Uncover Vientiane's Hidden Gem: Daosavanh2 Hotel Awaits!
Uncover Vientiane's Hidden Gem: Daosavanh2 Hotel Awaits! - A Messy, Honest, and Hilariously Human Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Daosavanh2 Hotel experience. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – this is the real deal, complete with my accidental sunburn, a questionable curry, and a whole lot of "Oh, that's neat!" moments.
First Impressions (and that all-important Google Maps search to get there):
Okay, let's be honest, finding anything in Vientiane can be an adventure. Daosavanh2 isn't smack-dab in the middle of the tourist chaos, which, for me, was a HUGE plus. It felt a little… off the beaten path. In a good way! Like you're uncovering a secret. And hey, there's free car parking! (Yes, I did the celebratory fist pump.) And a 24-hour front desk. Thank goodness. Because jet lag, you understand.
Accessibility: (Because Everyone Deserves a Good Stay!)
Right, so, before we get to the fun stuff, let's talk practicalities. They do list facilities for disabled guests, which is good to see. I didn't personally experience this, but the presence of an elevator is a huge plus, accessibility is key, right?
Check-in/out – a Mixed Bag (and my clumsy attempts at Lao Phrases):
The check-in/out was pretty smooth. They even have contactless check-in/out – perfect for avoiding those germy pens! They were clearly trained in safety protocols, which made me feel more relaxed than I thought. "Sabaidee" – I butchered my greeting, but they smiled forgivingly. The front desk staff were always helpful, even when I was fumbling with my map.
Rooms – A Cozy Sanctuary (Except for that one tiny thing…):
Okay, the rooms. They're pretty darned comfortable. I loved the air conditioning (a lifesaver in Lao heat), and the blackout curtains were amazing for sleeping off that jet lag. The bed? chef’s kiss. Super spacious and comfy. And having Wi-Fi [free] in my room was crucial for staying connected. They offer free bottled water, which is always a good sign. The extra long bed was a blessing in disguise (I was starting to get a back ache.) The shower was hot with good pressure. They even have a hair dryer! (Thank goodness.)
My only minor gripe? The soundproofing wasn't the best. I could hear the occasional car horn or neighbor’s TV. But hey, I'm not complaining much.
Internet – The Digital Lifeline (and finding a decent connection):
The internet access – wireless worked wonderfully. Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms is a dream, let alone in public areas. This is a HUGE win. They offer Internet access – LAN (for you old-schoolers). There's no waiting around for connection!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (with a few speed bumps):
Alright, the food. This is where things get… interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The Asian breakfast was a must-try. There was a decent spread, but the real star was the coffee. And the Western breakfast options were on offer too.
- Restaurants: They have a main restaurant, with both Asian cuisine in restaurant and international cuisine in restaurant. I tried a curry, and let's just say it was… an experience. It wasn't the best curry I've ever had. I'm sure there are some better options.
- Coffee shop: Good coffee is key.
Ways to Relax & Things to Do – Spa Days and Poolside Bliss:
This is where Daosavanh2 really shines.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool? Gorgeous. The pool with view? Even better. Spent a glorious afternoon soaking up the sun, pretending I was incredibly sophisticated and sipping something fruity.
- Spa: I highly recommend the massage. I went, and it just melted my stress away. They also offer things like body scrub and body wrap. (Maybe next time!)
Cleanliness and Safety – Peace of Mind (especially in these times):
They’re on it. Lots of hand sanitizer everywhere, visible staff trained in safety protocol, and daily disinfection in common areas. They use anti-viral cleaning products and offer room sanitization opt-out available. Honestly? It gave me a real sense of security.
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier (like, actually):
- Currency Exchange: Super handy. That's one less thing to worry about.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: Saved my life when I realized I had a limited wardrobe.
- Concierge: They helped me with booking a taxi, which was a lifesaver because finding one in that heat is a real workout.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always immaculate.
For the Kids / Families:
There were definitely families staying there, so they are Family/child friendly.
Things to Do / Getting Around
- Airport transfer: Definitely a plus. Avoid the taxi hassle!
- Car park [free of charge]: Again, a huge win.
- Taxi service: Available.
My Honest Verdict:
Daosavanh2 isn't perfect. But it's got a certain charm. A certain… je ne sais quoi. It makes you feel like you've found a little secret in a chaotic and amazing city. It's comfortable, the staff are lovely, the pool is divine, and the location is great for exploring. I would absolutely go back. But maybe I'll skip the curry next time.
