Now, I have reasonable enough standards, and don't expect too much. But the best hostel I can find that's decently reviewed on Hostelworld is Khammany Inn ($6 a night per person, but huge room of other beds).
Considering I'm travelling with my girlfriend, is there a place that could offer a better price, whilst still being recommended?
Permission to call me a tight arse, if that's what I'm being!
Well, considering most the basic and typical GH's in LPB are around $15, why cant you Splurge on a regular place and not have any issues/worries? That is the price of two beers in the west...dear lord.
There are a few places between the post office and the river for around 60,000kip that was Dec 2011, one was in LP, forget name began with Ph I think, basic ensuite room, OK for 1 night, there are other choices in that road (cul de sac) there are about 6 GHs, others were a bit more around 80,000. For fairly central location I think that is your best bet.
As the adage goes you get what you pay for. If you are determined though to get accomodation for that price here is what I would recommend:
Instead of booking/looking on Hostelworld, you should try finding a GH/hostel on arrival. You may be able to get a lower price (bargain) and see for yourself whether you will be comfortable or not in that place.
There are many good guesthouses in Luang Prabang that aren't necessarily 'recommended' or even listed on the internet. And of course these guesthouses will likely charge lower prices. As well, things are changing all the time, new businesses opening, new management etc. Guidebooks and websites can't keep up to the minute.
If you head to the bus station at the end of the day you can hide out in the toilet and try to catch a few winks of sleep in there. It won't cost you anything.
Alright, alright! I get the message :) I'll be happy to spend a few extra dollars in LP, particularly as we want to be able to relax there. I am paying $10 for a couple of hostels in Vietnam anyway, so shouldn't be that bothered.
Thanks all.
You could always ask a shopkeeper if you could sleep in their doorway in returning for looking after their shop.
Hostels in SE Asia don't typically make sense for 2 people. It's usually cheaper to find a guesthouse and get a private room. You can walk around and negotiate. We did this about a year ago and got a room at an almost brand new place with TV, A/C etc for $12 per night. There are tons of guesthouses in LP, so you won't have a problem finding something and negotiating a good rate once you're there.
Ok, maybe I'll try that. Will be arriving late in the day, so probably want to have one booked for a couple of nights first, but may have up to 6 nights there anyway.
Cheers for the tip.
Oh, by the way. I'm going to blog my trip (how original!). Should I mention the site on here, or is that advertising? I mean I'm going to put updated costs and things in for potential travellers and stuff.