Villa Merry Lao-Swiss

View of Mt. Phousi from charming guesthouse

by boutiquegirl about Villa Merry Lao Swiss

I've gotten really spoilt using hotel points for 5-star accommodations, but the Villa Merry Lao Swiss guesthouse was a wonderful place. This guesthouse would probably rate around 3 stars, and at US$30 a night including breakfast, it's a great deal - friendly staff, nicely-appointed rooms with views of Mt. Phousi. There are cheaper guest houses - in the $10-$20 range and less, but this place is worth the "splurge" (at least by US standards). It's 5 minutes from the main strip (Sisavong Rd) in Luang Prabang, which is nice since you don't feel like you're in the middle of the touristy area. It is, however, directly across from the Hive bar - the "ultra-hip" bar in LPB, so be advised that the bar noise can be loud at night. (I found that this only added to the charm, and it was a cool bar...) You can rent bicycles from the hotel and other places around town for US$1/day - it's worth it, even though LPB is easy to navigate by foot.