The Messy Truth - My Personal Anecdote:
One day, I accidentally locked myself out of my room with only a swimsuit and a magazine. Yes, mortifying. But, the staff were so helpful! They got me a new key in minutes with smiles all around. It was all part of the experience, right?
Quirky Observations:
- The mini-bar was reasonably priced, NOT the rip-off I was expecting.
- The elevator was surprisingly quiet.
- The little shampoo bottles were actually really good quality.
Final Thoughts (and the sales pitch):
Uncover Vientiane's Hidden Gem:
Daosavanh2 Hotel Awaits!
Tired of the same old sterile hotel experiences? Crave a taste of authentic Lao hospitality without sacrificing comfort and convenience? Then look no further! Daosavanh2 offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and local charm, tucked away in a peaceful location, just waiting to be discovered.
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Unbeatable Value: Get top-notch comfort at a price that won't break the bank.
- Relax and Rejuvenate: Lounge by the stunning pool, get a massage, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi in every room and public areas keeps you connected.
- Embrace Authenticity: Experience the real Vientiane, away from the crowded tourist traps.
- Worry-Free Stay: Rigorous cleanliness protocols and friendly staff ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Don't miss out on this hidden gem! Book your stay at Daosavanh2 Hotel today and experience the magic of Vientiane!
Click here to book your escape! (Trust me, you'll thank me later.)
- Bonus: Use code "LAOEXPLORER" at checkout for a special discount!
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to navigate the glorious, chaotic mess that is Vientiane, Laos, all while using Daosavanh2 Hotel as my slightly-too-glamorous base camp. Prepare for rambling, whining, and maybe, just maybe, a moment of genuine enlightenment. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tuk-Tuk Gambit (or, "Why Did I Pack So Much?")
- Morning (Squeaky Start): Landed at Wattay International Airport. The air hit me like a warm, fragrant hug – mostly the scent of diesel and something unidentifiable but delicious. Immigration? Smooth sailing. Luggage retrieval? A sweaty, panicked ballet. Lesson learned: I brought enough clothes to supply a small orphanage. Seriously, what was I thinking?
- Midday (The Tuk-Tuk Tango): Pre-booked a ride, thankfully. Negotiating with the vultures… er, tuk-tuk drivers outside the airport is a sport I’m clearly unqualified for. The guy who picked me up had a missing front tooth and a smile that could melt glaciers. He also drove like a caffeinated bat out of hell. The ride to Daosavanh2 was a blur of honking, close calls, and me clinging to the seat like a terrified koala. Arrived relatively intact.
- Afternoon (Hotel Sanctuary & the Questionable Breakfast): Checked into Daosavanh2. Not bad, not bad at all! The pool looked inviting, the air-con worked (a crucial element in this heat), and the room was… clean-ish. The real test? The breakfast buffet. Oof. The “fruit salad” looked suspiciously like canned peaches. The coffee tasted like slightly-flavored dirt. Managed to choke down some toast and eggs, and a surge of nausea passed. Maybe I really would be better off at the local market.
- Evening (That First Lao Beer & a Lonely Wander): Feeling a little lost, a little overwhelmed. Took a stroll to the nearby night market. The smells, the noise, the sheer volume of people… It’s sensory overload in the best possible way. Snatched a Beerlao (delicious, people, truly delicious) and wandered, feeling like an alien observing a planet. Ate some questionable street food (chicken skewers, I think? Praying for no food poisoning). Got utterly lost. Found my way back to the hotel, exhausted but strangely happy.
Day 2: Temples, Reflections, and a Near-Death Experience with a Smoothie
- Morning (Temple Time & the Sweetest Smiles): Woke up feeling… surprisingly okay. Maybe the Beerlao helped. Hired a tuk-tuk to take me to That Luang Stupa. Majestic. Gold. Overwhelmingly beautiful. Wandered around, mesmerized by the ornate architecture and the quiet reverence of the locals. Witnessed a morning alms ceremony. The monks, in their saffron robes, were incredibly serene. The genuine warmth and kindness of the people here… it’s really something.
