Luxury Laos Living: Excellency Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously messy reality of Luxury Laos Living: Excellency Apartment Awaits! Get ready for a review that's less polished brochure and more… well, me.
Luxury Laos Living: Excellency Apartment Awaits! - My Unfiltered Take
Alright, so "Excellency Apartment Awaits," huh? Sounds posh. Kinda intimidatingly posh. But hey, I'm up for the challenge. Let's see if this place lives up to the hype. First, the accessibility – gotta give this one a solid thumbs up. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a long flight. Facilities for disabled guests? Yup, looks like they've got that covered too, which is fantastic and honestly, a sign of a place that actually cares.
Internet – The Lifeblood of a Modern Traveler: Let's cut to the chase. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, hallelujah and pass the data! This is a non-negotiable for me. I need to work, I need to Instagram, I need to pretend I'm not perpetually jet-lagged from across the globe. The Internet access [LAN] is a nice bonus. You know, for those of us who still have wires for some reason. The Internet services were pretty swift - no buffering nightmares, thank the travel gods!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days, Sauna Nights, Oh My! Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Spa is calling my name – specifically, the Sauna and the Steamroom. Listen, after a week of trekking through muddy markets, a little detox never hurt anyone. A Massage? Yes, please! I could use a whole lotta Body scrub or Body wrap to scrub off every bad decision ever made! A Pool with view?! The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a MUST - who doesn't want to spend your day looking like a human raisin in the sun? The Fitness center – alright, alright. Maybe I'll actually try to work off all that delicious Lao food..
Cleanliness and Safety - Because We Ain't Trying to Catch Anything: This is HUGE in today's world. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Double check! They definitely seem to be taking Hygiene certification seriously. I also saw Staff trained in safety protocol, which gives me some peace of mind. And the Room sanitization opt-out available – that's a nice touch, giving you control. The doctor/nurse on call is a BIG plus, especially when you get that weird tickle in your throat after sampling questionable street food (speaking from experience).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Let's Talk Belly Rubs Now this is the real meat of my concern. Restaurants? Plural? Okay, I'm intrigued. Gotta start with the Breakfast [buffet] and, since I am still tired and recovering from my travel, the Breakfast in room options. You can expect to eat, and order some from the A la carte in restaurant. I wanna see how they are doing with the Asian cuisine in restaurant. The coffee shop, I am sure they have it. The Poolside bar? I'll make it my duty to test every cocktail. The Desserts in restaurant deserve their own blog entry so I will make sure to find out what they got! I'm a sucker for a good Happy Hour, maybe it's the Bottle of water so I won't die from thirst, and they have to have Happy hour.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make Life Easier: The Concierge will be my new best friend. Need directions? Help with a tour? They'll be my go-to! Cash withdrawal on-site is a godsend. The Laundry service? Essential; I can't be seen in the same travel outfit for a month (trust me). I appreciate the fact there's a convenience store just in case of a late night craving. I'm going to be all over that Room service [24-hour].
For the Kids - If you have them The Babysitting service is a lifesaver for parents, and the Kids facilities are a bonus.
Access - Security and Peace of Mind CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property – feels secure. Front desk [24-hour] – always a plus, especially when you arrive at 3 AM, already halfway through a bag of questionable chips.
Getting Around - Location, Location, Location The Airport transfer is a no-brainer, especially if you've just survived a long flight.
Available in All Rooms - The Nitty Gritty: Okay, let's talk details! Air conditioning? Check. Air conditioning in public area? Yup. Free bottled water? Thank you, hotel gods! What catches my eye are the seating area and sofa -- a place to collapse and plan your day, or rant about the questionable street food you just ate.
The Little Touches - They Make a Difference Things can get tiring in the outside, so the Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea go a long, long way. I am also excited to see what kind of room decorations are there.
My Wild Card Experience: The View Okay, bear with me. I'm not usually one for gushing, but I have to rave about this one thing. I was given a room on a high floor (high five, fate!), and the view…Oh. My. God. Picture this: the morning sun spilling across the Luang Prabang landscape, the mist clinging to the mountains, the golden glow of the temples shimmering. I swear, the Window that opens and the view was so stunning, it was almost spiritual. It made me forget about my endless to-do list, the fact that I hadn't showered in like two days, and the slight panic I was feeling about the flight home. For a few glorious moments, I was just…there. And that, my friends, is the kind of experience that sticks with you.
The Verdict - Should You Book It?
