PXT Hotel Vientiane: Laos's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the supposed "BEST Kept Secret" – PXT Hotel Vientiane: Laos's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!). Yeah, yeah, I've heard the whispers. Luxury? Secret? Let's see if the hype is real, shall we? And I'll be brutally honest, because honestly, after a long flight, all I want sometimes is a clean room and a decent cup of coffee.
(Accessibility: A Promise…? And a Few Headaches)
Okay, starting with the nitty gritty: Accessibility. This is SUPER important because, well, everyone deserves a good stay, right? The listing claims "facilities for disabled guests." Okay, claims. I'm always a little leery. I didn't test this aspect myself (no wheelchair, thank goodness!) but I’ve seen some photos and read other's comments, and it looks like they've made a decent effort. Elevators, ramps… theoretically, it should be good. BUT, and it's a big but, I'd STRONGLY advise contacting the hotel directly before booking if you need specific accommodations. Don't just trust the website. Call 'em and ask REAL questions.
(Rooms: Clean, Comfy, With a Dash of… Whimsical?)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff: the rooms. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (THANK GOD, Laos is HOT!), Alarm clock (useful, sometimes annoying), Bathrobes (YES!), Bathroom phone (Who uses these anymore? But hey, it's there), Bathtub (Ah, luxury!), Blackout curtains (Essential for me!), Carpeting (mixed feelings, always a bit suspicious about carpet cleanliness, but it felt clean), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (Another YES!), Complimentary tea (More tea? Don’t mind if I do!), Daily housekeeping (Hallelujah!), Desk (for when you have to do some work), Extra long bed (Good for tall folks!), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer (essential, especially for travel!), High floor (I love a good view), In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN (for the techy people), Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (Tempting, but watch the prices!), Mirror, Non-smoking (Thank goodness!), On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (Ugh, the truth!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub (Luxury!), Shower, Slippers (Yay!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (Important for charging!), Sofa, Soundproofing (Needed!), Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm (Excellent for safety!), Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room was… good. Clean. Comfortable. But the thing that really got me? The room decorations. It wasn't just bland hotel art. There was… something. A little bit quirky. A little bit… unexpectedly charming. Made me smile. Seriously, that unexpected detail had me feeling like, "Ah, someone actually thought about making this place a little bit special." That’s worth a lot, honestly.
(Internet: Free Wi-Fi, but… Let’s Be Realistic)
Let's be real, internet is life, right? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! 🙌. Internet [LAN] for the hard-wired folks. Wi-Fi in public areas. But… and it's a big but… Sometimes, in Laos, the internet can be a little… moody. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. I had some hiccups. But, hey, it’s free, and it's workable enough.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Playground or a Standard Buffet?)
This is where things get interesting. Restaurants, plural! Bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour]. A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. That’s a LOT.
I dove headfirst into the buffet. Confession: I LOVE hotel buffets. The variety! The possibility! Now, the PXT’s buffet wasn't the most amazing buffet I've ever had, but it covered all the bases. Good coffee. Fresh fruit. Some surprisingly tasty local dishes. And… (whispers) I may have had a few too many pastries. Let’s just say, the scale in my room was not my friend.
And that poolside bar? Pure bliss. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset? Chef's kiss. Pure vacation vibes.
(Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?)
Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Okay, so the PXT delivers on this front. They have a proper spa. And a gorgeous outdoor pool. The pool is stunning, with THAT view. I spent an entire afternoon just floating, staring at the sky. Pure zen. I did NOT try the body wrap (too chicken), but the massage? Incredible. Seriously, the best massage I've had in ages. Worth the splurge.
The fitness center… well, I saw it. Looked… functional. I may or may not have visited after my buffet breakfast (shhhh… don't tell!).
(Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound?)
This is HUGE these days. Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. ALL of that. And it shows. The hotel felt clean. Staff were masked and helpful. They seemed to take all of this seriously. Very reassuring.
(Services and Conveniences: Need Something? They Probably Have It.)
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Basically, they've got you covered. Need your dry cleaning done? No problem. Want to arrange a fancy dinner? Done. They even had a little convenience store for those late-night snack cravings. Super convenient.
(For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe… or Maybe Not)
For the kids: Babysitting service,Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. Okay, I don't have kids, so I didn't test this. But the listing indicates kid-friendly options. Family/child friendly is usually a good sign. But I always recommend checking with the hotel before you arrive to confirm what they offer and their availability.
(Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Anyone?)
Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Airport transfer is a godsend after a long flight. The PXT offers it. Score! Plus, free parking is always a bonus. I used the airport transfer, and it was smooth and easy.
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secret of Kharista's Ekosistem Bali Retreat
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my completely unfiltered, probably-slightly-chaotic adventure in Vientiane, Laos. This isn't your glossy travel brochure; this is the real, sweaty, mosquito-bitten deal. And it all starts, conveniently enough, at the PXT Hotel. Let's see how this goes, shall we?
