Satri House

The Satri House is Luang Prabang's most exquisite and unusual property. The former residence of a prince, it has been refurbished and added onto and is now a set of French Colonial homes surrounded by gardens and pools. There isn't a normal hotel lobby, instead guests are ushered to a library which is decked out in colorful cushions and tapestry covered sofas. The owner is a collector of fine antiques from around the globe, and every area of the hotel is festooned with memorabilia from her travels. There are hundreds of antiques from statues to lacquerware boxes to opium pipes and old golf clubs gracing every nook and cranny. Free brandy carafes sit on the table. For lovers of aesthetic design, there are amazing lines and contours throughout the resort. Moorish-style windows peek out towards the pools and lush gardens and fine art paintings and photos of Lao ethnic minorities hang in the hallways, so that the hotel feels like a private museum with a refined and relaxed atmosphere. 

Satri House is in a perfect location away from the crowds in a residential neighborhood on a quiet street, yet is only a 10-minute walk from the night market and the beginning of the heritage zone of the old city, where there are hundreds of restaurants, bars, and shops. The area directly around the hotel doesn't have as many shops or places to eat, but the resort provides free bicycles for guests, plus a free shuttle to town for those who don't want to walk or pedal. It's about a 15- to 20-minute drive to the airport. 

There are 31 rooms at the Satri House, most of which are the entry level Deluxe, followed by Junior Suites, and the highest end Satri House Suite. All of the rooms are spacious, and have crafted wood furnishings including desks and cabinets, full length mirrors in wood frames, and polished wood or terracotta floors. Fine art paintings and photos of Lao ethnic minorities adorn the walls, and every room has a four-poster bed with mosquito netting that looks romantic. All rooms have silk bathrobes and slippers, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. There are no TVs or electric kettles as the hotel wants to keep modern devices limited, but they do have them for guests upon request. There is air-conditioning as well as ceiling fans. 

The Deluxe Rooms all have outdoor sitting terraces, while the Junior Suites have them only on the ground floor. Additionally, some of the Junior Suites come with twin beds as well as doubles. The palatial Satri House Suite has a sealed deck area separate from the room, filled with gorgeous antiques, and this room's minibar (with beer and whiskey) is completely free. The suites have bathtubs and separate rain showers, while the standard Deluxe rooms only have the rain shower. Rooms overlook the gardens or swimming pools. 

The Satri House restaurant serves fine French and Lao cuisine and is located in a charming house and terrace overlooking the pool and gardens. There is a Lao tasting menu, French gastronomic delights such as coq au vin, and a la carte entrees as well. Breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. The restaurant has a fine wine list, and for more drinks, guests can head over to the small outdoor bar, which sits at the far end of one of the pools, and has comfy sofas and chairs. The spa has a hot tub and plunge pool, and in addition to the indoor treatment areas, there is a lovely outdoor pavilion overlooking a garden pool. In addition, the resort has free bicycles for guests to use, plus a free shuttle service to town. Wi-Fi is also free throughout.