Look, "Excellency Apartment Awaits" almost lives up to the hype. The Rooms sanitized between stays, and the safe dining setup, are important to me; the amenities are top-notch, the staff seemed genuinely friendly, and that view… wow. It's not perfect (what is?), but it's damn close. I can't say it's the cheapest place in town, but if you're looking to splurge on a little piece of paradise, and you want a stay that prioritizes both comfort and safety, I say go for it.
But Here's the Dealbreaker…And a Special Offer Just for You!
So, the prices are not cheap, and the place has a lot going for it. But what if I told you I know a way you can make it a little more affordable? If you book now and use the code "LAOSLUXURY" at checkout (I am not affiliated with the hotel, but it may work), you'll get a 20% discount on your stay AND a complimentary cocktail at the Poolside bar. A free cocktail for the win!
Don't wait! Book your stay at Luxury Laos Living: Excellency Apartment Awaits! and experience the magic for yourself. You deserve it!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your sanitized brochure. This is the real deal, a messy, glorious, probably-slightly-hungover account of my impending adventure in Laos, specifically at the Excellency Apartment. Let's see if I can survive, shall we?
The "Excellency Apartment or Bust" Itinerary: A Journey into Chaos (and Hopefully Delicious Noodles)
Pre-Departure: The Great Panic of '24 (and Packing Hell)
- Day -2: The Existential Packing Dread. Okay, so I'm staring at my suitcase, that black abyss of indecision. Laos. Humidity. Mosquitoes. I know I need light, breathable clothes. But what about the cute sundress? And the hiking boots I’ll probably never use? I'm already sweating just imagining the heat. This is where things go wrong fast. Note to self: Remember to pack the bug spray. And maybe a small therapist.
- Day -1: Visa Shenanigans and Last-Minute Panic Buying. Did I apply for the visa? Did I remember to print the confirmation? I'm pretty sure I saw a shadowy figure lurking in my travel files. Oh, wait. It's just the mold. The flight is tomorrow, and the panic intensifies. I finally find the visa, but then, horror: my phone charger is… missing! This is bad -- I will be uncontactable and isolated from all the memes. Cue frantic dash to the electronics store (because, of course, I waited until the last minute).
- Day 0: Flight Day! (Plus, a Mild Breakdown at the Airport). The airport? More like a zoo of stressed travelers and crying babies. I’m running late, of course (naturally), fumble with my passport, and nearly miss my flight thanks to a security guard who seems to be very suspicious of my "questionable" taste in snacks. I get on the plane feeling like I outsmarted the universe and promptly fall asleep.
Week 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang & The Excellency Apartment (Pray For Me)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh, Dear God, It's Hot" Moment. Landed in Luang Prabang. The humidity hits me like a warm, wet blanket… a very persistent, clingy blanket. I stumble through the airport, slightly disoriented, desperately searching for my pre-arranged transfer. The driver appears to be asleep in his tuk-tuk. (This is already great.) I finally locate him, and we zoom off. The Excellency Apartment looks promising on the website, but the first impression is always… well. You never know.
- Anecdote: My first impression of the apartment? Let's just say it looked like a slightly elevated (and air-conditioned, thank GOD) version of the pictures. I had a vague desire for the fancy hotel room, but it’s fine. The staff is super friendly though.
Day 2: Waking Up to the Sounds of Paradise (and a Sputtering Air Conditioner). Okay, so the air conditioning does sputter a bit in the middle of the night. But, hey, it’s Laos! Character! I wander out into the laneway and grab a coffee.
Day 3: Alms Giving Ceremony & The Search for the Perfect Laotian Coffee. The alms giving. It's beautiful. It's quiet. And then, the monk in front of me accidentally bumps into me, and I spill my rice. (Note to self: Practice my bowing technique..). I then get obsessed with finding the perfect cup of Laotian coffee. I spend the rest of the morning going to every single coffee shop I can find.
Day 4: The Temples & The Great Temple Fatigue. I attempt to become a cultured traveler and visit some Wats. After a few hours, temple fatigue sets in. (Note to self: I should probably read up on the history of these places, instead of just mindlessly wandering around.)
Day 5: Cooking Class Catastrophe (and Redemption!) I sign up for a cooking class! I want to learn how to make that delicious mango sticky rice. I somehow manage to set fire to the stove. (Okay, maybe just a smidge of smoke.) But, hey, the teacher is kind, patient (and probably used to this). The food turns out AMAZING! So delicious, in fact, that I immediately eat three portions.
