Six-star service

“I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels, and have never experienced service at the level of what I experienced at the Apsara River Droit. Mr. Han and the rest of the staff will go above and beyond – and even further – to ensure that you have an amazing time in Luang Prabang. I stayed at the hotel from 28 April to 2 May, and was a solo traveler.

An example: when I wanted to go to fabric village Ban Xieng Man at 1 pm in sweltering 37 degree weather, and the hotel couldn’t find a tuk tuk, they dispatched one of the hotel workers to take me for a 10-minute motorbike ride there.

Another example: I left my chargers in my hotel room, and the receptionist drove to the airport terminal so that I could have them before my flight.

The rooms are spacious and have every expected amenity (coffee, tea, hair dryer), but the real standout is the balcony. It has both two chairs and a daybed; it was great to sit on the daybed during the extremely hot afternoons. I would highly recommend the second-floor river view rooms; I stayed in room three. I had great views of the garden, the pool and the Nam Khan river.

The breakfast was also very generous; the highlight was the three fresh jams (papaya, pineapple and mango).

As for the river, it’s very easy to call the boat back and forth across the river. It’s a 1 minute ride, and I never had to wait. Just as a warning – the stairs on the Luang Prabang side can be quite steep. And be prepared to climb stairs! (Not just at this hotel, but throughout the city).

If I had to suggest anything for this hotel – and it would be minor – it would be to have mosquito spray available in rooms! The mosquitos throughout Luang Prabang are vicious, and I would have spent a lot more time on the balcony if it had been readily available. Although, on second thought, I’m sure it would have been readily available had I asked.”