Luang Prabang, home to 32 wats and hundreds of low slung guest houses nestled into the thick foliage lining the banks of the Mekong, appears at 1st glance to cater to the backpacker crowd. Travel a handful of blocks toward the lofty mountains looming more than the town, even so, to uncover hidden luxury in an unlikely placethe old colonial prison. is a vision of contrasts, blending the austere lines of the prison walls with soft touches to sooth the soul.
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage website of , the new hotel, like any other property inside the protected zone, need to adhere to strict requirements to preserve the original architecture and constructing materials. Working inside these constraints has led to some intriguing compromises, such as a temporary lack of signage outside the property due to some regulatory snafu. This has led to an unintended feeling of extreme exclusivity given that there is no indication whatsoever as to what the chiang mai hotels site presently is.
The restrictions do not extend to the high-ceilinged guest rooms, most of which have a exclusive indoor-outdoor bath that can be closed off if desired, or opened to a private garden for al fresco bathing in a glass-enclosed shower or large tub. The bed is sumptuously restful with high-thread count linens and bed-net suspended more than a sturdy frame. Dark furniture stands starkly against white, unadorned walls, resulting in a clean, if somewhat ascetic look, softened by the natural scene from chiang rai resort chiang rai hotels huge glass doors top to the garden. The four corner rooms every single have a tiny outdoor pool in the private garden location. Gates cloaked in foliage can give passage among adjacent gardens for groups traveling together.
The hotel, which has variously served as a fort, prison and governors mansion, is set inside the original high walls of the compound, with guest rooms set up about the inside perimeter. The vast central space has been left open to a big garden, flanked on either side by a swimming pool and reflecting pool. At the far finish of the property is a tiny restaurant situated in the Sabai Library Lounge, and behind that is another little courtyard where the spa is located. A big creating constructed in a classic long-residence style initially housed the restaurant. According to Greg Seddon, Director of Sales and Marketing and advertising, The guests voted with their feet, choosing to take their meals in the library or patio, so the restaurant is now located there. The original restaurant space is in transition, possibly to be used for meeting space or other purposes.
Food at the restaurantis expertly ready and seasoned, whether or not western style scrambled eggs with hashed potatoes, grilled tomato and fresh pastries, to regional specialties such as steamed fish with sticky rice. An impressive array of wines imported from Europe, North and South America and Australia lines 1 wall of the library in a glass case. Cooking classes are available on-web site, offered by the executive chef, Chef Somroj in an outdoor Lao kitchen.
Amenities at the hotel include spa, bicycles and gift shop. The spa facilities offer a full range of solutions such as massage, reflexology, manicure and pedicure. Bicycles are supplied at no charge for guest use, which is useful as the property is situated just outside of the tourist core, a short, level ride away. A modest gift shop is situated close to the front entrance, with some fine examples of Lao handicraft. There is no company center but there is free of charge Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public spaces. The staff in the reception region is able to print documents that are emailed to them or offered on a flash drive.
The beneficial and courteous staff speaks sufficient English to allow simple communication though this is an location the facility is working to boost. The staff is also able to assist with organizing nearby activities, from Mekong River cruises to elephant rides.
Hotel de la Paix is a luxury hotel with a distinctive heritage, located in a town rich in cultural history. The hotel provides a comfortable and relaxing house base for narathiwat resort narathiwat hotels exploring the town and surrounding region.
Click on slide show at left to see pictures of Hotel de la Paix.
Details:
Hotel de la Paix
Unit four/Ban Mano,
Old Prison Road
Luang Prabang, 0600,
Lao, P.D.R.
Telephone: 856-71-260-777
Email:
Obtaining There:
Flights to Luang Prabang, Laos are obtainable from Bangkok (Thailand), Hanoi (Vietnam) and other regional locations on()
Hotel de la Paix offers complimentary airport pickup