Strictly speaking not a review as will become apparent. I had booked a room at this hotel several months in advance and an exchange of emails confirmed my booking. We duly arrived on the day appointed, following a 5 hour drive down from Luang Prabang. Presenting ourselves at the reception desk we were told by the local staff that there was a "problem", they were full! I presented printoffs of our correspondence and confirmation but was told that the person I had booked with no longer worked there, as if that explained everything. The staff seemed to have little idea of what they were doing. I managed to track down a western woman who I took to be the boss and she was equally unhelpful and rude, denying all knowledge of the booking.

At no point was an apology offered. In all my travels never have I been treated in such an offhand and unpleasant manner in a hotel and this particularly contrasted with the charm and welcome we experienced elsewhere throughout Laos. As luck would have it we found a very pleasant bungalow next door for one night and then subsequently next door to that at the delightful Villa Nam Song.

I would not stay at the Elephant Droppings if they offered me a free room and I would advise others to be wary.

A gorgeous hotel located on the edge of the Nam Song River with the spectacular mountain escarpments in the background. A four storey building with lovely garden and restaurant on the edge of the riverbank. Two year old hotel run by an Australian women and her Lao husband with their two young children. Very welcoming and relaxing retreat away from the backpacker element of Vang Vieng. Rooms have a balcony overlooking the River with simple bathroom and furnishings.

The Elephant Crossing could not do enough to help. We arrived quite late and were warmly welcomed and shown to our room without any problems or hassles. What's more, when we missed breakfast the following morning, the receptionist immediately offered to provide us with a freshly cooked chicken and salad baguette, as well as juice, coffee and fresh fruit.

The rooms are not flash, but very, very clean, comfortable and with stunning views and lovely balconies.

It was one of the nicest places we stayed on our trip and, above all, made us feel comfortable and relaxed.

The hotel is nice but a bit overpriced in my opinion. The rooms are ok, but quite old, the bath was mouldy and the sink was leaking (that was a superior room!). The views are great but then there are a lot of places in vang vieng which have great views.