A true alternative to Amantaka

If a luxury brand has just been withdrawn, it may be a good time to stay there. Generally, the service will not decline significantly after the withdrawal, but the price is likely to be halved. - For example, we recently stayed at Phou Vao Hotel in Luang Prabang. Last year, it was still under the Belmond brand, and like Bulgari and White Horse Manor, it is also part of the LVMH Group. It is the first five-star hotel in Laos, and locals love this hotel. In their childhood (about 30-40 years ago), this was the only hotel with a swimming pool, and many locals were brought here to swim by their parents in the summer. Every time you take a tutu car, you can tell the driver to go to "Phou Vao" and he will understand immediately, but Amantaka may not. - The hotel's history dates back to 1970, when a small residence was built on Kite Mountain for the royal family. It later became the residence of the American ambassador. In 1991, it underwent a major renovation and became Phou Vao. - The central area of Luang Prabang is very small, and Phou Vao Hotel is in a very convenient location, just 5-8 minutes by car from the area around Mount Phousi. You can clearly see the pagoda on Mount Phousi from the hotel room. However, it is away from the bustling city center, and the entire resort is surrounded by tall trees. Therefore, the convenience and privacy are very good, and in Chinese ancient words, it is "a thatched cottage in a human environment, without the noise of cars and horses." The hotel will have a shuttle bus to take you to and from the night market in Luang Prabang for free. - Phou Vao Hotel has only 34 rooms. However, the hotel covers an area of 3.5 hectares, with two swimming pools, a bar, a restaurant, and a large garden. - The 34 rooms are divided into four types, starting with suites. Most rooms are about 55 square meters in size and have the same layout. The main difference is the view from the room's terrace. Garden view, mountain view, mountain view and pool view, and Phou Vao suite. The garden view room is still mainly designed in black wood "old money style", blending French and Lao local architectural styles, and is extremely simple and classical. The bathroom has no shower, only a bathtub. However, the bathtub design is really great. It is hollowed out from a whole piece of marble, and the depth is designed according to ergonomics. One end is designed with a height difference, which can fit the back when lying down. The bathtub style is very old-fashioned, and the staff said it is the oldest object in the entire room, and it will be kept every time it is renovated. - The hotel has only one restaurant, and breakfast is a la carte + buffet. The variety is not much, but each item is delicious. Phou Vao Hotel has a luxury longtail boat, where you can watch the sunset on the Mekong River. Similar services in Luang Prabang are only available at Amantaka. - Although the hotel has changed hands several times, the staff team has been basically retained, and even the old staff have worked for 30 years. The staff are very familiar with the hotel and can answer any obscure questions to satisfy your curiosity. - I have stayed at Amantaka and Phou Vao Hotel. Phou Vao Hotel is a true alternative to Amantaka. Except for the price, the two hotels are very similar.