Lonely Planet Review

About as central as it gets, this relative newcomer looks a little bland on the outside, but venture through to the lush inner courtyard and you'll see you've stumbled onto a real gem. The smart rooms include elaborate wooden beds, hot water and satellite TV, and breakfast is thrown in for free.

There are 14 rooms in the main building at the front, a tall, skinny-style structure that is so popular with budget pads in Bangkok and Saigon. Much more atmospheric are the rooms in the two-storey building at the back, set around a well-manicured courtyard garden. As well as the elaborately carved beds, most rooms feature liberal swathes of Lao silk. These small touches set it apart from the competing crowd along this strip. The friendly staff are all helpful and eager to please. Breakfast is taken in the courtyard each day and at this sort of value it is well worth booking ahead. It is extremely close to the popular Nam Phu fountain, the heart of the city.