Lonely Planet Review

Once the biggest hotel in Vientiane, this four-storey, 172-room colossus is part of the Accor group. McHotels to those who tire of the bland comfort, Novotel properties guarantee good value for money and the Belvedere is no exception, with international facilities at localish prices.

Novotel regulars will find the rooms familiar, with a four-star diet of air-con, satellite TV, minibar and little extras like a hairdryer in the bathroom and 24-hour Internet connection. There isn't exactly an abundance of local Lao colour in the rooms, leaving guests thinking they could be anywhere in the world, but for the high-flying business traveller (if any accidentally come to Laos), this might be exactly what they crave. The location is convenient to the airport, but so are most places in such a small town. It's not too far from the action for those who don't mind a 20-min walk to the centre. The courtyard swimming pool is worth a dip on a hot day, but the gym isn't exactly Asia's finest. A big breakfast buffet is included in the rates. Lower corporate rates are thrown around like confetti.