Satri House is a heritage-style hotel on Phothisarath Road in the Ban Thatluang quarter, built in a colonial style and furnished with antiques and rare objets d'art that give it the feel of a private mansion rather than a standard hotel. Its rooms range from Deluxe and Heritage doubles and twins to the Satri House Suite, the Lotus Pond Pavilion and the Champa Garden Suite, so there is a choice for couples, small families and travellers who want something more private. The grounds include an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace and a library, and there is an on-site spa that offers massage, aromatherapy and body scrubs. A restaurant serves traditional Lao cuisine, and a cooked-to-order breakfast is available. Wat That Luang is a few minutes on foot, and the hotel provides bicycles free of charge, which is the easiest way to reach the old town, since the Royal Palace Museum and Mount Phousi are around a fifteen to twenty minute walk away and the night market is a short ride. It suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who value atmosphere, quiet gardens and a sense of place over being in the thick of the evening crowds.
Location and getting around
Satri House sits a little away from the busiest streets, in a leafier, quieter part of town. That is a strength for light sleepers, but it does mean planning your day a little more than you would from a spot on the main street.
The free bicycles are the best answer, and a ride into the old town takes only minutes along flat roads. In the evening, a short tuk-tuk ride takes you to the night market and back. Ask the staff to suggest the best cycling routes and the safest places to leave a bike.
What to expect
The atmosphere is the point. Teak floors, carved furniture, antiques, lotus ponds and shaded courtyards create a calm, slightly theatrical setting that suits photographers and anyone who enjoys period detail. The Lotus Pond Pavilion and the Champa Garden Suite are the rooms to ask about if you want privacy and a garden outlook.
The pool is a welcome retreat after a morning at the temples, and the spa is an easy way to spend a slow afternoon. Dining at the on-site restaurant is a relaxed way to try Lao dishes, and breakfast is cooked to order, so allow time for it.
Good to know
The property has no on-site parking, so if you are travelling by rental car or motorbike, confirm the arrangements in advance. Airport transfers are available for an extra charge and the airport is a short drive away. Rooms are in heritage-style buildings, so expect character rather than the latest in modern design, and ask about the layout of your room if you have mobility needs.
Book early for the cool months from November to February, when the best rooms go first. For a romantic base with a pool, a garden and a lot of charm, Satri House is a memorable choice, and it works especially well for a slow three- or four-night stay.
Why stay here
- ✓Heritage-style rooms and suites
- ✓Outdoor swimming pool
- ✓On-site spa
- ✓Traditional Lao restaurant
- ✓Garden and lotus ponds
- ✓Library and terrace
- ✓Free bicycle hire
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Does Satri House have a pool and a spa?+
Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site spa offering massage, aromatherapy and body scrubs, set among gardens and lotus ponds.
How do I get to the old town and the night market?+
The hotel provides free bicycles, and the Royal Palace Museum and Mount Phousi are roughly a fifteen to twenty minute walk, with the night market a short tuk-tuk ride away.
Is there parking?+
No, there is no on-site parking. If you are arriving by car or motorbike, check the arrangements with the hotel before you travel.
