Villa Ban Lao

Price hike - 6th December, 2005
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".

Villa Ban Lao reviewed by BC on 6th December, 2005, rated 0 out of 5.
Stayed here /
This is a Travelfish recommended reviewer
Total reviews submitted: 21.
BC also reviewed: Dien Bien Party Hotel, Kham Xam Guesthouse, Kong Keo Guesthouse, Kong Keo Guesthouse, Little Garden Bar & Guesthouse, Mai Sai Guesthouse, Malany Guesthouse, Manychan Guesthouse and Restaurant, Nam Ou Guesthouse and Restaurant, Rama Hotel, Rambuttri Village, Rattana Guesthouse, Riverside Guest House, Two Dragons Guesthouse, Yaklom Hill Lodge.

Pick the good room - 28th July, 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.

Villa Ban Lao reviewed by millionario on 28th July, 2004, rated 3 out of 5.
Stayed here 7/2004
This is a Travelfish recommended reviewer
Total reviews submitted: 13.
millionario also reviewed: Bungalows Riverside and Restaurant, Cat Cat View Hotel, Friendship Guesthouse, Lien Hiep Thanh, Mali Namphu, Rambuttri Village, Sairee View, Seashell Gold Palm Resort, Souksamlane Hotel, Thongtapan Resort, Thongtapan Resort, Villa Salika.

reservations don't matter - 6th March, 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.

Villa Ban Lao reviewed by rsljm12 on 6th March, 2007, rated 1 out of 5.
Stayed here 2/2007
Total reviews submitted: 2.
rsljm12 also reviewed: Sayo Guesthouse.

Good place to stay - 21st August, 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.

Villa Ban Lao reviewed by stevejw on 21st August, 2004, rated 4 out of 5.
Stayed here 8/2004
Total reviews submitted: 3.
stevejw also reviewed: Galare Guest House, New Siam II Guest House.