Amantaka

We spent 3 tremendous days/evenings at the Amantaka in January '25 while visiting Luang Prabang. From the moment of arrival, we recognized that everything about the Amantaka -- from the warm and inviting staff to facilities -- was exceptional. And our suite was without doubt as gracious and beautiful as we've ever experienced during our travels worldwide -- architecturally stunning, including foyer, delightful vaulted sitting room with desk, charming bedroom, very ample closet space with dual armoires, and sumptuous bath with dual vanities, private water closet, tub and shower...and access to our own rear walled terrace with private pool (there is a shared public pool as well). One significant added appeal of the Amantaka is its lovely proximity to Luang Prabang's night market, primary commercial streets, and the bars along the Mekong. This is truly a great property and superb location. And the staff is among the finest we've ever experienced. Loved our stay!

Amantaka is an extremely beautiful hotel designed and built according to traditional Laotian architecture. Service is the best as typical in all Aman resorts. The pool was a relaxing space after a day of walking tour. I thought monsoon seson would have been terrible and instead it was pleasant in a unique way. The garden was green and lush. I am not giving 5 star not because of the hotel but because Luang Prabang is quickly loosing its identity and this is reflected everywhere in the small town including hotels, cafes and restaurants. Speed trains are bringing the worse overtourism into Laos and you feel that the traditional charm of the past is destined to disappear. Seeing the alm ceremony with hundreds of tourists taking photos up to the face of the monks and calling each other loud was just a sad tragic nightmare. I hope for the sake of the future of Luang Prabang the municipality and all the hotels and tourist venues will do somthing to not suffocate Luang Prabang and preserve its fragile beauty.

Close to the bustle of the small city but a serene oasis where nothing is too much trouble . The grounds and buildings of the former French hospital have been transformed but retain their heritage . The pool is a lovely centre piece and at night is transformed with lanterns to a beautiful terrace setting for dinner . Suites are large , and blend teak with modern materials to offer comfort , style and cool retreats with large bath and shower spaces , comfortable bed , sitting areas indoors and loungers outside . The food is extremely good with dinner menus changing daily and offering perfect Loo choices or excellent western options . Prices are of course steep but with packages for offer of breakfast and another daily meal choice as well as spa massage they feel much better. The gym is well equipped but it might be time to import some newer cardio options . Aman offer excursions including a city tour included in the package , but perfectly safe and well guided alternatives can be bought in the town at a huge saving - why wouldn’t you ? This might be my only real criticism - we visited and elephant sanctuary privately saving hundreds of dollars

Amantaka is a sublime hotel. I had high expectations coming to Amantaka and was trying to temper them. Nevertheless, the property exceeded them in nearly every way. My last two Aman experiences had been exceptional (Aman Tokyo and Amangalla) and it seemed unwise to believe this would be the same level: different country, staff etc. I was picked up at my first Luang Prabang hotel by Aman. On arrival, the remarkable Elodie and her team welcomed me in the usual way, with a tour of the property. The building is an old 1920s French colonial era hospital that became derelict and at one stage was home to many squatters. It would have been nice to know which bits were which back then, but as a municipal building it would probably have fewer records. My room was in one of the old hospital wings on the courtyard, at the end of which by the hotel’s main building is the pool (which was very cold for a swim, it must be said). The glorious high ceilings of colonial buildings in the tropics were in evidence, as was Aman’s deft and sensitive hand in design. The original windows and doors are wonderful, well maintained and given a subtle grey-green colour. The furniture is of the colonial design period, but locally influenced as well. Naturally rattan is everywhere, this being former French Indochina, and the four poster bed is a lovely touch of grandeur. The palette is really soothing, feels modern and yet vintage, inspiring me to continue my 20s and 30s big band playlist from the previous hotel on the Bluetooth speaker. The one thing I would note is that the mass expanse of tile - without any rugs breaking it up (particularly under the bed) - is a little samey. It certainly contributes to a feeling of size, but it makes it feel less like home. The room is huge, with a separate terrace of two sunloungers and a table and two chairs, surrounded by charming green plants and looked over by palms. The bathroom is a central tub overlooking the terrace and a separate shower room with Aman toiletries. I didn’t use the tub, but it looked a pleasant place to spend a few hours soaking. At the room entrance is a terrace with two chairs and a table, and a stack of umbrellas in a stand in case it rains. At no point did I feel this was a hotel. It felt like very elegant quarters for a colonial administrator. It is highly authentic and, at the same time, extremely well maintained and using high quality materials. The hotel has bikes to cycle around the town, which I used, but had to return early on one occasion as the chain broke halfway round the town. This was a slight style over substance moment as though the grey-green bikes are beautiful with their lovely wicker baskets, the very minimum is that they should work and be reliable. The furniture outside is high quality, black metal furniture with lush, thick white cushions. The staff are constantly brushing off falling tree debris from them, and there are traditionally attired groundsmen constantly sweeping paths. The hotel is very nearly always absolutely spotless. I never ate at the Aman for dinner as I was keen to explore the town. I went to Gaspard and Little Lao - the latter better than the former and it has a great mixologist too. I had wanted to take the Aman’s boat out for a sunset trip but it was fully booked by the time I arrived. Instead, I was recommended two options by the multi-lingual and highly professional Elodie who then arranged to book an option for me, without having to myself. Aman charge a small 5% fee for this but then this is about convenience and comfort. The sunset from the boat was glorious, even if I was alone. It’s difficult to improve on Amantaka. I think more work could be done with local businesses like Caruso to produce unique pieces for the shop: everything local in there is currently all available in the brands’ stores in town. Making it Aman branded - e.g. swim shorts in a local print, only available at Amantaka - could be more interesting than fitness tops just branded “Amantaka.” I would also heat the pool. It’s not really very pleasant to be in it very long, even when you’re very hot. It would be nice to have a French evening too (food wise) as this still feels authentic to the history of Luang Prabang alongside Laotian cuisine. I’d get better quality electric bikes too, and maybe put some rugs in the rooms. And up the ante on the artwork in the room as well. Satri House did a great job with theirs.

Close to the city center, this is a former French colonial hospital, modernized into a first class hotel. We were actually in a newer room and it was wonderful with a private small pool and sunning area. One is greeted with a smile, a bow and a much appreciated scented cold towel on a hot humid day. Though the entrance you go through a well stocked library and step down into the main pool area large courtyard. We had several very nice meals sitting by the pool. We took several opportunities to enjoy their great spa (i am relaxing just thinking of it again). Really lovely service (and afterwards we were served a tea that i swear tasted like blackberry juice!). The city center area is a very short walk and this is a great place to explore. Visit and enjoy this jewel.