Green Park Boutique Hotel

Tranquil hotel with traditional Lao architecture and enticing pool, minutes from the Mekong River and cultural Vientiane

Leave behind the crowded bus station, steamy noodle stalls and beeping tuk-tuk drivers, and enter Green Park, a boutique hotel on the outskirts of Vientiane. In doing so, you retreat into a world of calm, order and comfort, yet you don't sacrifice local charm. With its traditional architecture and overhanging tiled roofs, Green Park is one of the few hotels in Laos' capital city to retain its authentic style.

The hotel aims to please the senses: eyes will love the symmetry of the smart white stucco and teak buildings, woven neatly around the tropical gardens. The lush palms and climbing bougainvilleas add colour, whilst tinkling fountains create a peaceful soundtrack. The 34 rooms have sumptuous beds, antique furniture and balconies overlooking the centrepiece: a shimmering pool surrounded by overhanging frangipani trees that drop fragrant flowers into the jade water. At dusk, softly spoken staff, dressed impeccably in gold-trimmed sarongs and matching sashes, adorn branches with lanterns and line pebble paths with oil lamps.

There's plenty to do in sweltering Vientiane, from a morning watching fisherman haul their nets on the misty Mekong River to an enlightening afternoon at the Wat Si Saket and its 2,000 Buddha sculptures. Just make time to relax Lao-style at Green Park.

Highs

• The authentic style of the hotel: Lao wooden furniture, ethnic artwork and traditional architecture
• Very quiet, especially in the rooms - an undisturbed night’s sleep is guaranteed
• Plenty to see in Vientiane, including the oldest wat in Laos (Wat Si Saket), the ornate golden stupa (Phat That Luang), and fabulous craft shopping
• Polite and unobtrusive service, typical of Lao hospitality; welcome drink and fruit platter offered on arrival for i-escape guests
• The stunning pool area: by day refreshing and atmospheric at night

Lows

• A good 25-minute walk from town, so make use of the free shuttle bus to the city centre (every hour until 10.30pm), or borrow a bike (complimentary) for a pleasant cycle into town
• Mosquitoes are prevalent; the hotel does supply nets but bring plenty of repellent
• Drinks are expensive, especially the overpriced Beer Lao
• Some may find the peaceful communal areas too quiet, especially in the evenings
• Popular with business types, but this means the pool is often empty!