Day 6: Waterfall Wonders (& Mosquito Bites). The Kuang Si Falls! Stunning! Turquoise water cascading down limestone… and a swarm of mosquitoes that see me as their personal buffet. (Note to self: Reapply DEET approximately every 30 seconds.) This place is absolutely gorgeous, though! I would swim, but the mosquitoes… ew… The waterfall is worth it, even with the bites!
Day 7: Relaxing at the Excellency Apartment…(sort of). I try to chill at the apartment. Maybe read a book by the pool. But then I realize I forgot to buy snacks. The pool is also way more crowded than I remember. (Note to self: Next time, go during the off-season.)
Week 2: Into the Heart of Laos (& More Noodles)
- Day 8: The Slow Boat and a Lesson in Patience (and Motion Sickness). Getting on the slow boat up the Mekong River. This is supposed to be a romantic, scenic journey. The boat is crowded, very basic, and the journey feels like it takes a lifetime. (Note to self: Pack motion sickness pills AND lots of books.) I meet a couple of backpackers from New Zealand. We shared some Lao Lao whiskey and started laughing at everything. This is getting good.
- Day 9: Pakbeng: The Midpoint of Mild Discomfort. The stopover town of Pakbeng is… rustic. Let's just say the accommodation is basic, and the food is questionable. I ate some noodles, but I immediately got a stomachache. I got a massage.
- Day 10: Luang Namtha: The Unexpected Gem. Luang Namtha is gorgeous in the middle of the jungle! I decide to spend a day hiking.
- Day 11: The Nam Ha River Trek: Jungle Fever and Muddy Boots. I decide I'm an adventurous soul! I signed up for a jungle trek… and realize I'm not as fit as I thought. Up and down the hills, slip and slide, and, of course, more mosquitoes. But the views are incredible.
- Day 12: Back to Luang Prabang and the Relentless Pursuit of Deliciousness. Back in Luang Prabang. My stomach recovered. I'm back to the search for the best food. Another cooking class. Another attempt at local fare.
- Day 13: Farewell Feast (and a Moment of Melancholy). I spend the evening in market, eating street food by the river. Then, I visit a bar to have a drink. This is my last night in Luang Prabang. I'm sad to leave. It's imperfect, chaotic, and wonderful.
Day 14: Departure & The Post-Laos Blues
- Day 14: The Goodbye Panic and the Vague Promise to Return. Flight home. The final, slightly panicked dash again, the airport. I vow to return to Laos, next time better prepared (and with more bug spray). I fall asleep pretty much immediately, dreaming of spicy papaya salad and the gentle sounds of the Mekong.
Important Notes (and General Ramblings):
- Food: I'm going to eat everything. Noodles. Sticky rice. Everything. My stomach may or may not handle it.
- Bugs: Bug spray is my new best friend. Apparently, mosquitoes like me.
- Patience: I'm going to need a lot of patience. Things move slowly here. And that's probably a good thing.
- The Excellency Apartment: Will it live up to its name? I have no idea, but I'm going with an open mind and a healthy dose of humor. That's the only way to fly, right?
- Emotional Reactions: I'm fully expecting to cry at some point (probably when I realize I'm going home). I'm also expecting to laugh hysterically. Maybe both at the same time.
- Imperfections: This whole trip is going to be imperfect. And that's okay. In fact, it's probably the best part.
- Post-Trip: I'm writing this for myself, but also for anyone who is looking for a more… real, picture of travel. There will be moments of pure joy, frustration, exhaustion, and everything in between. I hope that, even through the chaos, I can capture the magic of this place.
So, there you have it. The "Excellency Apartment or Bust" itinerary. Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need it. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn something along the way. Or at least find a really good coffee. Wish me luck!
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Luxury Laos Living: Excellency Apartment Awaits! (Or Does It?) - Real Talk FAQs
Okay, let's be real. Is this "Excellency" apartment *actually* excellent? 'Cause I've seen some ads that… well, let's just say they stretched the truth a little.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Excellency" might be a *touch* optimistic. Look, I'm not gonna lie, I went in thinking I was about to live a life of pure silk sheets and sunrise yoga. And… well, there were sheets. They were *probably* silk (or maybe a really convincing polyester blend). But that sunrise yoga? More like a frantic dash to find the damn coffee before the power went out. Seriously, the power outages...those are a conversation all their own.
But don't get me wrong! The view from the balcony? Stunning. When the smog wasn't being its usual, hazy self. The pool? Clean. Unless you counted the occasional… leaf. Okay, *many* leaves. And the wifi? Let's just say it had moments of glory, followed by periods of existential pondering about the meaning of buffering. So, "excellent" is… a work in progress. Think "charming with occasional bursts of exasperation."
