This stay was incredibly good value for money! I originally booked a standard single room, and when I checked in, the front desk said they were fully booked, which made my heart sink a little. But then, the lovely front desk staff upgraded me to a deluxe room for free! I didn't even have to pay extra, which was a really nice gesture.
Once I entered the room, it was super clean and cozy. The bedding was comfortable, and the lighting created a great ambiance. When I drew the curtains at night, the city view was absolutely stunning! It was so brightly lit up, and any photo I took looked like it belonged in a magazine. Before coming, I'd heard many celebrities had stayed here and filmed on location. The last time Yu Minhong from New Oriental was on his Southeast Asia trip, he did a live broadcast right outside, with this very hotel, Huilan Hotel, in the background. I'd also heard about it in my self-driving group, as Thai and Malaysian car teams often choose this as their starting point for rallies. It definitely makes for great photos – highly recommended for anyone who loves taking pictures! 👍👍
In the lobby the next morning, I met an elderly gentleman in a traditional Chinese red outfit. He was smiling and tied a red string on my wrist. I asked about it and learned it's a Lao tradition where elders tie strings on younger people for protection against evil and to ensure safety. It turned out the grandpa was Chinese, over 70 years old, and in excellent spirits! Later, I saw several self-driving teams from Thailand lining up for this ritual before they set off. It's like receiving blessings even before the wheels start turning – this cultural ceremony felt so genuine and heartwarming.
Breakfast on the second floor had a wide variety of options, and everything looked healthy and delicious. There were fresh fruits and freshly cooked dishes – very satisfying. The most unexpected find was the self-service laundry on the rooftop, complete with a dryer that had English, Chinese, and Lao language options! When traveling in Southeast Asia during the rainy season, the biggest fear is not having dry clothes, so this amenity is incredibly thoughtful for self-driving travelers. The multi-language interface makes it easy for international guests too.
On the second morning, a car team was leaving, and the hotel staff lined up to wave them off, even interacting with guests with high-fives. It wasn't just a formality; their enthusiasm was genuine. From the free upgrade upon arrival to the smiling farewell, I felt truly cared for throughout my stay.
I highly recommend this hotel to self-driving groups, photography enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique cultural experience. The facilities are top-notch, the service is heartfelt, and the exclusive Lao string-tying ceremony is an experience unlike any other. Once you've stayed here, you'll understand why so many car teams choose it as their starting point.
Next time I'm on a self-driving trip in Southeast Asia, I'll definitely stay at Huilan again! 😍😍
Original TextTranslation provided by AI
