Name: Lani's House by the Ponds
Address: 281, Setthathirat road - Ban Haysok - Vientiane - Lao PDR, Vientiane, Vientiane, Vientiane, 01000, Laos
Rating: 8

Air conditioning

24-hour reception

Garden

Terrace

General

Fridge

Cable TV

Flat-screen TV

Shower/Bathtub

Shower

Wardrobe/Closet

Linens

Toiletries

Rooms

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

English

French

Languages Spoken

Free Parking on Premises

Parking

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Room amenities

Wattay International Airport

Lani's House by the Ponds

Vientiane

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limited-time

lounge

treatment

no-window

bay-view

bosphorus-view

canal-view

city-view

courtyard-view

garden-view

golf-view

harbour-view

inland-view

lake-view

land-view

mountain-view

ocean-front

ocean-view

oceanside

panoramic-view

park-view

partial-ocean-view

partial-sea-view

partial-view

pool-view

river-view

sea-front

sea-view

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annex

basement

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1-bedroom

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not-guaranteed

wired-internet-access

smoking

sauna

duplex

safe

mini-bar

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pets-allowed

wi-fi

kitchen

  
We had hoped to change some money at the airport on arrival early evening but only one bank was sort of open but staff had decided to go for a break with no notification of time of return. Suffice it to say that you will quickly be made aware of other ‘facilities’ to change money at the small airport, so make sure you know the exchange rate. Just as well as we discovered that we had arrived on the first day of a 3-day holiday with no banks open. Remember you are in old Soviet-style communist country and flags displaying the hammer and sickle are everywhere, though you are free to move around but read up on changing money before you go.

The hotel is as described, set down a lane a short walk from the main road and is quiet (and safe) but is very central and the convenience is a real plus for the hotel, especially given the heat – see the following paragraphs. The hotel is just about a 3-star and is a converted house. We had a family room on the ground floor which was spacious and clean but was basic and the beds are OK. The toilet/shower was a nice size and whilst the shower head was simple, the water pressure was good and the shower had its own heater, making for a very nice shower in the morning/evening. Wifi was good, as was the aircon, a good sized ‘fridge and tea/coffee maker, drinking water provided every day, so the room was comfortable enough. Hand your room key in at reception when you leave in the morning and your room will be cleaned. Breakfast was included and was a surprisingly good mixture of eggs, veg, fruit, bread and tea and coffee. The verandah, for breakfast, was outside and as the hotel immediately adjoins a small temple, the view was very pleasant, along with the garden and ponds. The hotel does not offer a washing service but turn left at the end of the lane and you will find a couple of places nearby which will do the washing for you at a very reasonable price.  A special mention has to be made of Lai, a very pleasant man who seems to run the hotel almost singlehandedly but who was helpful at all times, so our thanks to him.

What you really need to remember, for those who have visited Thailand, is that Laos is the poor relation in many respects and Vientiane does not have much to offer for sightseeing (apart from wats/temples) or shopping, though the people can be pleasant. Food is just not to the same standard as Thailand though we did find one restaurant with nice local food nearby (see my separate report on the Baan Maii 2 Restaurant) and which we eat at regularly after being disappointed at other places.  

You turn right at the end of the lane and then left at the first crossroads, very close, and you will find restaurants, shops, massage joints etc and a night market with all the usual stalls selling clothes etc at the end of the road. Turn right at the same crossroads and you will find a supermarket and pharmacy nearby, along with restaurants etc; you will also find a night market with stalls selling food. If you want temples, the hotel immediately adjoins a small temple, there is another temple opposite at the end of the lane and more close by to both the left and right which are worth a visit as you walk along the road. Transport by tuk tuk is easily available and Lai will advise on costs.

Can I recommend this hotel and would I stay there again – an easy yes to both questions.


