Somewhere to stay in Vientiane

Booking websites like booking.com or agoda.com are the other obvious ones.

I always used to go a place where 9 out of 10 folks say it was good. There's always one who finds it impossible to enjoy their stay. the odd complaint about bed bugs is just noise. I've never known what bed bugs are... and frankly don't believe in them. Hysterical travelers with allergies might notice them - but if you're not in that category - ignore those sorts of comments.

I find that the "9 out of 10 cats" approach doesn't work for me any more though. Reviews worked when they were not mainstream and had little influence on bookings. As soon as it became obvious that good reviews = more bookings, then what hotelier wouldn't try to spin things to get better results? TA has the power to make or break a business now, and it doesn't have the checks and balances to be able to regulate what get's posted.

I think there's quite a significant proportion of false reviews skewing the results and making them much less useful than say 5yrs ago.

I make bookings based on list of services, location, prices, etc, nowadays rather than look at traveler scores.

Agoda.com . Mixok GH if they have a room. USD17ish. If not book anywhere. You'll be happy you did. Don't waste your time wandering from full GH to full GH.

OP - stayed 2 weeks ago at the "Wonderland 2 Guesthouse" next to That Dam. Big clean double room (without bedbugs), ac and wifi for 130 000 Kip (16 $). They also have rooms for 110 000 Kip. Phone: (856-21) 222-917, Cell Phone (856-20) 551-6929.
AFAIK this guesthouse isn't mentioned in a guidebook so we hadn't a problem to walk in and get a room.

I always try to pre-book accommodation when I’m heading into reasonable sized towns, it gives me piece of mind knowing that I’ve got somewhere to stay without walking the streets looking for something. The only booking agency that I've used is Agoda but there are heaps out there.

Hey Butch Re #10
"I've never known what bed bugs are... and frankly don't believe in them. Hysterical travellers with allergies might notice them"
Wow, you must have a thick skin. Yep, bed bugs are for real. I've only struck them 3 or 4 times, and they will keep you awake all night, nipping away. I don't have a allergenic reaction to them, but they are annoying. I kept the critters at bay by smearing myself with deet to get a good nights sleep.

Jonappleton, yes you are correct on both counts in post #6.

VTboy

Ignore the checkered pants BBC corporate rules. Your insights to Laos are valuable to travelers on this site.

Hi,

Posted something here in support of VT boy. Criticised LP TT guess what? Mods got it.

Im a fan of the Vayakorn Guesthouse. Central, clean, air-con, wi-fi, friendly and helpful. A double is somewhere around $25. bit hotel-ish (I usually like the entire-family-is-involved-in-running-it places, but Vientiane always feels so city-ish and thus inspires a more formal accommodation....

Hi,

Wow at least they posted my one (No.17) post. What happened to the first? Too sensitive to the criticism of your oh so inept performance and information supply of recent?