Luang Prabang is a popular place, and room rates are going up quite fast so I was happy with the US$35 a night rate for a double room at the Senesouk Guesthouse.

Things I liked - the driver at the airport ready to meet us. However, it wasn't a car or taxi, but a large tuk tuk! Still a good start.

Check in was very quick - infact there was no form filling at all - just straight up to the room. The room was quite big, with double bed, fridge with free bottled water, air con, TV with some cable channels such as BBC and a movie channel, plus Thai ones showing UK football and a double bed. I had an upstairs room (number 12) which is at the front and shares a balcony with other rooms. While it is one balcony, the space between rooms is separated by plants, and you have your own outside chairs and small table.

The bathroom had hot water and an ok shower, although it is Thai / Laos style - in that the floor is flooded everytime you shower. While there was a shower curtain it was probably at least a year old and needed replacing.

While the room was generally fine, and there was daily cleaning, new water bottles and fresh towels, the whole place could have done with a good dusting!

What I liked about the place was the balcony and being able to watch life go by. The place is on the main road, but the town is still not that noisy, and you are about 10 minutes walk from the main shops and restaurants. There is also free coffee in reception.

One small problem when I checked out. They tried to charge me US$40 a night saying the room rate had gone up. I had an email from them confirming US$35 a night so they agreed to that price.

I would stay again, although there are plenty of options in town.