I stayed in the 5 person "penthouse" suite for 20$ night. it had its own balconey and shower. however, the toilet was in the hallway.
I would recommend making reservations as half the hotel is booked by Lao Airlines for the next 6 months. You'll see pilots and flight attendants coming and going on a daily basis. it is very clean and in a good lao neighbourhood away from the touristy strip.

if you're looking to give alms, the Vat Mano monks pass right in front of the Mano guest house 6-6:15AM every morning. They are one of the poorer temples so I preferred to give my offerings to these 30some monks than the huge procession that happens near the centre.

across the street frm the mano guesthouse is a congee(70-80cents if you have it with a donut) store that serves the local morning rush hour - students on their way to school, tour operators..etc. they close at 8:30AM. two stores from it is a restuarant that serves fried white noodle or rice (1-1.50) and local desserts (30-40cents). this guesthouse may be off the strip but as a result, you get more of the local flavour. much of which is already being painted over with foreign investment in the more touristy parts of town.

This Guest House was great value for (US$10) a night.
Good points: cost, great food, cheap laundry service.
Not-so-good: location- is about 10-15 min walk to main street. There are many more guest houses which are much closer to the main street and the river.

All in all, this is a good guest house and if you don't mind a short stroll to town it is fine.

Just walked into the guest house. Had a good room. Very pleased with the whole environment. Good food too.

one of the few places in SE asia where meat is served in steak size instead of the usual chopped up stirfry nuggets. premiership football with the excellent Lao Beer make a room in the Mano a perfect chill out on the cheap. the staff are helpful and the service is great. the place is well kept and there's a bank a few doors up. it's not in the heart of the town but thats only ten minutes walk away. it will be the most exercise you'll encounter here unless you're into watersports. (i'm not)
cheers

niall fitzpatrick