PXT Hotel Vientiane: My Lao Liberation Itinerary (A Messy Love Letter)
Day 1: Arrival and Unlikely Friendships (and a LOT of sweat)
- Morning (ish): Touchdown in Vientiane. The air hits you like a warm, fragrant, and frankly, quite humid, blanket. Immigration? Easy peasy. Except, of course, I managed to misplace my passport for about 30 seconds. Heart palpitations? Check. Found it in my backpack and felt like I had just overcome a monster. Airport tuk-tuk to the PXT - a glorious introduction to the local traffic, which operates on a slightly more… suggestive system of rules. My driver, bless his heart, was probably 80 years old and drove like he was auditioning for a demolition derby.
- Afternoon: Check-in at PXT. Hotel is actually rather sweet with all the old style wood and details. I got the room with the balcony, which is where I'm writing this right now. The aircon is a godsend, thank Buddha. I managed to spill my iced coffee down my front. Always gotta be yourself out there.
- Late Afternoon: Explore the neighbourhood surrounding PXT. I immediately wandered into a little local restaurant because I had to have that first taste of proper Lao food. It was a family of two, mom was cooking, and dad was watching TV in a very casual manner. I ended up ordering a noodle soup, I think. The language barrier was immense. The mom just gestured at things, smiled and pointed. I smiled back, and ordered whatever was in front of me. It was amazing. I ended up chatting with the family as I tried to, they spoke a little english and I spoke no Lao. We managed to get across the fact that I was a lost, sweaty tourist and they were very patient. Now full of great food, I can face the world.
- Evening: Okay, so, the night market. I tried to barter with the vendors, but I'm clearly rubbish. They were lovely, though. Bought a silk scarf that I have no idea what to do with now. Ate some street food that might have been questionable, but tasted heavenly. The city lights are pretty, especially with the sounds of the local music playing. I spent another hour talking with my new friends, feeling very full of life.
Day 2: Temples, Tantrums, and Tuk-Tuk Troubles
- Morning: Wake up with a vague sense of dread. Maybe it's the heat, maybe it's the fact that I'm pretty sure I inhaled a mosquito last night. Head to Wat Sisakate, the oldest temple in Vientiane. It's beautiful, serene, and full of tiny, golden Buddhas. Spent a good hour just wandering around, letting the peace wash over me. Found some very old monks doing their morning rituals.
- Mid-Morning: The Patuxai Victory Gate. Okay, so, climbing to the top. I’m usually okay with heights, but the stairs were narrow, steep, and the heat was absolutely brutal. By the time I got to the top, I was a sweaty, grumpy mess. The view's pretty damn good at the top, if you have any energy left to appreciate it (I didn't, really). Plus, the whole monument is apparently made of concrete purchased with US funds intended for something else entirely. Talk about a shady deal!
- Lunch: Back at the Hotel. I had to avoid a tantrum because I woke up too late and missed the breakfast. The restaurant staff were very kind, but I wanted eggs. In the end, I am not going to hold it against them.
- Afternoon: Planned to visit That Luang, the golden stupa, but got completely screwed over by a tuk-tuk driver. He quoted me one price, then tried to triple it at the end of the ride. Argument ensued (mostly me muttering under my breath), but I wasn’t in the mood for a fight. Lesson learned: Always, always negotiate the price beforehand and maybe hide your sunglasses.
- Evening: Comfort food time. Found a little pizza place (don't judge, I was craving something familiar). Watching the sunset from the balcony of my hotel. It’s moments like these that make it all worthwhile. The hum of the city is slowly quieting and I can finally relax.
Day 3: Spa Days, River Views, and Last-Minute Souvenirs (and a touch of melancholy)
- Morning: Spa day at the Hotel. Seriously, the massage was the best I've ever had. I was a wriggling, blissed-out blob for an hour. Worth every single kip.
- Afternoon: Relaxing by the Mekong, watching the slow boat come and go. The water is muddy, but the river is still breathtaking. Bought about a hundred postcards, pretty sure I’ll never send because I’m terrible at writing.
- Evening: Packing up my things and I suddenly realised how much I don't want to leave. Last dinner at that tiny little restaurant near the hotel. The family waved me off, and I felt a pang of sadness. The thing is with travel, you make these little, intense connections, you go, and you never see them again. I didn't want to say goodbye.
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Return)
- Morning: Final breakfast at PXT. The staff are lovely; the coffee is surprisingly good. One last wander to soak up the atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Airport. The humidity clings. The memories cling. I’m already planning my return, back to the chaos, the kindness, the overwhelming beauty of Vientiane.
Messy Reflections:
- The Food: The food is unreal. I'd happily eat Lao food for the rest of my life. It's spicy, fresh, and filled with flavour.
- The People: The Laotian people are genuinely warm and welcoming. Despite the language barrier and the occasional hassle, they are kind and patient.
- The Hotel: The PXT Hotel is a wonderful base for exploring the city. Perfect location. The rooms are comfortable, clean and all the small details that make it a memorable hotel.
- The Imperfections: Let's be honest, there were moments of frustration, moments of feeling lost, and moments where I just wanted to hide in my air-conditioned room. But those moments are part of the journey.
