The purpose for going to Pakse was to take a 3-day trip on the Vat Phou Mekong River Cruise through parts of Champasak Province. We flew into Pakse a day before the cruise and checked into the historic Champasak Palace Hotel. We also spent 1-night there at the completion of the cruise.

The building was originally built as the palace for the last king of Laos and is described by some as looking like the top of a wedding cake. In fact the picture we've included is actually of the central part of the 4th, 5th & top floor of the hotel. We booked one of the larger rooms on the 4th floor and while a little worn, it was full of charm and lovely furnishings. The bathroom had been recently updated and our room had large double doors opening out onto a terrace overlooking the city.

We had read some negative comments about the breakfast at the hotel but to be perfectly honest, it suited us. While service at the front desk was a little inconsistent, I would chalk that up more to a lack of communication more than a poor attitude.

All-in-all, we got the historical experience we were looking for.

Despite the reviews, and because we wanted a unique experience, we stayed we stayed in the Champasak Palace for 3 nights in late May 2012, 3 people in the two Princess rooms. Staff were so attentive, the bellboy was great as we had a lot of coming and going on tours, the hotel looked after our suitcases and gave us the same room each of the three nights we returned.
The laundry was cheap and beautifully packaged.
Breakfast was very good value.
Wifi was good. Bed was comfortable. Great views. The shower was a joy after days of travelling.
We loved the hotel, although parts of it need a bit of a revamp, it is like staying in a fairytale.
On advice from TA we wanted to have dinner on a boat on the Mekong, and the hotel arranged this for us. They also provided shopping advice.
There was always someone in reception who spoke some English.
DarwinGranny

We went to Pakse in low season, there’s only few guests in hotel (less than 10pp) We had only 1 a la cart for breakfast (you can choose between boiled rice or American breakfast)

Reception couldn’t give any information to you when we asked about place for dinner they can’t recommend just said “you can find some restaurant outside”. But the good things of Pakse is it’s a small town we can find small place to eat by ourselves and we have found many new hotel with a reasonable price. So the day after we decided to change hotel.

*I don't know, if you stay in a high season you may get a good service and full breakfast