Soulinsouk Hotel

A good budget option, conveniently located near the bus terminal.

The hot water never worked, and the heater seemed to be there just for show. Noise was another problem: neighbors played music loudly until the early hours on a Wednesday. I asked to switch rooms and was told the only available option cost more than twice as much. I could see keys still hanging on the back wall, so I asked if there was another choice. Eventually he offered one for a little more than I was paying. Fine, I thought, until we started arranging the move and he said I’d have to pay for both rooms. Not okay. This is the worst hotel I’ve stayed in since arriving in Laos. I’ve been in places where cleanliness was questionable and you wondered whether you’d wake up with bedbugs, and I’d still choose those over this one. I wouldn’t recommend it unless sleepless nights and terrible service are your thing.

There’s a cheap-eats market nearby, plus a 7/11, which came in handy. An exchange place is right across the road, and the bus station is just a five-minute walk away. The Thai consulate is about a 20-minute walk, so this worked well for my embassy run. I paid 120,000 kip or 300 baht a night for a standard room. It was a good size, with a desk and fridge. The AC worked well, and the Wi-Fi was okay, though it kept cutting out at times. When the connection was stable, it worked well. For the price, I couldn’t fault it. The staff were friendly, and they kept the room clean. I’d stay again. Thanks.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was included. It’s a nicely laid out boutique hotel with a cultural feel inside, in a convenient spot for visa runs. The price is competitive, and I’d recommend it.