Hotel Review: Crowne Plaza Vientiane (Standard Room) | Five-Star Comfort at Exceptional Value
- Mario Ng
- 5 days ago
- 13 min read
We stayed at Crowne Plaza Vientiane for two nights in April 2026, at the end of our first trip to Laos. We booked a 1 King Standard room directly through the IHG app for US$200.02 for two nights, excluding breakfast.
After spending three nights in Luang Prabang, Crowne Plaza Vientiane seemed like a logical choice for our final two nights in Laos. It appeared to be one of the city's better full-service hotels, with modern rooms, extensive facilities and an attractive swimming pool.
At around US$100 per night, would Crowne Plaza Vientiane prove to be a good place to end our Laos trip?
Quick Verdict
Convenient and relatively central location for exploring Vientiane
Warm and genuinely friendly service throughout our stay
Spacious, modern and comfortable rooms, even at entry level
Excellent infinity pool, complemented by an enjoyable spa
Well suited for couples, families, business travellers and first-time visitors
Excellent value for a five-star hotel, especially at around US$100 per night during our stay
Our verdict: Crowne Plaza Vientiane is an easy hotel for us to recommend, particularly if you can find the 1 King Standard room for around US$100–150 per night.
Hotel Information
Item | Details |
Hotel | Crowne Plaza Vientiane |
Room Type | 1 King Standard Room |
Room Size | 35 square metres |
Location | Vientiane, Laos |
Price Paid | US$200.02 for two nights (US$100.01/night) |
Length of stay | 2 nights |
Booking Platform | IHG App |
Date stayed | April 2026 |
Breakfast Included | No |
Swimming Pool | Yes |
Gym | Yes |
Spa | Yes |
In This Review
Introduction
Crowne Plaza Vientiane made an excellent first impression. The hotel looks impressive in photos, but we thought it looked even better in person. Stepping into the large lobby, with its high ceilings and spacious interior, it immediately felt like a proper five-star international hotel.
Despite Crowne Plaza's traditional association with business travel, the hotel did not feel exclusively corporate. The modern surroundings and extensive facilities made it equally appealing for a leisure stay.
The property also felt modern and very well maintained throughout our stay. It did not take us long after arriving to feel that we had made the right choice for our stay in Vientiane.
Hotel Location
Crowne Plaza Vientiane is conveniently located within the Royal Square complex, alongside offices, a shopping mall and Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane. There is also a Starbucks immediately beside the hotel.
While the hotel is not right in the heart of Vientiane's tourist area, Vientiane is relatively compact and getting around was extremely easy. We used Loca throughout our stay, with most journeys to attractions, cafés and shops taking around 10 to 15 minutes. Rides were also very affordable.
We used Loca to visit places including Patuxai and the Mekong riverfront. We did not explore much on foot, as Vientiane's roads and pavements are not always particularly pedestrian-friendly.
The hotel is also convenient for Wattay International Airport, with our Loca ride taking around 15 minutes. Arriving from Luang Prabang, our journey from Vientiane Railway Station to the hotel took approximately 45 minutes with some traffic along the way.
Overall, Crowne Plaza Vientiane is a convenient base for exploring the city. Most places we wanted to visit were only a short and inexpensive Loca ride away.
Check-In Experience
We arrived at Crowne Plaza Vientiane at around 3.30pm, and our room was ready when we arrived. Staff immediately welcomed us, helped with our luggage and directed us towards the reception counters, located straight ahead from the hotel entrance.
There was no queue during our arrival, and the check-in process was quick and efficient. The staff explained the hotel's facilities and acknowledged our IHG One Rewards membership, although as basic members, we did not receive any additional elite benefits. We were assigned the 1 King Standard room that we had booked.
What stood out most was how warm and friendly everyone was. The staff were consistently smiling and welcoming, and this excellent first impression continued throughout our two-night stay.
Crowne Plaza Vientiane Standard Room Review
1 King Standard Room
Our 1 King Standard room was one of the biggest surprises of our stay. Despite being the entry-level room category, the 35-square-metre room felt incredibly spacious, modern and well maintained. In fact, it felt considerably larger than its stated size, perhaps helped by the open-concept bathroom and well-designed layout.
