Guest Friendly Hotels in Vientiane: Complete 2026 No Joiner Fee Guide
Guest Friendly Hotels in Vientiane: Complete 2026 Guide
Vientiane offers a laid-back Lao capital experience with the region's most relaxed hotel policies. The sleepy riverside city provides easy access to nightlife along the Mekong while maintaining authentic Southeast Asian charm.
This guide covers 25+ verified hotels across the riverside, city center, and That Luang areas, with rates ranging from $20 USD budget rooms to $200 USD luxury suites.
Table of Contents
- Mekong Riverside
- City Center
- That Luang Area
- All Hotels by Budget
- Policy Information
- Transportation Guide
- Top Picks Summary
Mekong Riverside: entertainment strip
The Mekong riverside along Fa Ngum Road serves as Vientiane's main entertainment area. Hotels here offer walking access to the night market, restaurants, and bars with views across to Thailand.
Budget options under $40 USD
| Hotel | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|
| City Inn Vientiane | $20-35 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Smile Inn Hotel | $25-40 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Vayakorn Inn | $18-30 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Day Inn Hotel | $22-38 USD | Book on Paglipat |
City Inn Vientiane delivers excellent budget value at $20-35 USD with clean rooms near the riverside promenade. Staff are friendly and policies completely relaxed.
Smile Inn Hotel offers good central location at $25-40 USD with helpful service.
Mid-range value picks $40-80 USD
| Hotel | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Lao Plaza Hotel ⭐ | $60-100 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Mercure Vientiane Hotel | $45-75 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Don Chan Palace ⭐ | $50-90 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Somerset Vientiane | $55-95 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Lao Plaza Hotel ⭐ earns top Vientiane marks at $60-100 USD with excellent facilities, riverside views, and confirmed guest friendly policies. The rooftop pool and restaurant offer stunning Mekong panoramas.
Don Chan Palace ⭐ delivers five-star facilities at $50-90 USD with the city's tallest building offering spectacular views.
Premium riverside options
| Hotel | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Settha Palace Hotel ⭐ | $120-180 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Crowne Plaza Vientiane | $90-150 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Settha Palace Hotel ⭐ represents Vientiane's finest at $120-180 USD—beautifully restored 1932 French colonial mansion with exceptional service and discrete, accommodating policies.
City Center: downtown convenience
Hotels in the city center near the Morning Market and main commercial areas offer convenient access to both daytime activities and evening entertainment.
City center selections
| Hotel | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Green Park Boutique Hotel ⭐ | $70-120 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Ansara Hotel | $55-90 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Salana Boutique Hotel | $50-80 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Best Western Vientiane | $45-75 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Green Park Boutique Hotel ⭐ offers boutique charm at $70-120 USD with excellent pool, gardens, and riverside location. Known for welcoming policies.
Ansara Hotel provides boutique atmosphere at $55-90 USD with traditional Lao design elements.
That Luang Area: peaceful alternative
The That Luang area near Vientiane's famous golden stupa offers quieter accommodation away from the main tourist strip.
That Luang selections
| Hotel | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Landmark Mekong Riverside | $60-100 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Lao Orchid Hotel | $40-65 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Chateau de Vientiane | $35-55 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Landmark Mekong Riverside delivers good value at $60-100 USD with river views and modern facilities.
All Hotels by Budget
Budget: Under $45 USD/night
| Hotel | Location | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vayakorn Inn | Riverside | $18-30 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| City Inn Vientiane | Riverside | $20-35 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Day Inn Hotel | Riverside | $22-38 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Smile Inn Hotel | City Center | $25-40 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Chateau de Vientiane | That Luang | $35-55 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Lao Orchid Hotel | That Luang | $40-65 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Mid-Range: $45-90 USD/night
| Hotel | Location | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercure Vientiane Hotel | City Center | $45-75 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Best Western Vientiane | City Center | $45-75 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Salana Boutique Hotel | City Center | $50-80 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Don Chan Palace ⭐ | Riverside | $50-90 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Ansara Hotel | City Center | $55-90 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Somerset Vientiane | Riverside | $55-95 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Lao Plaza Hotel ⭐ | Riverside | $60-100 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Landmark Mekong Riverside | That Luang | $60-100 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Green Park Boutique ⭐ | City Center | $70-120 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Premium & Luxury: $90+ USD/night
| Hotel | Location | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowne Plaza Vientiane | Riverside | $90-150 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Settha Palace Hotel ⭐ | City Center | $120-180 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Top Picks by Category
| Category | Hotel | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Lao Plaza Hotel | $60-100 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Best Value | Don Chan Palace | $50-90 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Best Budget | City Inn Vientiane | $20-35 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Best for Nightlife | Lao Plaza Hotel | $60-100 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Best Boutique | Green Park Boutique | $70-120 USD | Book on Paglipat |
| Best Luxury | Settha Palace Hotel | $120-180 USD | Book on Paglipat |
Guest policy information
Vientiane maintains Southeast Asia's most relaxed policies:
Standard practice:
- All hotels welcome overnight guests
- No joiner fees at any property
- Minimal ID requirements
- 24-hour reception common
No verification needed:
- Budget guesthouses
- Mid-range hotels
- Even luxury properties
Vientiane specifics:
- The smallest capital in Southeast Asia means everything is close
- Relaxed Lao culture extends to all hotel policies
- Even international chains maintain local flexibility
Getting around Vientiane
Tuk-tuks
The primary transport:
- Within central areas: 30,000-50,000 LAK ($2-3 USD)
- Airport to city: 80,000-100,000 LAK ($5-7 USD)
- Negotiate before riding
Rental motorbikes
Popular option at 80,000-120,000 LAK/day ($5-8 USD). Traffic is minimal and easy to navigate.
Bicycle rental
Excellent for the flat city at 20,000-40,000 LAK/day ($1-2 USD).
LOCA (Ride-hailing)
Local ride-hailing app similar to Grab with competitive pricing.
Nightlife overview
Vientiane's nightlife is modest but enjoyable:
Riverside area (Fa Ngum Road):
- Night market with food stalls
- Riverside bars and restaurants
- Sunset drinks overlooking Thailand
Entertainment venues:
- Future Nightclub
- Marina Club
- Various bars along Setthathirath Road
The city has a midnight curfew on most establishments, so nightlife ends earlier than Thailand or Cambodia.
Conclusion
Vientiane offers the most relaxed guest friendly environment in Southeast Asia with virtually zero policy concerns. The riverside area provides convenient access to the city's modest nightlife and excellent dining.
Key recommendations:
- First-timers: Stay along Fa Ngum Road riverside
- Budget travelers: Excellent value starting at $20 USD
- Colonial charm: Settha Palace for historical elegance
- City views: Don Chan Palace for panoramic Mekong views
Prices are the lowest in the region while offering comfortable accommodation and genuine Lao hospitality.
Looking for flights to Vientiane? Search the best deals on Paglipat Flights and compare Phnom Penh Guest Friendly Hotels.