Laos’ capital takes a big step into the world of luxury tourism with the arrival of The President by Akaryn (www.akaryn.com/president).

Taking up residence in a neoclassical palace first gifted to Laos by the Chinese government, the all-suite hotel consists of only 32 rooms, each adorned with luxurious interiors inspired by colonial mansions.

The Ayurah Wellness Centre, features therapies and beauty products from Linda Meredith, a UK-based celebrity facialist whose clients include Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham. The location on Setthathirath Road means the hotel has Parliament House, Haw Phra Kaew temple and Chao Anouvong Park as its neighbors.

Room rates range from US$416 (B14,602) for a garden suite to US$3,630 (B127,419) for a presidential suite.

The hotel is part of the Akaryn Hotel Group, which also just opened the Akyra Beach Club on Phuket.