note that the lobby was run down, but if you chose to stay, have a back up plan and arrive fully prepared for the worst.
Price hike - No rating given
By BC ( total comments: 16 )
I just inquired about booking, and it seems rates have increased - double rooms are $20/30/40 in low/high/peak season. When I pointed out that their web site (which has been re-designed in the last few days) quoted $12, the reply was "The rates in website is 7 years old ago".
Good place to stay - 
By stevejw ( total comments: 3 ) Stayed here 8/2004
Stayed for six nights in August 2004 in the rear of the hotel on the first floor. Room was clean and fully functional. US$15. despite what the emails say from the hotel regarding service charges and tax, we only paid the flat rate: however, nor did we get the internet discount so I guess it worked out quits. The staff were pleasant and friendly. The setting is really pleasant, and with it being a short walk (five minutes) or an even shorter tuk tuk ride into town, we found it appealingly quiet. The only potential drawback is the restaurant, set attractively in its man made pond: no one was eating there when we stayed apart from occasional breakfasters. They seem to be refurbishing things so while food is available, it didn't seem the most attractive of options for food.
Pick the good room - 
By millionario ( total comments: 11 ) Stayed here 7/2004
Don't pick a room on the ground floor!! They are less expensive (US$10) than the rooms on the first floor, but the door opens onto the huge reception of the hotel, which is very noisy (they're using a sort of interphone), and the rooms are not that nice, considering that some stuff was not functioning and you hear the first floor guests literally walking over your head.
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