Sofitel Luang Prabang

Reception & check-in for a 3-night family stay went well. Staff smiling, friendly and forthcoming, but could use a few more English courses. Booked “Garden Suites w. King Bed” which were close to the pool and the breakfast restaurant. The colonial era building are nice restored while maintain their ‘old’ character. Room was spacious with sumptuous king-size bed, and a very nice air conditioning system that cooled the room evenly and without a noticeable airflow. The toilet separate from the bathroom. The bathroom has a bathtub and a boxed shower. Finally a private 4 by 10 m garden and terrace. The outer ‘wall’ of the bathroom can be folded away, making it an open-air bathroom overlooking the private garden! Towels and bed linen generous in size and amount, and no stains or hairs. Rooms a bit dark, but with plenty of well-placed lighting. Many wall outlets, which is nice to recharge our many phone, video, and other batteries. Wardrobe is large but the in-room safety deposit box a bit small for all our audio-video & ICT gear. Breakfast in the garden in front of the restaurant was good (real freshly pressed orange juice!) and varied. Pool large enough and with clear water. Location a bit far from the city centre, but the hotel provides free bicycles (with helmet & lock). It is a very quiet place, and the large central garden has plenty of real birds (not in cages). Why ‘near'-perfect ? The toiled lacks the handy little shower head that is so widespread in Asia.