Sapa Soleil Hotel

The staff did try, but Room 501 should not be hosting guests in its current state. We paid the full rate for that room, which had three single beds and wasn’t what we’d planned or expected after our family room booking was cancelled due to air conditioning issues. The hotel waived the cancellation charge. At first the room seemed fine, but it smelled strongly musty. Looking closer, we saw obvious moisture damage and mould on the walls, especially beside the bed. There were stains, peeling paint, and spots, and it felt unclean and badly maintained. Incense from staff temporarily covered the smell, but guests shouldn’t have to mask an odour in a full-price room, and that doesn’t fix the cause. It was tolerable for a few hours because we needed somewhere to rest before our late 10:30pm departure, so we had booked an extra day for convenience after three nights. The experience changed how we felt about the property. I wouldn’t want my own parents staying in this room. It needs to be properly addressed before anyone stays there. 1/5.

The staff were really good and the hotel was nice enough, with a good location. The room had no windows, which helped keep out street noise, but the corridors were loud with people coming and going. The air conditioning was only a fan, so it could have become quite uncomfortable. Breakfast ended at 9, a bit early, and wasn’t as good as what we’ve had at most other hotels in Vietnam.

The spa was especially disappointing: it was just a room with lounge chairs, no drink bar or anything else to make it comfortable. There were wooden baths, but the whole area felt dead, and the rooms were so small and uncomfortable that I wouldn’t have wanted to use them even if they were open. The bar was closed too, and the pool looked abandoned, with cold water, dead leaves, and trash in it. We came for relaxation and ended up with a noisy room and a neglected spa. The room was so loud, with constant honking, traffic, and nearby construction, that we had to keep the window shut. We could also hear loud discussions in the hall and every footstep. It was run down as well, with lots of bathroom mould and bedroom paint coming off. There was only one pillow, and it was far too soft and seemed completely worn out. Breakfast ended at 9:30, much too early if you want to sleep in, which was a big minus for me. At reception, the staff either spoke no English or only mediocre English. When we asked for a second room card, they said they didn’t have any more. Laundry was quoted at 80k per kg, three times what you usually pay. All in all, I was very disappointed and wouldn’t recommend this place. I’d choose a hostel over it any time.

The infinity pool has breathtaking mountain views, and the location is ideal, very close to Sun Plaza. Staff were extremely helpful, even sorting out motorbikes and helping with luggage after checkout. The buffet didn’t have many vegetarian choices, and the pool could have been cleaner. Still, it was a wonderful stay.