- Midday (The Smoothie Trap): Found a charming little cafe. Decided to treat myself to a smoothie. Ordered a mango one, feeling smug about making a healthy choice. Took a sip. Immediately regretted it. It tasted like… pure sugar and sadness. I swear, the mango was made of pure, unadulterated regret. The cafe owner, a sweet woman with incredibly kind eyes, saw my face and apologized profusely. Offered a second one, a mix of fruits and vegetables, a very healthy choice. I politely refused. (Still dealing with the emotional fallout from the first smoothie).
- Afternoon (Buddha Park & the Philosophic Rambles): Tuk-tuked (again, praying for survival) to Buddha Park. Statues, Buddha statues everywhere! Gigantic, intricate, bizarre statues. The sheer creativity was astonishing. Wander around the park for hours, feeling both awestruck and slightly confused. It’s… a lot to process. Started thinking about life, death, the meaning of everything. This place makes you philosophical, even if you don't want to be.
- Evening (Sunset on the Mekong & the Great Dinner Debacle): Watched the sunset over the Mekong River. Breathtaking. Seriously, the colors were like something out of a dream. Sat there, drinking another Beerlao, feeling a sense of peace. Then, hunger struck. Went to a restaurant recommended by the hotel. Biggest mistake of the trip!. Poor service, poor food (the papaya salad gave me the chills), a fly got in my beer. Ran back to the hotel, vowing never to trust a hotel recommendation again.
Day 3: Massage, Markets, and the Eternal Search for Good Coffee
- Morning (Luxury and Soreness): Finally, a real breakfast at the hotel buffet. Still not great, but an improvement. Booked a massage at a spa near the hotel. Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Needed to ease the stiffness. The massage was so good I almost fell asleep. I booked another one for tomorrow, just in case.
- Midday (Talat Sao Market Mania): Headed to Talat Sao Market to buy some souvenirs. Packed, crowded, and fantastic. Found some beautiful silk scarves, but I also almost got trampled by a woman wielding a shopping bag like a weapon. Bargaining is an art form. I am… not an artist. Came away feeling both exhilarated and slightly traumatized.
- Afternoon (The Coffee Quest): The constant struggle to find a decent cup of coffee. It's a problem that plagues my existence since I arrived. Tried a cafe recommended in a travel blog. Nope. Weak, watery, and lifeless. Walked for hours searching for decent coffee without any luck. Started to think I should have brought my own coffee maker.
- Evening (Dinner at a Local Restaurant, Again): Dared to venture out for dinner again, this time to a super-local restaurant that I had seen on my wanders. The food was delicious! The portions were tiny; I had to order 3! The people were so friendly and sweet. Feeling less like an outsider (maybe). Feeling ready to head back home.
Day 4: Departure & The Longing for Return
- Morning (Sighs and Packing, The Sad Part): Last breakfast. Stared out the window at the pool, feeling a pang of sadness. Packing. Did I buy too many souvenirs? Probably. Did I experience enough? Definitely not.
- Midday (Last Tuk-Tuk Ride & the Emotional Goodbye): The goodbye wave to the staff. Getting to the airport for my sad departure. The tuk-tuk ride was fine. Less panic, more acceptance.
- Afternoon (Leaving Laos): Saying goodbye to Laos to go home.
- Evening (The End, for Now): Leaving Laos, feeling strangely… changed. The chaos, the beauty, the people – it all got under my skin. I'll be back. You can count on it.
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn't perfect. There were bad smoothies, questionable food choices, and moments of utter confusion. But the good stuff – that sense of wonder, the kindness of the people, the sheer beauty of Laos – made it all worthwhile. Daosavanh2 was a comfortable oasis in the middle of all the chaos. And, honestly, I'm already planning my return. Vientiane, you beautiful, messy, unforgettable place, I'll be back! (Just… maybe I’ll pack my own coffee maker this time).
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Okay, spill the beans! What *is* this "Daosavanh2" and why should I care?
Alright, alright! So, Daosavanh2 Hotel. It's like... Vientiane's best-kept secret, tucked away off the main drag. Forget the flash and the pretense – this place is seriously chill. It's not the Ritz, okay? Think more 'comfortable, quirky, and run by genuinely lovely people who aren't trying to gouge you.' That right there? That's *why* you should care. It's the antidote to soul-crushing tourist traps. I discovered it after a particularly disastrous attempt to find a decent coffee shop (ended up in a place that served instant, UGH!). Daosavanh2? Coffee was decent, but more importantly, the vibe was just... good. That's all I needed after that coffee catastrophe.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it a party place? Romantic getaway? Or... something else entirely?
