Zuela Guesthouse

Zuela Guesthouse is located at the very center of the small town of Luang Namtha. It’s right opposite to the Night Market which is great for a late night dinner after a long trek. Around the guesthouse are also all the major tour agencies with whom you can book tours. The place itself is nice, with traditional wooden architecture and nice bedrooms. Operating staff is very young and a bit inexperienced, so it can take a bit longer to get things through, but not a major issue to enjoy the stay. Breakfast has 4 different choices, each one is good. Beds are relatively comfortable but could use an upgrade in terms of mattresses and insulating rooms from outside. Big plus, they offer mountain bikes, scooters as well as dirt bikes for rent! Overall a very nice stay keeping in mind the location and the very limited options around.

Didn’t stay here but ate here a couple of times. I liked the tranquility of the place as it’s set back a bit from the main road and the prices are good as is the food. WiFi worked well the first time such I could make a WhatsApp phone call but not the second time.

Uncomfortable room: no reading lights. Only one overhead light. Only a heavy comforter was provided that was too hot. Shower had minimal amount of water and pressure. Sink hardware were not cleaned each day. Only one nightstand was provided for one side of the bed. Room size was fine. Bed was fine. Building is attractive from the outside and paintings in the room and the rattan ceilings were attractive. Restaurant was excellent, offering a variety of tasty and healthy foods for each meal.

For Lao standards it is ok. But there is no garden and the staff consists of minors who with one exception don't speak English at all. A clear case of child labor. The rooms are ok but the rooster in the next garden starts crowing around 5 am and you need proper ear plugs to get sleep a bit longer.

The owner is super-helpful and speaks good english. Our first stay first room was fine. Our second stay second room had poor screens and we were bitten to death. The restaurant is nothing impressive, don't bother with espresso drinks. In conclusion, the place is average super-cheap Laos, but you always have to check screens, A/C, and for towels. I would have given it three stars but the owner is super-accommodating (e.g. allowed us to rent bicycles for 1/2 day not normally offered). PLEASE NOTE you can avoid plastic pollution by refilling from cooler at checkin desk and NOT using the plastic water bottles provided in room.