Da Lat hotels and guesthouses guide
Da Lat Hotel lit up at night
As a destination that appeals to domestic and foreign tourists alike, Da Lat provides a comprehensive range of accommodation, with excellent deals at budget, mid-range and luxury levels. However, it is so popular that rates jump significantly at public holidays and during the annual flower festival in December, and even then it is advisable to reserve ahead as the best places get booked out.
The majority of budget hotels can be found along Phan Dinh Phung, which is conveniently located just a short (but steep) walk from the city centre. A few high-end hotels are also located downtown, though most are set in ample grounds a short distance from the centre. For the full-on colonial experience, the Dalat Palace wins hands-down.
Recommended Da Lat hotels and resorts
Novotel Dalat: This place tries to cling on to vestiges of colonial style but doesn’t do it quite as well as the Dalat Palace across the road. In part due to the characterless façade. Still, rooms are fitted with chunky furnishings and polished floors, and service is predictably reliable. US$50-95. 7 Tran Phu, tel: +84 (0)63 382 5777.
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa: Luxurious, colonial-style villas set in woodland on a hillside a few minutes’ drive from the city centre. Equipped with every imaginable comfort and attended by dedicated staff, the villas promise a memorable stay. Rooms from US$98. Le Lai, tel: +84 (0)63 355 5888...More details and booking
Dinh II: This place enjoys a tranquil location on a hill overlooking the city, and was once home to the French governor. All rooms are comfy, but the biggest are simply grand and offer an affordable way to live the colonial dream. US$30-70. 12 Tran Hung Dao, tel: +84 (0)63 382 2092.
Dreams 1 & 2: If your dream is simply to find some comfortable, good-value place to stay with friendly hosts, you can make it come true at this legendary budget hotel. Well-maintained rooms, free internet and generous free breakfasts keep guests happy and spreading the word. The newer branch at 164b offers some neat touches like massage showers and double-glazing, though rates are a bit higher. US$20-35. 151 & 164b Phan Dinh Phung, tel: +84 (0)53 383 3748.
Hoa Binh: The ‘Peace’ Hotel is a no-frills budget hotel with smallish but clean rooms with hot-water bathrooms, and some with small balconies overlooking the street. However, the street can get noisy so ask for a room out back if you want a good sleep. There’s a second branch round the corner at number 67 if they’re full. US$10-20. 64 Truong Cong Dinh. tel: +84 (0)63 382 2787.
Dalat Palace Hotel: Enjoying a prime spot with views over Xuan Hoang Lake, this 1920s edifice has been thoughtfully renovated to maintain its original splendour. The vaulted ceilings and hushed corridors lead to rooms equipped with period furnishings like ancient telephones. This hotel is also home to Da Lat’s most atmospheric (and possibly most expensive) restaurant – Le Rabelais. Rooms US$230-500. 12 Tran Phu, tel: +84 (0)63 382 5444...More details and booking
Da Lat is one of the few places in Vietnam where you don’t have to worry about getting a room with air-con; the city’s cool climate means it is never necessary. On the other hand, it’s important to check that budget places have hot-water bathrooms, which those listed here do.
