Le Grand Pakbeng

This was our accommodation only for 1 night in between boat cruising to Luang Prabang. We arrived around sundown by van with others from our boat and I happened to be first to the desk to check in, up some rather steep stairs. The manager just stared at me (no greeting) as I handed him my passport. Without a word, he made a copy, shoved a paper for me to sign and a key while another staff member was taking others' passports over my shoulder. When I asked which way to our room, he vaguely pointed to the right without looking up. He offered no additional instructions as one usually receives when checking in, no help with luggage, nothing. I asked if he had a map of the grounds and he said no. Luckily a bellman saw us struggling with a suitcase and showed us to our bungalow, which was on the lower level, down a steep, uneven, gravelly road. As we were headed there I noticed that the restaurant was at the top of another rather long and steep hill from the check in area and asked if we had to now walk back up two steep hills to dinner. He said we could call the front desk for a ride when we were ready. Our room was lovely and spacious. A/C was cool. The shower hot water ran cold after 10 mins but after waiting for about 20 mins it was back to hot again for a second shower. We got settled in a bit and were ready for dinner. We called for a ride and waited 15 mins...no one showed up, so we walked and were winded, sweaty, and pissed when we arrived to dinner. Dinner was a buffet, it was ok. We stopped by the office on the way back to our room to ask about luggage pick up in the morning. The manager that I encountered earlier was now very pleasant and smiling and happy to pick up our luggage. He also had someone give us a ride back that night. I don't know, jobs are stressful, but I feel like checking in groups of people coming of these cruising boats is probably pretty routine. The next day we were picked up along with our luggage, dropped off at breakfast and headed back to our boat.

The views from our room overlooking the river was lovely. The pool was okay and pretty cold. However it was let down by poor quality food. The dinner was a buffet and mediocre at best and the breakfast not a lot better. The staff were not particularly friendly.

Check in is quick with a welcome drink and a cold towel. We had a cabin just by the main arrival parking and it was well places, other guests complained about the hill lower down towards the river and issue with getting a buggy to collect them. The room is massive with Aircon and a ceiling fan, but there's no in room safe. The wet room shower space is glorious, although we had issues getting the water temperature right as it was too hot to be comfortable at times. We arrived just as the sun had set and didn't have time to use the pool. Our dinner was included with our package and it was ok, a buffet style. The ala carte menu was priced in dollars and looked expensive all things considered. If your boat leaves early, breakfast started at 6:30 so we could have a reasonable meal before rejoining our cruise. With hindsight 2 nights would have been better than just 1.

The hotel has a great location at a midpoint on the Mekong from the Thai border crossing and Luang Prabang . It’s a good choice from those available with comfortable rooms , aircon , beds and decent shower . If occupancy allowed it could benefit from some investment to raise the levels a notch . The pool has great views of the river and sunset .. but it isn’t heated so even in the hot afternoon it was pretty bracing The food and drink selection could be improved . Our best course was a noodle soup breakfast but the evening set meal was fairly lacking in taste or imagination and could be so much better . Our boat that brought us to the hotel had home cooked Lao food showing what can be provided from a cuisine where simple fresh ingredients are brought to life

The hotel is very beautiful, so romantic for the couple. Nice view from the pool. The room is big, high ceiling, comfy bed. Good water pressure. The atmosphere is very nice, stunning view over looking Mekong river. Staffs are very helpful. Good flavorful food. Highly recommended

Amazing. Pictures are not fully capturing the beauty of the place and the spectacular view. Beautiful room, service was impeccable and food was also very good both at dinner and breakfast. Definitely recommended. ....................