I booked a room for 3 nights at the Sala Prabang in February 2008. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my reservations nearly a month before I was to arrive in Laos.

Upon returning home from my trip to Cambodia, I found that I had been billed for the entire 3 nights--with the hotel insisting that I was told of their "cancellation policy"...and now am filing the disputed claim with my credit card company.

Beware!!!

This place is a little gem, stunning room, fantastic staff and great location overlooking the Mekong River. I really could not fault it at all; the only thing I would ask them would be to add at least one more computer terminal in the lobby because currently there is only one and if someone is sitting on it for hours you can't get on; and add wi-fi so people can use their laptops. However, this isn't important and there are stacks of local internet cafes. The room was spotlessly clean and really beautifully designed; a large bed, air-con, hairdryer, lovely lounging chair by the french doors which open on to a courtyard. Breakfast not included but lots of places nearby to eat. Lovely crisp white sheets and great pillows. No minibar but you really do not need one, no TV, bliss - you really don't need a TV in Luang Prabang, its beautiful and so much to see. The bathroom was lovely and had everything you need. We had been travelling for almost 6 months when we reached this place and it is such a peaceful relaxing get away, we absolutely loved it and hope to go back there one day. Laos is a lovely country and great for some down time after Vietnam. Hardly any traffic on the roads and a much slower pace. Make sure to get up early at 6am to see the monks collecting alms, it is worth it. You are okay to take photos of them. Go to Jo Ma Bakery for a great breakfast or lunch. Aroma Spa for $6 1 hour fabulous massages and great pedicures! Just chill out, relax and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. It is very easy to buy toiletries, Pantene and Dove shampoos and conditioner, Nivea body cream and Nivea sun lotions (usually factor 15 and upwards only) in Luang Prabang so you don't need to stock up before travelling and drag it all with you as you can buy it all there. Do use sun lotion at all times as the sun is very strong here and you will burn without protection. Great food and bottled water so don't worry about stomach upsets, we had no problems at all. Good to carry a hand sanitiser with you just in case; especially if you want to eat street foods from the market; we did and we were fine.

Totally overpriced. when the main building is full up, they stick you in one of the 2 annexes up the road. rooms are very poor and price high. AVOID! personal were very pleasant and helpful; breakfast was good.

This is the second time we have stayed at the Sala Prabang and both time we haev been very happy there. Clean rooms, interesting decor, and great location. The breakfast is only OK, but the location on the banks of the Mekong is the perfect place to start the day.

Sure enough the ground floor rooms at the front might be a bit noisey but other wise this is a good place.