Vientiane Plaza Hotel: Your Luxurious Lao Escape Awaits!
Vientiane Plaza Hotel: My Lao Escape…with a Twist! (A Really Honest Review)
Okay, so Vientiane Plaza Hotel. "Your Luxurious Lao Escape Awaits!" they promised. And, you know what? They weren’t totally lying. But let’s be real. This ain't just sunshine and smiles, folks. I'm here to give you the real deal, the messy, the beautiful, and yeah, sometimes the slightly irritating truth about this Vientiane…venture.
First Impressions (and the Great Accessibility Run-Around)
Landing in Vientiane, the humidity hit me like a wet, warm hug. Ugh, it follows me, forever. Getting to the hotel was a breeze, kudos to their airport transfer – a clean, air-conditioned car. Now, accessibility? Accessibility. That's where we get…interesting.
- The Good: Well, they say facilities for disabled guests are available which is certainly a positive. They also have an elevator, which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver in this heat.
- The Questionable: I didn't personally test out the wheelchair access (I'm mostly a "get-there-and-figure-it-out" traveler), but I'd suggest reaching out directly to the hotel and asking some specific questions. Double-check those bathroom dimensions, people! Also, an exterior corridor. I like those. No wandering through the hotel looking for a place to go. You can slip in and out undetected.
The Techie Side: Internet Access & Other Modern Miracles
Okay, let's talk connectivity, because, face it, we're all addicted.
- Free Wi-Fi, woohoo! And thankfully, this is true in the rooms – they're not lying again! I'm talking, actually usable Wi-Fi (unlike some hotels where you're fighting for a single bar of signal). You can stream, work, Facebook-stalk your ex… whatever floats your boat.
- Internet [LAN]: For the old-schoolers or those who really need a fast, stable connection, they did offer an Internet [LAN] option. This is a rare find, and I like it.
Safety First (Even When You're Sipping a Cocktail)
I appreciated their commitment to cleanliness and safety, especially post COVID-19, which is still a thing. They have the whole shebang: daily disinfection in common areas, anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocols, and even room sanitization opt-out available. It felt…reassuring. I mean, I still brought my own travel-sized Lysol wipe, but hey, I’m a bit of a germaphobe.
Oh, the Rooms! My Personal, Air-Conditioned Oasis
My room? Pretty sweet.
- Air Conditioning was a godsend, seriously, especially with the extra long bed. No joke. I didn't fall off once.
- Blackout curtains? Yes! Crucial for those blessed afternoon naps.
- Complimentary tea and coffee maker sealed the deal for me. I'm a caffeine addict, so this was a MUST.
- Bathroom essentials: Bathrobes, slippers, and a strong shower. Though the water pressure was sometimes a little too eager - almost knocked me over a few times!
- Individual Room Features: The additional toilet was much appreciated. And every room offers a fridge, a safety box, satellite TV with on-demand movies, and a lovely view from your window.
Eating, Drinking, and Making Merry (Or Finding Your Favorite Noodle Shop)
Okay, so the food. This is where things get interesting. Vientiane, in general, is a foodie paradise.
- The Bar: A decent bar, nothing groundbreaking, but the staff are friendly and the cocktails… passable. The poolside bar is the best option.
- Restaurants: There's a variety, including Asian and International cuisines. The buffet breakfast was…well, it was a buffet. A bit overwhelming. You gotta be a strategic buffet-er! The salads were surprisingly fresh. And, I'm going to be honest, I went to a noodle shop down the block that smelled amazing to start my day.
- Room Service: Available 24 hours. I was a sucker for their Pad Thai in my room when I just wanted to veg.
- Vegetarian & Alternative Meals: They have options, but if you're a serious vegetarian, I'd say explore Vientiane. There's so much amazing vegetarian food outside!
Things to Do (Or, My Un-Spa-Like Experience)
They’ve got the classic relaxation offerings:
- Pool with a view: Lovely. Especially in the heat, perfect for a dip.
- Fitness Center: I intended to use the fitness center. I really did. I even packed my gym clothes. But, let's be honest, after a day in Vientiane, the only exercise I did was waving my fork at the next plate of spring rolls.
- Spa, Massage, Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna: Now, this is where things went sideways… in a good way. I decided to treat myself to a massage. The spa area was beautiful, serene…and then my masseuse, bless her heart, she was like a ninja. She got all the knots out. I felt like a new person! But I did have a moment where I almost laughed (she just kept applying pressure).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage: All good! No complaints.
