Comfortable « palatial » garden setting. Balcony breakfasts provided direct view to teeming life on the street. On route of alms-giving ritual. Walking access to almost every point of interest or drop-off point on our itinerary.

We stayed at the Villa Santi for five nights as part of a Far East holiday to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary, staff at reception were very welcoming and informed us we had been upgraded to a suite which was very spacious with a large bathroom, very clean and plenty toiletries. The building is of lovely French Colonial style and is a great central location, plenty restaurants and cafes near by. Easily within walking distance to night market, temples and other sights. Laos people very gentle and friendly. We visited the Santi Resort on the courtesy bus, lovely grounds and pool about 15 minutes drive out of Luang Prabang. Breakfast on the balcony overlooking the road was lovely, a great place to start your day and people watch, most people stopped to take photos of this beautiful building. Regarding the negative reports on the annex building, I cannot comment, only suggest requesting a suite and you won’t be disappointed. Thank you to the maids for the beautiful towel sculptures and petals on our bed, we thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Laos and hope to come back to explore more of this beautiful country. Pat and George

If you must stay here, avoid the annex! There are a few rooms in the main hotel which are large and gracious. Unfortunately, most of our group were assigned to an annex which was tired, to say the least. Our room was shabby and dark with worn furniture and one of the most uncomfortable beds we've ever slept in. The bathroom was grim -- poor lighting and wood paneling that looked none too clean. I've given the hotel two stars only because the staff was very attentive and gracious and because the hotel is well located.