Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane by IHG

The staff were, I'd say, the best I've come across in Vientiane. I loved the pool and how easy it was to get places from the hotel. We were able to wait by the pool for our 9pm flight after checking out last night, which made sense for us. It had only recently opened, so everything was clean and comfortable. The room was a bit smaller than at other hotels, but that's the Holiday Inn business model, so no complaints. Nothing was lacking.

The pool was the main letdown for me. It gets no direct sun, and even a little wind made it chilly. I had hoped to spend my last few days mixing sightseeing with a book, a cocktail, and some pool time, but that didn't really work out. I still think the hotel is nice and could recommend it, though I wish someone had mentioned the pool conditions since that was a big part of what I wanted. After three weeks of travel, the comfort of a five star hotel was welcome. I slept on the most comfortable bed of my trip, especially since beds in Asia are often harder than I prefer. The staff felt genuinely friendly, not forced. The free sauna by the gym was a nice touch, and breakfast was delicious. 3 Merchants at the Crowne Plaza was also really good for fine dining. For the price, though, the standard room seemed a little basic and generic. I would've liked more decoration and Asian character, but maybe that's what the usual guests prefer.

The bathroom was a pleasant surprise: no drain smell, and the water pressure was strong. The bedding and pillows were really comfortable too. This newly opened hotel had modern, brand new furnishings and was spotless, with staff who provided great service and a smile. Excellent stay, highly recommended.

We had a great stay and would happily recommend Holiday Inn and Suites. The reception staff deserve a special mention, especially In, who was so kind and professional. Our room was spacious and soundproof, with a super comfortable bed. The lobby is large and modern, and the hotel itself was built only a year ago, so it still feels brand new. It exceeded our expectations.