Laxsik Ecolodge

The terrace was a lovely place to unwind, though its cushions are pretty worn and could use replacing. We spent three nights here and had a very pleasant stay overall. Even arriving around midnight on Chinese New Year, check-in went smoothly, which we appreciated. We stayed in Room 8. It was nice, but the toilet seat was loose, and the shower sent water across the bathroom floor toward the toilet even when we tried to be careful. Breakfast was decent, though we wanted more choice. Honey and cream cheese were missing, and the jams were limited and too sweet. Spaghetti didn't feel right for a breakfast buffet. Granola for yogurt, avocado, or salmon would have suited it better and lifted the meal. We saw construction behind or beside the pool. It didn't bother us in our room, although some other guests seemed unhappy about it. The pool itself was a disappointment because it wasn't warm enough for us to use during our stay. It's featured prominently in the hotel's photos, so it ought to be usable in colder weather too. Around 32-35°C would be ideal in cooler months. An indoor or covered pool would be a real advantage in Sapa, where the weather can run through all four seasons in one day. Guests could enjoy the facilities instead of spending most of their time in their rooms, especially with spa prices being quite high. Room, spa, and restaurant prices are already at a European level, so we think the experience should match. Otherwise, guests who get bad weather and can't enjoy the property may leave more negative reviews. That would be a shame, since the hotel has a lot of potential.

The views across the rice fields and Sapa horizon made mornings and evenings memorable, and the location is excellent. The property was in great shape, carefully prepared, and very clean, with especially spotless rooms. For the quality, service, and views, I found the price reasonable, even though Sapa itself can be expensive. Getting there was easy. The hotel is accessible from the bus station, and if you arrange transport ahead, a car will meet you around your arrival time. I took a sleeper bus from Hanoi and sorted out a ride after I arrived without trouble. The staff helped me book tours, guides, and local accommodation, which made everything feel easy and stress-free. I'd absolutely recommend staying here in Sapa, and I'd happily come back.

The rice field and mountain views are lovely, and the staff are nice. If you're adventurous and don't mind local ladies pestering you, there's a good trek down to the villages. Just don't expect a five-star stay like the Hotel de la coupole, where I stayed right before coming here. It's a small place, around 24 rooms, far from town with nothing nearby. The street and walkway are under construction, and there's heavy building work underway to add more rooms by the pool. That pool is cold, not warm. Rooms feel like cabins, with wood panels and exposed mud and bamboo. Some rooms burn logs, leaving smoke behind that might bother people sensitive to it. Watch out for mosquitoes, though they can provide spray if you ask.

The breakfast staff were warm, friendly, and attentive every day, and the food was well prepared and enjoyable. They deserve credit for doing such a good job. I worked in hospitality for years, so I understand the demands of the industry, which made the rest of our two-night stay all the more disappointing. After hiking Mount Fansipan in weather around 3°C, we came back to find no hot water in our room, so we couldn't shower or take a bath to warm up. We'd also asked ahead about yoga mats, but none were available, which felt out of place for an ecolodge built around wellness and nature. There's a construction site right beside the pool. The water looked visibly dirty and wasn't heated, despite what we were told at check-in. When our family brought us to the property, they weren't allowed to come with us to the room. We found that rule unusual and unnecessary, and in all my years in hotels, I've never seen it enforced this way. The detailed list of charges for items guests might take from the room made the place feel uncomfortable, as if guests weren't trusted. Front desk communication was rigid and unprofessional, without much flexibility, empathy, or focus on guests. We had considered Topas Ecolodge and Mont Village & Spa before booking, and in retrospect would clearly have chosen one of them. For the price, the experience didn't deliver. The property has potential, but the service and guest experience fell short of what was promised.