Vientiane

Beautifully restored family-owned 1930s French colonial mansion-hotel amid landscaped gardens, just a short stroll from the principal shopping and restaurant district. — Hideaway Report

Lovely French-era building lovingly reincarnated as a welcoming boutique hotel; think belle époque touches like glass tear lightshades, chequerboard-tiled floors, and softly lit simple rooms. — Lonely Planet

Not to be confused with various other 'city' hotels in the capital, the LV has a great location near the riverfront. — Lonely Planet

This guesthouse is in a very good location just behind the central fountain, for a very reasonable price. — Frommer's

This busy 142-room complex, occupying an entire block east of the Lao National Museum, boasts four-star rooms with views across the city. — Lonely Planet

On an island in the Mekong believed to be home to a powerful naga, this gargantuan monstrosity was built for the Asean conference in 2004. — Lonely Planet

Set in a quaint restored colonial home on a quiet side street, the Heritage Hotel offers teak-floored traditional rooms above a lovely peaceful garden. — Fodor's

You found it! The best riverside mini hotel in Vientiane. — Frommer's

Sparkling new with large, well-appointed rooms with plenty of space, high ceilings, and tasteful furnishings, this is an excellent midrange option. — Frommer's

An attractive property, set amid verdant gardens, Green Park Hotel offers a contemporary take on traditional Lao architecture. — DK Eyewitness

"Guesthouse" is a misnomer for this place, which is centrally located and offers nicer digs than many of the more expensive hotels in town. — Frommer's

A good budget choice in the middle of the action, this simple and clean guesthouse is located in an old twostory building. — DK Eyewitness

The rooms at RD (Relax & Dream away) hardly deserve the moniker, but they're clean enough, and enjoy TV, air-con and en suites. — Lonely Planet

Outside of the downtown area near Wat Si Muang (see p140), Villa Manoly is an old Colonial villa, now converted into a guesthouse. — DK Eyewitness

This friendly, well-run hotel is still first choice for volunteers working in Laos... Unless you’re planning a lengthy stay, when discounts may be available, you could probably find better value. — Rough Guide