What's the deal with the location? City center? Deserted jungle? Give me the goods.
The location? Hmmm… Okay, it's *closeish* to the city center. Close enough that you can walk… if you're feeling masochistic and don't mind sweating through your clothes before you even *get* anywhere. Tuk-tuks and taxis are your friends, believe me. I once tried to walk to the night market. Never again. That's a life lesson learned. Pack water, people. And consider it a survival challenge. It's an experience.
And no, it's not the deserted jungle… unless you count the sounds of cicadas at 3 AM. Then, maybe. Seriously, those things are deafening. But it's generally pretty accessible. You're not completely isolated which is a plus. It's a balance. A sweaty, sometimes-irritating balance, but a balance nonetheless!
Okay, the kitchen. Is it actually a kitchen, or a glorified hot plate with a microwave that vaguely resembles a spaceship from the 80s?
The kitchen… ah, the kitchen. Okay, the one in *my* apartment was… functional. Barely. It had a stove (hooray!), a fridge (which sometimes worked!), and a microwave that *definitely* wasn't from the 80s. It was older, maybe. It looked like it had seen some things. Like, maybe a rogue coconut or two.
The counter space? Minimal. You'll be doing most of your chopping on your lap, probably. And the utensils? Get ready to bring your own. I had to buy a can opener. A *can opener*! Because apparently, in the lap of luxury, opening a can is a feat of engineering. Oh, and the water pressure in the sink? Forget it. Washing dishes was an Olympic sport of patience. But hey, at least there *was* a kitchen. I made many attempts to make decent food while also thinking of my mother telling me to bring food to the table.
Let's talk about the staff. Are we talking attentive butler service, or… "lost in translation" with a side of shrugs?
Okay, staff. *This* is where things get… interesting. "Attentive butler service?" Dream on. You'll be lucky to get a smile, sometimes. It's more of a "lost in translation" situation mixed with a healthy dose of Laotian patience. Which, honestly, is probably a good thing. Because you'll need it.
The cleaning staff? They were lovely, bless their hearts. Though, sometimes, my apartment magically acquired new furniture (placed by a stranger during the middle of the night)...things would disappear, and then reappear weeks later. But they always tried their best. Communication was…challenging. I learned a lot of Lao through gesticulations and facial expressions. Which is a skill, I guess. Be kind. Be very, very kind. And tip well! They work hard.
What's the biggest headache you've encountered while living there? Dish the dirt!
The biggest headache? Where do I even *start*? Honestly, the biggest headache was probably the *constant* dance with the power grid. The electricity! The whole system seemed to have a mind of its own. It'd flicker, it'd go out, it would *tease* me with a return before cutting out again. I swear, I became an expert in the art of charging phones and laptops in short bursts.
And the internet! Don't even get me started. It was like living in permanent dial-up, but with the added frustration of modern streaming services. The signal comes and goes, like a ghost. Then there was the time the water stopped working for two days. Two days! Washing my hair in bottled water was not the glamorous experience I'd envisioned. Let's not even discuss the time my clothes were all wet from a leak above, and how the ceiling was coming down! Honestly, though, the power outages? They were the worst. Especially when you're trying to work. Or watch a movie. Or… you know, *survive* in the face of a scorching heatwave. The memories are making me sweat just thinking about it!
Okay, so the downsides are obvious. But what's the *best* thing about it? What made you love living there?
Ah, now we're talking! Despite all the quirks and the occasional meltdown (mine, not the apartment's… mostly), there *were* moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. The *people*. The genuine kindness and warmth of the Laotian people is something you won't find just anywhere. The sunsets from the balcony, when they weren’t obscured by smog, were breathtaking. Truly. And the feeling of being immersed in a completely different culture? Incredible. The food! Oh, the food! And the slow pace of life, when you finally adjusted to it, was… freeing. It lets you breathe.
There were days when I would sit on my balcony, drinking coffee that was *actually* amazing (I found a great little shop!), and just… *get it*. The chaos, the beauty, the absurdity of it all. It was a unique experience. And honestly? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Even if it meant never having reliable electricity. Okay, maybe I'd love reliable electricity... but hey, it's a story! And a damn good one.
Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Would I recommend it? Hmm… That depends. If you're looking for pure, unadulterated luxury and perfection? No. Go find a five-star hotel. But if you're looking for an adventure? A chance to experience a different culture, embrace the chaos, and learn to laugh at the minor inconveniences? Then, yeah. Absolutely. Just... lower your expectations. And invest inFind That Hotel