After spending the previous three nights in a small heritage hotel in Luang Prabang, our first reaction upon entering was simply: wow.
The bathroom sits immediately to the left of the entrance, while the wardrobe and minibar are on the right. The bathroom can be opened up to the bedroom to create an even greater sense of space, or closed off with doors for privacy. Further inside, the king bed occupies one side of the room, with a wall-mounted television and proper workstation opposite. A sofa by the large windows overlooks the hotel grounds and infinity pool.
Bed and Living Area
The king bed was comfortable, and we slept very well throughout our two-night stay. There were bedside tables and power sockets on both sides, although there were no USB charging ports.
The room also had a proper workstation with a large ergonomic office chair. This was perhaps one of the more obvious reminders that Crowne Plaza caters heavily to business travellers, and it was a genuinely comfortable setup for anyone who needed to work during their stay.
A 40-inch television was mounted opposite the bed. It was adequate, although a larger television would have been welcome given the size of the room. The large windows also allowed plenty of natural light into the room during the day.
Minibar and Amenities
The minibar was well stocked with still and sparkling water, beer, soft drinks and fruit juices, alongside several miniature bottles of liquor. Complimentary bottled water, tea and coffee were also provided, although there was only a kettle rather than a capsule coffee machine.
One of our favourite surprises was the complimentary rice snacks delivered to our room. Three different flavours were presented in small containers, and they were genuinely delicious — the sort of snack that was surprisingly difficult to stop eating.
Other amenities included bathrobes, slippers, an in-room safe, iron and ironing board, while the wardrobe provided more than enough storage for our short stay.
Bathroom
The bathroom was another highlight. It was exceptionally spacious, taking up a significant portion of the room, with a separate bathtub, walk-in shower, toilet compartment and single vanity.
Crowne Plaza Vientiane uses Antipodes toiletries, and these were among our favourite hotel toiletries in recent memory. They smelled fantastic — so much so that we even tried looking for them after returning to Singapore. Dental kits, a shaving kit, shower cap and other standard bathroom amenities were also provided.
The shower itself worked perfectly, with good water pressure and temperature throughout our stay.
Overall
For an entry-level room, the 1 King Standard exceeded our expectations. The generous sense of space and large bathroom were particularly impressive, especially considering the price we paid.
We would happily book the same room again, although we would also be tempted to try one of Crowne Plaza Vientiane's higher room categories on a future stay.
Facilities: Infinity Pool, Spa & Gym
The hotel's main leisure facilities — the infinity pool, Senses Spa and gym — are conveniently located together on the third floor.
Infinity Swimming Pool
The infinity pool was one of the highlights of our stay. Rather than being designed purely for looks, this is a proper swimming pool — long and wide enough for lap swimming, with plenty of space to actually enjoy the water.
There are numerous loungers around the pool, including some with large umbrellas, while towels were neatly placed on the loungers and ready for guests to use. There are also partially submerged loungers within the pool itself.
We went for a swim at around 7am and had the entire pool to ourselves. The water was initially cold, but we quickly got used to it. With the sky slowly brightening, the surroundings completely quiet and little more than the sound of water around us, it was an incredibly peaceful way to start the morning.
Despite being an infinity pool, don't come expecting spectacular skyline views. Located on the third floor, it primarily overlooks the hotel entrance and surrounding area. But that hardly mattered to us. We would much rather have a large, functional pool that is genuinely enjoyable to swim in than a photogenic pool where there is barely enough room to move.
The Link Tapas and Bar is also located beside the pool, although we did not dine there during our stay.
Senses Spa
We also booked a 90-minute full-body massage at Senses Spa and opted for a couple's treatment room.
The experience felt suitably luxurious from the beginning. Before the treatment, we were seated in a quiet reception area where we were given a cold towel and drink. Our couple's treatment room was completely private and included its own bathroom and changing area, shower and safe.
The massage itself was fantastic — relaxing enough that we may even have dozed off during the treatment. Afterwards, we returned to the relaxation area for hot tea and some fruit.
It turned out to be one of our favourite experiences at the hotel and something we would happily book again on a future stay.
Gym
The gym is located on the same floor as the pool and spa. We did not use it during our stay, but from what we could see, it appeared spacious and properly equipped for a five-star hotel.
