I want to see the Fireballs and this was the only hotel that had rooms. There is no wonder why they had rooms. They charged double their going rate. The hotel staff was poorly trained and did not have accurate information about Nong Kahi, the Fireballs or transportation. The floor in the room was dirty, you know like it stuck to your feet. The hotel manager did not return phone calls. There was no hot water until I demanded some three or four times. I asked for them to help with booking transportation to the Udon Thani airport and they did not know who to call. They told me there was no street food in Nong Kahi. The breakfast was the low end of okay. If you are in the neighborhood go to the 6th floor and look at the ceiling. That represents the cleanliness of the hotel.

The hotel says they are 3 star. I give in 1. This is a place to avoid.

All the good reviews must have been written by the hotel itself. The location is out of town and can be expensive and is inconvenient to go back and forth. The pool furnature is non existent.

A great hotel, with a great staff (from the manager to the cook), in a great location. Rather than go into all the things that this hotel does right, I will just say this: In 2 months I will make a special trip to this hotel and stay for 2 weeks. I will take a Thai family (spaning 4 generaations) of 6 with me. How much stronger recommendation can I give?

William H Outten of San Francisco and Palm Springs

This is a three star hotel which is now a Holiday Inn. It had a good buffet breakfast and a beautiful large pool. Evryone was nice and attentive. It is about a 19 minute tuk tuk ride to town but is only about a mile from the friendship bridge to Lao. I would stay here agin if traveling to Lao.

Guests are provided with instructions on how to make an international call - but the hotel does not permit guests to make international calls.

To use your laptop in your room, first call the hotel operator so that she can "open a line" for you.

The hotel is of the typical-provincial-Thai variety. Don't hope for too much, and you will be satisfied.

Upper floors do have a great view of the Mekong. Good breeze meant no air con needed at night (early Novem,ber).