Five stars for Lao Plaza Hotel

Lao National Tourism Administration, under the Prime Minister’s Office, officially recognised the Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane as the first five-star hotel in Laos, earlier this month.

There have been properties in the past that declared five-star status, but none have been officially recognised or granted a five-star rating by LNTA.

Lao Plaza was the first hotel in Vientiane to cater to international leisure and business travellers. Since its opening in 1997, it has undergone various upgrades to ensure its 142 rooms, including 20 suites, are maintained to an international standard. The property has seven conference rooms including the Vientiane Grand Ballroom, which can seat 300 guests.

Since its opening, the property has been the venue of choice for foreign dignities visiting the country and a site for government and NGO related events, seminars, national events as well as regional and international conferences.

Recently, the hotel was  awarded “Luxury Hotel of the Year” by Indochina Tourism & Hospitality Alliances in Vietnam and its culinary team won several gold and silver medals at the Bangkok International Food Competition.

General manager, Nobuyuki Fukuda, who was part of the team that opened the Hilton Nai Lert Park, in Bangkok, said his success at Lao Plaza was due to “the loyalty and willingness of his 250 staff, who have raised guest related services to an international standard.

A great admirer of the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Mr. Fukuda reflects the same kind of dedication to service standards.

He told TTR Weekly, recently, that his objective was to raise service standards at the Lao Plaza to be ultimately on par with the Oriental Hotel.

“It’s the benchmark for me and I am confident, given time and training, we can achieve the same goal here in Vientiane.”

Lao Plaza Hotel has recently completed a renovation of its restaurants, the lobby, bars and other public facilities. It also offers free internet service for its guests.