Overall, the facilities prioritise function over flash, and they do their job extremely well. The combination of the large swimming pool and excellent spa was one of the highlights of our stay.
Breakfast & Dining at Crowne Plaza Vientiane
Crowne Plaza Vientiane has several dining options within the hotel. During our stay, we had breakfast and dinner at Mosaic, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant on the first floor.
Breakfast at Mosaic
Breakfast at Mosaic is served as a large international buffet, with food spread across much of the restaurant. We only had breakfast at the hotel on our final morning, having chosen to explore Vientiane for breakfast the day before.
The selection was extensive, with a particularly good range of Asian dishes alongside the usual Western breakfast staples. There were also dedicated egg and noodle stations, while the bakery section included croissants, danishes, bread rolls and a bread pudding that we particularly enjoyed.
We kept our own breakfast relatively simple with an omelette, bacon, mushrooms, potatoes, baked beans and smoked salmon. My wife tried the noodle soup and thought it was good, while our hot Americano was also decent.
Overall, breakfast was good rather than exceptional. The sheer variety is the main attraction, and we think it is worth having at least once during a stay.
Dinner at Mosaic
We returned to Mosaic for an à la carte dinner on our final night. We treated our time at Crowne Plaza almost like a short staycation and wanted to spend our last evening relaxing at the hotel rather than heading out again.
We shared Prawn Pad Thai, Mekong Fish with Curry Sauce, Aw Gai Lao Chicken Stew and Sticky Sweet Chili Chicken Wings, followed by Thai Tea Tiramisu and Mango Sticky Rice for dessert.
Everything was enjoyable, although there was no particular dish that we would call outstanding. Service was attentive throughout, with staff regularly topping up our water, clearing finished plates and bringing dishes out as they were ready.
Unlike breakfast, Mosaic was very quiet during dinner, with only a handful of other guests dining during our visit. For travellers wanting to experience more of Vientiane's food scene, we would still recommend heading out into the city. But after a long day of exploring, Mosaic is a convenient and comfortable option for a relaxing dinner without leaving the hotel.
Other Dining Options
Other venues include Elephant Lounge beside the lobby, The Link Tapas and Bar beside the swimming pool, an outdoor Beer Garden, and 3 Merchants. We did not try these during our stay.
Service
Service was one of the strongest aspects of our stay at Crowne Plaza Vientiane. From the moment we arrived until we left for the airport two days later, the staff were consistently warm, friendly and genuinely eager to help.
What stood out was how natural the service felt. There was a genuine warmth to our interactions with the staff that went beyond polished five-star professionalism.
The hotel is large, so don't necessarily expect the highly personalised service of a small boutique property where staff quickly learn your name. Instead, Crowne Plaza impressed us through consistency. Reception was efficient, our room was thoroughly cleaned and replenished each day, service at Mosaic was attentive, and the staff at Senses Spa gave us plenty of time to relax over tea and fruit after our treatment.
Even our departure was effortless. Checkout was quick, and when our Loca arrived, the staff at the entrance helped load our luggage into the car before we left for the airport.
We did not encounter a single service issue during our two-night stay. Crowne Plaza Vientiane may be a large international hotel, but its warm and genuine service gave the property plenty of character.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
Crowne Plaza Vientiane caters comfortably to several types of travellers.
Business travellers are perhaps the most obvious audience, thanks to the proper workstation, nearby offices, restaurants and easy airport access.
Couples should also feel at home here. The excellent spa and quiet infinity pool made our stay feel almost like a short city staycation.
Families benefit from the large rooms, spacious common areas and swimming pool, while getting around Vientiane by Loca is straightforward.
For first-time visitors, Crowne Plaza is an especially easy recommendation. It provides a comfortable and fuss-free base with virtually everything you might need under one roof.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Crowne Plaza may be less appealing if you want your hotel to feel distinctly Lao. This is a large international hotel with a contemporary, corporate character rather than a small heritage or boutique property.
It is also not somewhere we would choose specifically for walkability. If being able to step outside your hotel and immediately explore cafés and restaurants on foot is important, another location may suit you better.
Value for Money
At US$200.02 for two nights, or around US$100 per night, Crowne Plaza Vientiane offered exceptional value during our stay. For that price, we received a 35-square-metre room together with access to an excellent infinity pool and well-equipped gym, with Senses Spa and several dining options available within the hotel.