- Business Facilities: They have all the basics, like meeting rooms. If I needed to host a conference at the hotel, I'd be comfortable.
- Shops: Convenience store onsite which is handy.
- Other perks: They offer a doctor/nurse on call, a safe dining setup, and even sterilizing equipment!
For the Kids (and the Babysitters):
I didn't have kids with me, but they have a little something for the family.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids meals: An option.
- Plenty of room: Perfect for any number of kids and their toys.
The “Getting Around” Game
- Airport Transfer: Really great and reliable.
- Taxi Service: Available, for a price.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Useful if you are driving, although I preferred wandering around the city.
My Unsung Heroes: The Staff
Honestly, the staff at Vientiane Plaza Hotel were the real stars. Always smiling, always helpful. Their English was usually excellent. They were genuinely trying to create a good experience, and that made all the difference.
The Verdict: Is it Worth It?
Look, Vientiane Plaza Hotel isn’t perfect. No place is! But it's a solid, stylish choice.
- What I loved: The comfy rooms, the reliable internet, the friendly staff, the spa massage, and the beautiful pool. The central location.
- What could be improved: The breakfast buffet could be a little more inspired. And maybe a bit more explicit information about accessibility.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It's a great base for exploring Vientiane – a luxurious escape from the heat, with a sprinkle of Laotian charm.
My Honest Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Book your Luxurious Lao Escape at Vientiane Plaza Hotel NOW and get a FREE welcome cocktail at the poolside bar! Plus, get a 10% discount on a spa treatment of your choice!
But wait, there's more! Use code "LAOSCAPADE" at checkout for an extra gift upon arrival – a delicious local snack (because everyone needs a treat!).
Why book now? Because you deserve a break. You deserve to relax. And you deserve to experience the beauty of Laos. So, what are you waiting for? Vientiane Plaza Hotel is waiting for you!
(And yes, I'm already planning my return trip…mostly for that massage!)
Hilton Dallas Plano Granite Park: Luxury Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to delve into the glorious, messy, and potentially disastrous adventure that was my stay at the Vientiane Plaza Hotel in, well, Vientiane, Laos. This isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed, this is the raw, unfiltered truth. Consider this less a travel itinerary, and more a descent into… well, me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Curry Crisis
Morning (Sometime After a Flight That Felt Like It Lasted a Decade): Landed in Vientiane. The humidity hit me like a warm, cloying hug. Immediately, I was sweating. And I mean immediately. The airport was… well, it was efficient. Barely. I'm pretty sure the baggage carousel was powered by the collective hopes and dreams of everyone on the flight. Found a tuk-tuk. Negotiated the price – felt like a champion. Probably overpaid. Whatever. The ride was a whirlwind of honking scooters and the kind of smells that either make you swoon or hurl. I swooned. Mostly. The Vientiane Plaza looked… imposing. Like, the hotel lobby could probably host a small UN conference.
Afternoon (The Hunt for Lunch and the Curry Catastrophe): Checked in. Room was fine. Standard hotel room. The kind you'd expect to find… well, anywhere. But I was here! Hungry. Starving. Needed food. Found a little restaurant down the street. "Authentic Lao Cuisine" it boasted. Oh, the naiveté. Ordered the green curry. I'm usually pretty good with spicy food, but this… this was a culinary assault. My mouth was on fire. Tears welled up. I bravely soldiered on, convinced I'd become a seasoned explorer by enduring the inferno. It was delicious, in a masochistic kind of way. Then, the moment happened. I took a big bite of what I thought was chicken… only to feel a hard, almost metallic texture… It was a small piece of bone. It was the taste of it that got me though, the thought of it, and then the reality of the experience hit me, I had to fight down the urge to gag. I managed to swallow the last bit of rice. That was my first meal.
Late Afternoon/Evening (The Pool is a Glorious Lie): Back at the hotel. The pool looked incredible from the pictures. Crystal clear water, loungers, cocktails… a perfect little oasis. Reality? The water was slightly murky. There was a persistent buzz of mosquitos. And the "cocktail" tasted suspiciously like watered-down juice with a splash of rum. Still, I sat there for an hour, feeling very smug and slightly sunburnt, watching the world go by. The best decision of the day, if I'm being honest.
