Settha Palace Hotel, building in Vientiane, Laos
Settha Palace Hotel is a lodging in Vientiane built in 1932 in French colonial style and reopened in 1999 after careful restoration. The building features beige columns, high ceilings, marble flooring, an elegant dark rosewood staircase, and sits among palm trees with a swimming pool and a restaurant serving French and continental cuisine.
The building was constructed in 1932 during French colonial rule and was originally called Le Bungalow before receiving its current name. After the government changed in 1975, it fell under state control and deteriorated for decades until a descendant of the original family undertook a six-year restoration beginning in 1994.
The hotel's name references royal palaces, though it was originally a private residence that embodies the blend of French and Laotian cultural worlds. The style here reflects a time when French influence shaped how the city's buildings looked and how people lived.
The hotel sits on Pangkham Street in central Vientiane with convenient access to nearby temples, markets, and parks. The grounds with gardens, pool, and spa provide practical amenities for relaxation between outings, while the 26 rooms blend historical style with modern comfort.
The original signboard reading Le Bungalow was discovered still hanging above the main entrance during restoration, where it had remained hidden since the 1930s. This faded sign is a quiet testament to the place's long history and its resilience through major changes.
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