Our rate did not include breakfast, and treatments at Senses Spa were charged separately. However, the base room rate represented such good value that we did not mind paying separately for the additional experiences we wanted.
We would comfortably pay up to around US$150 per night for the same 1 King Standard room. Beyond that, we would probably start comparing alternatives before booking.
At around US$100 per night, however, Crowne Plaza Vientiane was a bargain.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Spacious and modern rooms, even at the entry-level category
Excellent infinity pool and luxurious Senses Spa
Warm, genuine and consistently good service
Excellent value at around US$100 per night during our stay
Cons
International hotel atmosphere may not appeal to travellers seeking a distinctly Lao experience
Not the best choice if exploring cafés and restaurants entirely on foot is a priority
Final Verdict
Crowne Plaza Vientiane exceeded our expectations and turned out to be exactly the hotel we wanted for our final two nights in Laos.
Crowne Plaza Vientiane's biggest strength is how well everything comes together. The entry-level rooms are remarkably spacious, the pool is genuinely enjoyable to swim in, Senses Spa was excellent, and the service remained warm and genuine throughout our stay.
It also worked particularly well for the way we wanted to experience Vientiane. We treated our two nights almost like a short staycation — heading out to explore the city before returning to a comfortable hotel where we could swim, enjoy a massage, have dinner and simply relax.
At around US$100 per night during our stay, the value was exceptional and made an already impressive five-star hotel even easier to recommend.
Would we stay at Crowne Plaza Vientiane again? Absolutely. Unless we wanted to try another hotel purely for a different experience, this would easily be our default choice when returning to Vientiane.
For first-time visitors looking for a comfortable, fuss-free and full-service hotel in the Lao capital, Crowne Plaza Vientiane is an easy recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crowne Plaza Vientiane
Q1: Is Crowne Plaza Vientiane worth staying at?
A1: Yes. Crowne Plaza Vientiane offers an excellent overall package, combining spacious and modern rooms with a large swimming pool, gym, spa, several dining options and consistently warm service. It would be one of our first recommendations for travellers looking for a full-service hotel in Vientiane.
Q2: Is Crowne Plaza Vientiane in a good location?
A2: Yes. Crowne Plaza Vientiane is relatively central, and most places we wanted to visit were around 10 to 15 minutes away by Loca. While we would not choose the hotel specifically for walkability, getting around Vientiane was easy and inexpensive during our stay.
Q3: How far is Crowne Plaza Vientiane from the airport?
A3: Crowne Plaza Vientiane is relatively close to Wattay International Airport. Our Loca journey from the hotel to the airport took approximately 15 minutes, although actual travel times will depend on traffic.
Q4: What are the rooms like at Crowne Plaza Vientiane?
A4: We stayed in a 1 King Standard room measuring 35 square metres. Despite being the entry-level room category, it felt remarkably spacious, with a king bed, proper workstation, sofa and large open-concept bathroom with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower.
Q5: Does Crowne Plaza Vientiane have a swimming pool?
A5: Yes. Crowne Plaza Vientiane has a large outdoor infinity pool on the third floor. It is long and wide enough for proper swimming, with plenty of loungers around the pool and partially submerged loungers for guests who simply want to relax.
Q6: Is breakfast at Crowne Plaza Vientiane worth it?
A6: We think breakfast at Crowne Plaza Vientiane is worth trying at least once. Mosaic serves an extensive international buffet with Western and Asian dishes, alongside egg and noodle stations. For a longer stay, however, we would also recommend exploring Vientiane's cafés and brunch options.
Q7: Is Crowne Plaza Vientiane good for couples?
A7: Yes. We stayed at Crowne Plaza Vientiane as a couple and particularly enjoyed the infinity pool and our couple's treatment at Senses Spa. Combined with the spacious rooms and full-service facilities, it works very well for a relaxing couple's stay.
Q8: Is Crowne Plaza Vientiane good value for money?
A8: At the approximately US$100 per night we paid in April 2026, absolutely. We thought it represented exceptional value for a full-service five-star international hotel. We would personally be comfortable paying up to around US$150 per night for the same 1 King Standard room, although rates will naturally vary.
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