Definitely NOT a party place. Thank God. No, Daosavanh2 is more about relaxed vibes. Think... quiet conversations under the stars (if it's clear – Vientiane can get hazy), maybe a book, definitely a beer or two. I wouldn't call it *specifically* romantic (unless you consider "no screaming drunk people at 3 AM" inherently romantic, which, I might just). It's a great base for exploring Vientiane, and it's genuinely pleasant to come back to after a day of pounding the pavements. It's the kind of place where you actually *want* to chat with the other guests. I actually met this hilarious British couple who'd been backpacking for months. Their stories? Priceless. And that's the kind of connection you find there, not just a bar full of questionable karaoke.
Let's talk rooms! Are they clean? Air-con? WiFi that actually *works*? The essentials, people!
Alright, the rooms. They're... perfectly adequate. Clean? Yes. Spotlessly? No, but honestly, I’ve stayed in places that promised spotless and were far worse. They're clean enough. Air-con? Absolutely. Essential in Vientiane, let's be real. WiFi? It's a crapshoot, let's be honest. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes buffering like you wouldn't believe. I once spent an entire afternoon refreshing my email because I needed to check something vital for work and it was a complete and utter disaster. I nearly threw my laptop out the window. (I didn't, because I needed it). But honestly? Just embrace the digital detox. The intermittent connection isn't the end of the world. Use it as an opportunity to actually *enjoy* your surroundings. Plus the staff will reset it for you, and they always make an effort to help.
What about the location? Is it super far from everything? Do I need to rent a tuk-tuk every five minutes?
Okay, location. This is a win. It's not *right* in the thick of things, which is a good thing, trust me. It's close enough to walk to a lot of the main attractions, the night market, the restaurants, temples, etc. Tuk-tuks are readily available and relatively cheap if your legs are giving out. I once haggled a tuk-tuk driver down to… well, it was about 50 cents, but I felt like I'd won the lottery. The best part is it's in a quieter area. So, you walk out the door and it is buzzing with action, step back and you get a moment's peace. Win win!
Food! Is there a restaurant? Are they any good places to eat nearby? (I'm always hungry)
Oh, the food. The hotel itself *does* have a small restaurant. Breakfast is simple but perfectly acceptable – toast, eggs, some fruit. They also do some local dishes which are pretty decent. But let's be honest, Vientiane is all about the street food. And the *nearby* street food is amazing. Literally steps away! My personal weakness were the spring rolls sold by the lady with the incredibly friendly smile, literally at the end of the street. I had those things nearly every day. They also have a great spot for a post-meal Lao coffee. Seriously, just wander. Explore. You'll find something delicious. Just avoid the places that are clearly geared for tourists, they're usually overpriced and disappointing.
Alright, the staff! Are they friendly? Helpful? Do they speak any English? (God, I hope so…)
The staff? They are the absolute *best* part of Daosavanh2. Friendly? Beyond friendly. Helpful? They'll bend over backwards to help you. They remembered my face after like, one day. They are not just people doing a job, they genuinely care. They’re welcoming, kind, and always willing to lend a hand. English? Yes, they speak English! Not always perfect, mind you, but they understand you, and you can understand them. And if there's a language barrier, they'll go above and beyond to make sure you're sorted. I remember one time, I was trying to book a bus ticket, and I was completely lost in translation. The woman at the front desk spent a good half an hour helping me, even calling a bus company on my behalf! It was like having my own personal travel angel. Seriously, they are the reason I'd go back in a heartbeat. They make you feel like family.
Okay, so, any downsides? Because it can't be *perfect*, right?
Alright, let's be real. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. The rooms, as I mentioned, are not super modern. And honestly, everything sometimes takes a little while. Be patient. (Remember that digital detox I mentioned? Yeah, embrace it!). And sometimes, the water pressure can be a little... well, let's say 'optimistic.' Also, the walls aren't soundproof. So, if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. There's also the potential for power outages, which is a common thing in Laos, so be prepared for that. But honestly? The slight imperfections are part of the charm. They are honest and real. These little inconveniences are completely worth it when you factor in the overall experience. And look, if you're the kind of person who NEEDS a perfectly pristine, sterile environment, maybe Daosavanh2 isn't for you. But if you’re looking for a genuine experience, a place with heart, and you are willing to embrace a little bit of chaos? Then you’re in for a treat. Seriously, give it a go. Just go. You won't regret it.
Would you recommend it? Be honest.