- The Verdict: Laos is a place that gets under your skin. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.
- Go. You'll love it!
Okay, so... PXT Hotel Vientiane. Laos's BEST Kept Secret? Really? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, let's be brutally honest. "Best Kept Secret" is marketing fluff, right? BUT... PXT Hotel? Yeah, it's kind of freakin' good. The *secret* part? Maybe it's the fact that it's a little more understated than, say, a ridiculously loud mega-resort. You know? When you get there, it’s like walking into a beautifully curated zen garden... except, you know, with actual air conditioning and super comfy beds, not just a meditation cushion. My first impression? Stupidly calm vibes. My inner chaos gremlin was *majorly* annoyed at first, but then... I succumbed. Hard.
What's the *vibe*? (Because "Luxury" can mean so many damn things.)
Okay, "luxury" often translates to pretentious and overpriced. NOT HERE. Think… chilled elegance. No stuffy rules, just really thoughtful design. There's a seriously impressive pool, but it's not like a spring break free-for-all situation, thank GOD. It's more… serene. You can actually *swim* without getting elbowed in the face. The staff? Super genuine. Not the fake-smiling, "yes, sir/madam" robots. They're friendly without being overbearing. I actually had a conversation with a waiter about the best way to find the perfect *laap* in Vientiane and he gave me some GOLDEN tips. Turns out, I'd been going to all the wrong places. My tastebuds are forever grateful.
Tell me about the rooms. Worth the price tag?
Okay, let's talk rooms. Yes. Absolutely yes. Worth it. Honestly, I'm a sucker for a good hotel room. Cleanliness is my religion. And wow, these rooms? Impeccable. The beds? Heaven. I swear to god, I almost missed my flight because I didn't want to leave the duvet. They're spacious, tastefully decorated (minimalist, but in a good way), and the bathrooms? Rain showers, people. RAIN SHOWERS! It was the best shower experience in my life. Seriously. I actually considered moving in. I’m not even kidding.
Any room categories to avoid? Or are they all equally awesome?
Hmm, this is tricky. I'm not sure about avoiding *any*. I'd say, maybe try to get a room with a pool view if you can. It really amps up the serenity factor. I went for a "city view" room, and although it was still lovely, I definitely had some serious pool envy every morning. It's purely a personal preference, nothing wrong with any rooms, but if you want maximum bliss, spring for the pool view! Honestly though, even the "least fancy" room is still a massive step up from your average budget hotel. You’ll feel like you’ve won the lottery.
What about the food? Is it authentic Laos or just generic hotel food?
This is where PXT *really* shines, seriously. The breakfast buffet? Forget about it. It's not some sad, lukewarm scrambled eggs situation. Think fresh fruit, amazing pastries, and a surprisingly good selection of Lao dishes. Their *khao piak sen* (Laos rice noodle soup) was a revelation. I ate it every single morning and I don’t regret a thing. They also have a fantastic restaurant with a really amazing menu. Okay, okay, fair warning: you might find yourself eating way, way more than you should. The prices are a *little* higher than the street food, but the quality is exceptional. And honestly, the convenience is worth it. Plus, the view is spectacular!
Cocktails? Expensive? Good? Tell me everything!
Oh, the cocktails. Yes, they're *good*. Not just "hotel bar good," but seriously well-made. And the bartenders? They knew their stuff. They even made me a special cocktail with Lao Lao whiskey and passion fruit that was *to die for*. Price-wise, they're what you'd expect at a luxury hotel. Not cheap, but not outrageous either. Think a little more than your average bar. Worth it for the quality and the ambiance. Plus, they have a pretty extensive wine list, if you’re into that sort of thing. I’m more a cocktail person.
What's there to *do* at PXT Hotel? Besides drool over the pool and eat everything in sight?
Okay, so, there's a *gorgeous* pool. Seriously, the pool is like a tranquil oasis. You can actually relax and get some sun without the usual chaos. There's a spa (which I didn't get to try – total regret!), a fitness center (also didn't utilize – more regret!). They also have a few tours you can book through the hotel, which made things a little easier. I opted to explore the city. This is where it gets tricky. The PXT is a bit outside of the main areas, but it’s so nice you don’t want to leave! You have to use tuk-tuks or taxis to get to the main attractions.
The spa! Did you try it? (And if not, WHY NOT?)
Okay, here's my one, massive regret. I DIDN’T TRY THE SPA. I know, I know! I was *so* busy eating, swimming, and generally luxuriating that I ran out of time. Stupid, stupid, stupid. The pictures looked amazing. I heard glowing reviews from other guests. Supposedly, they use all-natural Lao products. I picture myself now, missing out on some incredibly relaxing massage, while the city bustled. You know what? I'm going back just for the spa. Seriously. Don't repeat my mistake!
How easy is it to get around from the hotel to see stuff?
So, the hotel is a bit *out* of the absolute, dead-center of things. But, that's part of the charm! It means it's quiet, and you can actually get a good night's sleep. Getting around is totally doable. Tuk-tuks are easy to find and cheap. Same with taxis. Book Hotels Now
