The Apsara Hotel Luang Prabang

Although this hotel was a bit out of my budget, I thought it was worth every extra kip (Lao currency). The location is superb - a quiet area along the river near the old city center. The rooms are spacious, clean and very comfortable. But above all else, I was overwhelmed by the gracious hospitality of the staff. Traveling alone on my birthday, two of the hotel staff actually took me out to dinner, and one asked me to join his family for the annual boat races in a nearby village. It was one of my most-memorable birthdays ever! Please do consider this place if your budget will allow. You won't regret it!

We really enjoyed our 4 day stay here. Most comfortable beds in Laos, and lovely bathroom (with large bathtub which during the cool season is a definite plus at nights). Friendly service, stylish decor, great location - easy early morning walk to watch the Thak Baat at dawn. The manager Ivan and his team are very helpful, and their advice pre- and during our stay was invaluable.
Wd strongly recommend the upstairs balcony room with 4 poster (altho' the balcony is very narrow and shared with the other rooms).
The food generally was good but a little inconsistent.. fantastic lentil soup & goat tagine, but poor risotto & steak. Didn't like the perc coffee - tasted burnt - and no other choice offered.. but there are some great coffee shops in town so not a major issue NB Best coffee we had in town was at Joma, beyond the Royal Palace.
For those with laptops there is WiFi.
Tip: In Dec/Jan all the good hotels in LP get full quickly so advise book early.. even in May the Apsara was full. It is definitely worth trying to get a bedroom in the centre of town.. don't be tempted to go out of town to suburbs! The whole joy of LP is being in town.

If you have time, 4 + days in LP is worthwhile.. enough time to chill out and see everything at peaceful 'laotian' pace.