Barn Laos Hostel — Hotel in Vientiane Capital

Positive Aspects:

Beds in the female dorm were larger than twin size and firm, providing comfort and space. Having a plug to charge your phone in the dorm was a useful amenity. The communal space downstairs was cool for hanging out. The space for laying down and sitting on the floor was appreciated. The cook it yourself breakfast was a highlight, featuring fruits, eggs, and a well-equipped kitchen. Payment through Agoda was convenient, with no need for a cash deposit when checking in. The downstairs space remained open, providing a conducive environment for phone calls or work late at night if needed. The front desk receptionist sleeps on-site, allowing the option to wake them up through the guard for assistance. The ample space is very special. There is one rack outside by the sun to dry clothes.

Negative Aspects:

Curtains in the dorm were beat up, and there was no hurry to fix them. Gaps between the ceiling and wall allowed unwanted brightness from neighbors' lamps. Front desk vibes were hit or miss, with communication issues in English. The environment felt cluttered with too many chairs, and the absence of backrest chairs was noted. Also not many floor fans to direct at yourself. Presence of ads, rules, and reminders everywhere created a crowdy and less peaceful atmosphere. Teflon pans in the kitchen were old and peeled off, requiring the use of oil (canola no olive oil available) to prevent sticking. Lack of hot/warm water in the shower was a downside. No veggies to complete an omelette (broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, onion), but instead they offered lettuce and tomato, no peanut butter, no pepper or other condiments but salt. Towels, locks, bikes, body shampoo, not included. No laundromats to do your laundry yourself, but only laundry services.

I liked it a lot 😄 I will...

The staff was friendly and attentive. When I accidentally dropped my water bottle, causing a loud noise, they immediately checked to ensure everything was okay and no one was hurt, which was very thoughtful. The hostel provides free breakfast, including toast, eggs, and cucumber. The Wi-Fi was fast, and the location is convenient—within walking distance of the city center, with plenty of supermarkets and restaurants nearby.||The photos of the hostel create a completely misleading impression. They depict a modern and spacious property, but in reality, it is an old building. The female dorm lacked sufficient space to accommodate regular-sized suitcases for all guests and there were no hooks or racks to hang my towel. Additionally, the female dorm door had no lock, allowing anyone to enter, which made me feel unsafe.||The windows were wooden shutters instead of glass, offering no soundproofing. Noise from people on the terrace, footsteps in the hallway, and traffic outside could be heard clearly. Furthermore, I am accustomed to female dorms having their own bathroom, but that was not the case here. The communal bathroom, shared by all rooms, was always extremely wet and inconveniently located on the other side of the building. Having to walk such a distance at night to use the toilet disrupted my sleep.||Another issue was the requirement to leave shoes near the reception before entering the hostel. While I understand this might be a cultural custom, I felt uncomfortable leaving my shoes unattended overnight.||Overall, my experience was disappointing. The hostel did not meet my expectations or fulfill my needs, and I...

The staff was friendly and attentive. When I accidentally dropped my water bottle, causing a loud noise, they immediately checked to ensure everything was okay and no one was hurt, which was very thoughtful. The hostel provides free breakfast, including toast, eggs, and cucumber. The Wi-Fi was fast, and the location is convenient—within walking distance of the city center, with plenty of supermarkets and restaurants nearby.||The photos of the hostel create a completely misleading impression. They depict a modern and spacious property, but in reality, it is an old building. The female dorm lacked sufficient space to accommodate regular-sized suitcases for all guests and there were no hooks or racks to hang my towel. Additionally, the female dorm door had no lock, allowing anyone to enter, which made me feel unsafe.||The windows were wooden shutters instead of glass, offering no soundproofing. Noise from people on the terrace, footsteps in the hallway, and traffic outside could be heard clearly. Furthermore, I am accustomed to female dorms having their own bathroom, but that was not the case here. The communal bathroom, shared by all rooms, was always extremely wet and inconveniently located on the other side of the building. Having to walk such a distance at night to use the toilet disrupted my sleep.||Another issue was the requirement to leave shoes near the reception before entering the hostel. While I understand this might be a cultural custom, I felt uncomfortable leaving my shoes unattended overnight.||Overall, my experience was disappointing. The hostel did not meet my expectations or fulfill my needs, and I...