Victoria Xiengthong Palace

Located toward the tip of the peninsula, I was able to walk everywhere I wanted to go. I stayed there during off-season, with no crowds or traffic anywhere, so it may be different at other times, but the booking.com price was about 1/3 the lowest price for a room as stated in Lonely Planet (2017). On top of that, with few guests, the hotel upgraded my room to one with two stories and a private jacuzzi on the first floor! There was complimentary pick-up at the airport, but I was charged for the return trip. But here is the best part: each day two cans of Beerlao appeared in the fridge at no additional charge.

Every night at 7 pm, the hotel shows the 1927 quasi-documentary film "Chang" in one room of the restaurant (or, I understand, outside when it is not the rainy season). I commend the hotel for showing this important film. It is well worth seeing, but it highlights the slaughter of now-endangered species by local people. Moreover, the praises to Buddha in the silent film's dialog text are inappropriate. The film shows no evidence of Buddhist practice among these local people; being rural people from Laos, they would have most likely been animist.

The hotel is aesthetically very beautiful. The staff will do everything they can to make your stay special with lots of thoughtful little details provided in the room. Staff are courteous and efficient and you will fell well looked after. The movie screening every night is a pleasant touch. The location is great with view over the Mekong river and lots of cafes and restaurants nearby.

There is no pool or gym. The spa is also very expensive, especially when you can walk 2 minutes down the road and have a range of options at a fraction of the price.

Beds very good, staff perfect, good food