Pha That Luang

Staff were standoffish

Right in the middle of the riverfront, this French colonial–style gem is one of my favorite hotels anywhere. The courtyard and pool are stunning, and most rooms come with big balconies overlooking the peaceful setting. Evenings are a treat too—their drink menu is surprisingly sophisticated for Laos and makes winding down after a day of exploring even better.

We recently stayed at Aaron Hotel in Laos and, overall, had a pleasant experience, but there are several areas that could greatly improve the guest experience. The staff were always kind, friendly, and willing to help, which we truly appreciated. Unfortunately, the hotel's housekeeping did not match the same standard. We had to repeatedly request that our bathroom be cleaned, and even then, only the bare minimum seemed to be done. Our initial room also had drain flies and a water leak in the bathroom. Thankfully, the staff accommodated our request to change rooms, and the second room was much better maintained. The property itself is in need of renovation, upgrades, and a thorough deep cleaning. With some investment and attention to detail, the hotel could be transformed into a much more inviting place to stay. As a family traveling with children, one aspect we found disappointing was the noticeable presence of multiple ladies of the night around the hotel. Families should not have to see or hear activities associated with that type of atmosphere, as it takes away from what could otherwise be a comfortable family-friendly stay. The breakfast was adequate but lacked variety and creativity. Additionally, the swimming pool was brown when we arrived, although it was cleaned and properly maintained a few days later. Overall, Aaron Hotel has good potential. The friendly staff are one of its greatest strengths, but the property would benefit tremendously from some TLC.