Evening (Dinner, and a Fervent Prayer for a Mild Dessert): Ate dinner at the hotel's restaurant. It was… meh. The service was slow, the food was forgettable, and the ambiance felt a bit sterile. I am not gonna mention the dessert. I am not.
Day 2: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and the Enduring Power of Coffee
Morning (Temples and the Thrill of Dodging Scooters): Woke up. Realized I'd forgotten to set an alarm. Already late. Decided to visit a temple. Wat Sisaket, I think it was called. Beautiful. Seriously. The intricate carvings, the golden Buddhas… genuinely took my breath away. Wandered around, feeling incredibly insignificant and yet strangely at peace. Then, got back on the street. Navigating the tuk-tuks and scooters felt like playing a real-life version of Frogger. I almost got taken out by a small, optimistic child on a scooter. Made mental note: Invest in some serious travel insurance.
Mid-Morning (Coffee Break and the Joy of People-Watching): Found a little coffee shop. Laotian coffee is a revelation. Dark, rich, and strong enough to wake the dead (or at least, me). Sat outside, watched the world go by – the monks in their saffron robes, the vendors hawking their wares, the tourists fumbling with their cameras. This is the stuff, folks. This is what it's about.
Afternoon (Attempting to Bargain and Failing Miserably): Tried to buy a silk scarf from a local market. I thought I was a good negotiator. Obviously, I was not. The vendor saw me coming from a mile away. Ended up paying far too much. But the scarf is beautiful, so… win? I'm choosing to believe that's a win.
Late Afternoon (More Pool, More Questionable Cocktails): Back to the pool. Same murky water, same mediocre cocktails. But this time, I fully embraced the mediocrity. Found a lounger, planted myself, and decided to just… be. Read a book, dozed in the sun. Pure bliss, even with the mosquitos.
Evening (Street Food and a Realization About My Stomach's Capabilities): Adventured to the night market. The smells were intoxicating. The food was… well, let's just say my stomach has a new best friend: Pepto-Bismol. Ate some delicious (and spicy) noodles, some questionable skewers of unidentified meat, and some fried bananas that were heavenly. Paid the price later, but worth it.
Day 3: The Bus Station Blues and a Sad Departure
Morning (The Existential Dread of the Bus Station): Woke up. Today involved a bus ride to… somewhere. I think. Checked out of the hotel. The check-out process was remarkably efficient. Maybe the hotel staff realized I wasn't worth the trouble anymore. The bus station. Let's just say it wasn't pretty. The air was thick with the smell of diesel and regret. There were stray dogs. And the bus? Let's just say it could have benefited from a good scrub-down.
Mid-Morning (The Journey Begins - or Does It?): Finally boarded the bus. The journey was… eventful. The bus bumped along rutted roads. The air conditioning sputtered and died. And the scenery? Well, it was beautiful, but you are not really going to remember any of it. Especially when you are on the bus.
Afternoon (Reflecting on the Absurdity of it All): As the bus limped on, I had a moment of clarity. This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, moments of culinary terror, and moments where I just wanted to go home. But, looking back, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was real. It was messy. It was me.
Late Afternoon (Goodbye, Vientiane Plaza Hotel): Arrived at my destination. Said goodbye to Vientiane – for now, anyways. And I was happy to be moving on. But, as I looked back at the Vientiane Plaza Hotel, I felt a strange twinge of something… It was probably just the noodles, but I will always remember it. And hey, at least the air conditioning worked, mostly.
Vientiane Plaza Hotel: Your Luxurious Lao Escape...Maybe? FAQs (Brutally Honest Edition)
Is this place *really* luxurious? I mean, pictures can be deceiving...
Okay, let's be real. "Luxurious" is a strong word. It's definitely *nice*. Think… posh-ish. The lobby is grand, the staff are lovely (most of the time – more on that later!), and the rooms are spacious. But does it scream "splurge-worthy indulgence"? Not necessarily. It feels more like a comfortable, well-appointed hotel with a touch of Lao flair (and a slightly dated aesthetic in some areas). I remember walking in and initially being like, "WOW!" But then I saw a slightly chipped tile in the bathroom, and my internal critic whispered, "Hmm, maybe *almost* luxurious?" You know? It's a solid choice, just don't expect pure, unadulterated opulence. Think slightly-less-than-perfectly-polished diamond. Still sparkly, just… got a little flea bite on it.
