Villa Ban Lao

Read Villa Ban Lao reviews

Rated 2 out of 5

Based on 4 ratings and 4 reviews

• reservations don't matter

  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 (Total reviews: 2) on 6th March, 2007
  Rated 1 out of 5. after a stay here in 2/2007

• Price hike

  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 (Total reviews: 22) on 6th December, 2005
  Rated 0 out of 5. after a stay here in /

• Good place to stay

  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 (Total reviews: 3) on 21st August, 2004
  Rated 4 out of 5. after a stay here in 8/2004

• Pick the good room

  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 (Total reviews: 15) on 28th July, 2004
  Rated 3 out of 5. after a stay here in 7/2004