This review is independent and not sponsored
I personally visited this hotel and share my experience with complete honesty
GOWITHROMEO RATING: 8.5/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $320
Sofitel Luang Prabang made an impression the moment I stepped through the gate. The old French colonial buildings, the greenery, the lanterns, the rabbits on the lawn, everything created an atmosphere that felt warm and connected. I felt myself slow down right away in the best way.
I received an upgrade to a villa with a private pool. Walking into that space felt personal and thoughtful, and it set the tone for the entire stay.
LOCATION
9/10
The hotel is ten minutes from the old town and fifteen minutes from the airport. The surrounding neighborhood is residential and peaceful, which contrasts nicely with the activity of the town. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to the old town. I used it several times and found it convenient, comfortable and reliable. It made getting around even easier and added a practical touch to the stay.
Transportation overall was simple. Rides were quick, and everything I wanted to visit was nearby. Returning to a quieter environment after exploring the city helped me reset between activities.
AMENITIES
8.1/10
GYM 6/10 The gym feels like an afterthought. It sits under the spa in a low-ceilinged room that feels a bit claustrophobic as soon as you walk in. The space is small, the equipment is limited, and nothing feels updated. There are two treadmills, a bike and a small set of free weights. That’s the full setup. There is no space or equipment for heavy lifting, and the overall layout doesn’t support a focused workout. If you take your training seriously, this gym won’t meet your needs. It works for a light session, but it needs a renovation or at least a modern upgrade to match the standards of the rest of the property.
The gym
SPA 9/10 The spa is housed in a traditional wooden building and feels inviting as soon as you enter. The ambience is clean, well-kept and thoughtfully designed. I booked a 60-minute body massage, and it was excellent. The therapist was skilled, the pressure was consistent and the treatment felt intentional from start to finish. It became one of the standout moments of my stay. I also received a $100 food and spa credit through one of the benefits of booking with GoWithRomeo, which allowed me to enjoy both the restaurant and the spa during my visit. It added meaningful value to the experience. I highly recommend taking a massage here.
POOL 9.5/10 The amethyst-tiled main pool is stunning. The color of the water is deep and rich, and it contrasts beautifully with the surrounding garden. I spent long stretches here without noticing the time. It’s the kind of pool that naturally pulls you in and lets you disconnect for a while. My villa also had its own private pool, which became one of my favorite parts of the stay. It was the perfect place to sunbathe, relax and get some work done in a quiet and private setting. Having both options made the overall experience feel more flexible and personal. Neither pool is heated, but the outdoor temperature was warm enough for swimming. I was able to get in comfortably and never felt cold.
The pool
My private villa poll
OTHER The hotel has a very good restaurant on-site, which makes it easy to enjoy a meal without leaving the property. They also offer a cooking school, complimentary bicycles, a small library and they also arrange early-morning alms-giving for those who want to experience it.
ROOM
9 /10
The villa felt like a private retreat. The garden and plunge pool made the space feel separate from the rest of the property in a way I appreciated. Inside, the room combines French touches with Lao textiles in a simple and comfortable way. The bed was comfortable, and the lighting felt warm throughout the space. The bathroom stood out. The tub, the generous layout and the indoor-outdoor feeling created a sense of ease. The entire room felt designed to help you unwind.
The bedroom
The bathroom
The bathtub
BREAKFAST
8/10
Breakfast at Governor’s Grill was consistent and pleasant. The dining area faces the garden, which makes the morning feel light and unhurried. The mix of Western and Lao dishes was fresh and well prepared. The complimentary neck and shoulder massage was a thoughtful detail that added something extra to the start of the day.
The breakfast buffet
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
3 Nagas (5 min drive): Refined Laotian dishes served with precision. The tasting menu is a strong introduction to local cuisine.
Old Town Market Stalls (10 min drive): The market stalls in the old town offer a wide range of local dishes, prepared fresh and served in a lively atmosphere. It is a great way to try Laotian food in a casual and authentic setting. Walking through the stalls and tasting different dishes felt like its own cultural experience.
Little Lao Café (7 minutes): Little Lao Café became a favorite of mine. The space is small, simple and welcoming, with dishes that feel homemade in the best way.
THINGS TO DO
Kuang Si Waterfalls (40-minute drive): Visit one of Luang Prabang’s most famous natural sites. The waterfalls have clear turquoise pools, forest trails and several areas where swimming is allowed. It is a beautiful place to spend a few hours and a highlight for most travelers.
Mount Phousi (10 minutes drive): Climb to the top of this small hill for wide views of Luang Prabang and the river. The walk is short but steady, and the viewpoint offers some of the best photos of the city, especially around sunset.
Old Town Temples (5 to 10 minutes): Explore Wat Xieng Thong and several nearby temples in the UNESCO-listed old town. The architecture, artworks and quiet courtyards provide a meaningful introduction to the spiritual heritage of Luang Prabang.
VERDICT
My stay at Sofitel Luang Prabang felt genuinely considered from start to finish. The villa, the gardens, the pool and the spa all worked together in a way that made the experience feel comfortable and enjoyable.
The upgrade made the stay even more enjoyable, and I found myself settling into the atmosphere of the property right away. Every part of the day felt easy to appreciate.
I would come back without hesitation. If you want a place with history, space and a relaxed, refined pace, this is one of the best options in Luang Prabang.