Easy To Recommend

This charming hotel is set back from the main street with a charming and mature tropical garden. Inside the hotel there are many interesting artefacts and photos. Rooms are large and spacious - simply and tastefully decorated. A good breakfast is served on a patio overlooking the garden. The whole atmosphere is relaxed and laid back - staff unobtrusive but very helpful as needed. Highly recommended!

Peaceful and charming hotel in the Mekong downtown area

Great location. Wonderful staff, with special mention of Lai. Clean and quiet location, nice garden with a Koi fish pond and turtles. Breakfast is more than adequate, highly recommended. They went out and bought a yogurt, when it wasnt available in-house, couldnt ask for more.

Excellent in all respects

My husband and I recently stayed 2 nights at Lani's House by the Ponds. It is in a great location within easy walking distance to amenities and restaurants but is hidden away from the chaos of the city in a peaceful and perfect garden of calm. Perfect for our needs at the time!
Our bedroom and bathroom were large, well equiped and comfortable. The breakfasts were really lovely and the staff were helpful and friendly. Highly recommend this Hotel.

Lovely Hotel, calm oasis in great location

In this city with its pollution, noise and chaos it was wonderful to return in the afternoon to this quiet place with the big garden with shadow. It was also here we had breakfast in the morning. Nice and spacious rooms, good breakfast (we loved the coffee in small pressure pots, and the homemade yogurt) and friendly staff. And really fair price. We could have used a safety box, though - an advice for the hotel is to install this. We choosed to bring the valuables with us, when we left the hotel. 

Nice hotel with a lovely garden 

Lani’s house is the perfect place to stay for those who like peace and tranquility. Despite its central location its an oasis of calm. An ample breakfast is served in the outdoor dining area and garden. The room we were in was spacious with air con and tv. The en suite bathroom was also spacious with a decent shower. A great place to stay. There’s even a monastery next door !

Where to stay in Vientiane

After the frenzy of end of semester tasks and a three day trip to get here, a place to just relax was our key objective for this part of our Laos tour.

Lani's was perfect. Our room was beautifully reminiscent of a Graham Greene novel with a comfortable bed and an amazing bathroom. And then there was the balcony...pure joy. A view of the temple next door, lovely furniture, and even a fridge for keeping something cold to drink handy. Some afternoons we spent hours reading and talking there before venturing out into the neighborhood for something to eat. And this was never a problem as the location is within quick walking distance to a fabulous collection of eclectic restaurants.

Our mornings with a bit more energetic with a boost from breakfast on the terrace. French press coffee, homemade jams and yogurt, and eggs made to order. The neighborhood begged to be explored and just wandering always brought new adventures.

The building and grounds were full of details which conveyed the care and thoughtfulness of the owners. Lots of wonderful art both old and new.

The staff were kind and attentive and made sure we had everything we needed.

We highly recommend this spot if you need tranquility in the middle of this beautiful city.

A place to remind you that you can live in the moment.

I spent three nights at this lovely place last August/September and have fond memories of it.My room was very spacious,super clean and was serviced daily.Breakfast was served on the terrace at the front and was very substantial.I want to pay tribute to Mr Lai who took my reservation over the telephone and handled check-in.He was friendly and helpful and was available to offer assistance when needed.This guesthouse is in a very central location and yet it offers great sleep quality....I am happy to recommend this guesthouse and gladly give it 10 out of 10.

A charming place....good breakfast...friendly staff

I stayed at Lani's for 3 weeks and had a great stay. The breakfast is very simple and there is no restaurant. But very close you can find great restaurants. The room is comfortable and the hotel has a very nice garden. The staff is very kind and helpful.

best location and quiet place to stay

although the room was big, it can been improved upon with new furniture or repairs (painting).
the hotel has a very home feel especially if during the breakfast by the gardens.
the doors to he room seemed not too secure????? Old fashioned simple keys still used.

Lani's House by the Ponds

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Location

Description of the hotel

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General

Rooms

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Languages Spoken

Parking

Pool and beach

Pets

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