How are the rooms? Are they clean? Because, you know… hygiene is important.
The rooms are pretty good! I stayed in a deluxe room, which was huge. King-size bed? Check. Balcony overlooking… well, a street with some interesting views (sometimes a construction site, sometimes a bustling market – it depends!). The cleaning service was *mostly* on point. I did notice a rogue hair in the bathroom once. ONE. But hey, it's a hotel, not a sterile lab experiment. Overall, very clean. They provide those little shampoo bottles that are way too small – seriously, I have hair, people! Bring your own. And for the love of all that is holy, check *behind* the curtains for rogue dust bunnies. Just a tip. I'm a compulsive curtain inspector now... don't judge.
What’s the deal with the Wi-Fi? Because I need my internet fix.
The Wi-Fi…Ah, the Wi-Fi. Let's just say it's… variable. Sometimes it's blindingly fast, streaming HD videos with ease. Other times… well, you'll be staring at a spinning wheel of death while slowly losing your mind. I swear, one morning it took me a full *twenty* minutes to load a simple email. Twenty minutes! I almost threw my laptop out the window in a fit of internet rage. But then the lobby Wi-Fi was working great. So, if you're like me, and a slow internet connection drives you into a frothing frenzy, be prepared to wander around the hotel looking for a decent signal. Pro-tip: the bar is usually a pretty good bet. And, you know, a drink or two helps with the frustration.
How’s the food? I'm a foodie, and I need to know if I should lower my expectations…
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast buffet is… acceptable. Plenty of options, from the usual continental fare to some local dishes. The pho was pretty good, actually. But listen, don’t expect Michelin-star quality. It’s a solid breakfast to start your day, but not something to write home about. Now, the hotel restaurant… that's a whole other story. I ordered a steak one night – because, you know, I needed a taste of home. It arrived… well, let’s just say it wasn't exactly the perfect cut. It was a bit… tough. I gnawed at it for a while, then just left most of it. The fries were decent though! So, my advice is to venture out for your meals. Vientiane has some amazing restaurants. Go explore! Don't let my steak-induced trauma put you off, but brace yourself.
Is the location any good? Easy access to the sights?
The location is actually pretty darn good! It's centrally located without being *too* chaotic. You can easily walk to some of the main attractions, like the night market (a total sensory overload, by the way – in a good way!). Temples are within striking distance, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Tuk-tuks are readily available for anything further afield. Just… be prepared to haggle. Seriously. Haggle like your life depends on it. I got ripped off *once* because I didn’t. Never again. The only downside is that the area can get a little noisy at night, with the occasional motorbike race roaring down the street. But hey, that’s part of the charm of Laos, right?
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English?
Okay, this is where the hotel *mostly* shines. The staff? Generally, they're lovely. Really, genuinely friendly and helpful. Most of them speak English, and I found them extremely willing to assist with anything – from booking tours to offering recommendations. One of the bellhops, a guy named Mr. Sompong (I think… my memory’s terrible), was an absolute gem. He remembered my name, always greeted me with a huge smile, and even helped me find a specific kind of local coffee I was obsessed with. They're the heart of the place, really. Now, there was *one* incident… I needed to extend my stay, and the person at the front desk was a little… shall we say… less enthusiastic? It felt like I was inconveniencing them by asking for a room. But these things happen. Overall, the staff were great. Just embrace the occasional less-than-perfect interaction, and chalk it up to cultural differences? That is until you realize you're being scammed...
Are there any facilities? Like a pool or a gym?
Yes! Thankfully. There's a pool, which is a lifesaver in the Vientiane heat. It’s not Olympic size, but it's perfectly adequate for a refreshing dip. I spent a good chunk of my afternoons lazing by the pool, reading a book and sipping something cold. The gym is… well, it exists. I peeked in once. It had some basic equipment, but nothing to write home about. I’m not a huge gym person anyway, so it didn’t bother me. But if you're a fitness fanatic, you might be disappointed. Just do some push-ups in your room instead! That's what I did... or maybe I watched a movie... It's the idea that counts, right?
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Hmm… tough question. Would I *immediately* book it again? Maybe not. It's a solid choice, but it wouldn't be my *first* choice. There are probably other hotels in Vientiane that offer a bit more bang for your buck, or a slightly more… *wow* factor. But!World Of Lodging
