Sengkeo Hotel

The view from the two windows in my corner room was wide, and the fridge was large with pullout drawers and got cold once plugged in, though it was dirty inside and around the seal. The air conditioner worked well but looked like it badly needed cleaning. The bed was the hardest I've ever slept on, but I couldn't feel any springs, and there was a mattress pad that helped a little. Maintenance work was going on on the room floors. Communication at the front desk was difficult as an English speaker, and it took about half an hour just to understand the rate. I suggest paying in person instead of through a third party, because they may still ask for the temporary stay or room key deposit of 300,000 kip at check-in. You could end up having overpaid through the third party and still be out LAK until check-out, when the deposit is returned. The room menu was entirely in Laotian with no translation, so I had no idea what it was for. The bathroom left a lot to be desired. There was no toilet paper in my room, though the toilet's side sprayer had good pressure. There was a bathtub but no separate shower, only an extendable shower head that won't reach above your head unless you're short. The tub plumbing leaked, so water ran out and then through the floor drain. There was no shampoo, just two kinds of conditioner, but soap bars, toothbrushes with small toothpaste tubes, and tissues were set out at the entry table seating area. Soap scum covered the wall behind the shower, and the underside of the toilet seat had plenty of mildew. I took the seat off and cleaned filth that looked as if it had built up for years between the seat and bowl. Hopefully the ongoing room work includes replacing old toilet seats or properly cleaning the parts that need special attention. I was on the fifth floor and had no water pressure trouble, so the issue mentioned in a review from six years earlier seems resolved. Still, even with the heater turned all the way up, the tub water felt only a little warmer than lukewarm once filled. I filled it with hot water only, which seemed to come out merely warm. Breakfast was okay, with cold sausages alongside fried eggs, an orange drink, instant coffee and water. There were about eight photos to choose from for the included breakfast.

I came in expecting less, but after a week here I felt the hotel had exceeded my expectations. The staff were attentive and helpful, with Laotian hospitality at its best. Their English may be limited, but technology can help with that. On our first day they served pork at breakfast; when they learned many guests at the time were Muslim, the kitchen quickly made a separate pork-free batch for that day and offered chicken for the rest of our stay. The room and building were clean, and housekeeping came each morning after breakfast to clean and replenish supplies. They brought fresh towels, two bottles of water and bathroom amenities every day, though the bed linen wasn't changed during our stay. They provide bar soap rather than liquid soap. There was no minibar, and not every room has a kettle, so you may need to ask for one. No iron was in the room either, but there was one on each floor for shared use. Sengkeo has two buildings. The older one at the front has no elevator, while the newer building is behind it, has an elevator, and can be reached by car from the side. Room doors use manual keys, with a key card to turn on the electricity. My room was spacious, with a king-sized bed, cable TV, refrigerator, coffee table set, dressing table and cupboard. The bathroom was roomy too, with hot water. Wi-Fi was free and the connection was good. Breakfast was decent and delicious, with enough to start the day, though there wasn't much variety. There was bread, congee or soup, rice, vegetables, pork or chicken, eggs and fruit, plus self-service instant coffee, tea and orange juice. The hotel is a little far from downtown, but right by the Convention Center. Museums, a mall, a few cafes and restaurants are nearby. I booked through a third party and arrived at night. The receptionist had my room key ready, and check-in was smooth: I only had to show my passport, and no deposit was required.

The rooms are very large, and mine even had a bathtub. Staff were nice, though not especially engaging. Breakfast was missed on one of our days for reasons I don't know, and on another occasion I came down at 09:15 only to be told they'd stopped serving already. For getting around, there are bus stops on the main street that show up on maps me but not Google Maps. A proper large bus comes every 15 minutes and goes downtown or to the northern bus terminal, with tickets at 6000 KIP each. We bargained tuk-tuks to around 40 000 KIP per person to the city center and 30 000 KIP per person to the southern bus terminal. Rimping supermarket nearby is worth a visit if you want lots of western foods.

The food was really good and inexpensive, and the huge rooms were clean. This seems to have just reopened after COVID. I was doubtful since there weren't many reviews, but it impressed me a lot and went beyond what I expected. A real find for travelers who also work remotely. I'd definitely recommend coming here, and my standards are high.