Lane Xang Hotel - Vientiane
Background
Lane Xang Hotel is a government owned hotel in the centre of Vientiane. The location of this hotel is first class across from the main square and also close to good restaurants and a lot of the sights of Ventianne are within walking distance.
The hotel has a pool, gym and relaxation centre where you can get traditional Laos massage.
The hotel would be one of the older in Ventianne and has a certain communist charm to it. One of the times I was there the hotel was playing host to a North Korean delegation. If only Kim Jong Il was there, I could have asked for his autograph. But alas Kim wouldn't be seen dead in a hotel like this.
One thing I love about this place is the security guards salute you as you are leaving and returning to the hotel -however I noticed they were doing it less the last time I was there.
Price
The cost of a night in a double room was about US$22. Unfortunately the Lane Xang has seen better days despite a recent upgrade to the bathrooms it is decidedly tired. Other hotels have caught up and passed the Lane Zang and really the main reason to stay there is to use the swimming pool. But the thing is, you can pay US$2 to use the pool anyway.
Verdict
The hotel is not without its charm - reminds me of Prague 1986 but you are probably better finding something else and paying to use their pool.
Here is a link to the hotel website http://www.lane-xang.com/
