Sapa hotels guide

Candid, independent reviews of the best places to stay in Sapa. From quality traveller digs to luxury hotels - handpicked by Rusty Compass.

Sapa hotels guide

Introduction

| 17 Nov 2016
Last updated 17 Nov 2016

Our hotel picks in Sapa

Sapa is plentifully supplied with comfortable and well-priced hotels and guesthouses. If the construction currently under way is any indication, it must be approaching saturation point.

It’s very important to note that Sapa can get very crowed on weekends and during major holidays like Tet and other national holidays. It may be better to avoid the place at these times.

Most of the hotels are in town and the best have views across the mountains. There’s an unfortunate race for views under way which means that hotels are reaching ever deeper into the beautiful valley and ever further towards the sky. 

There is nothing you’d describe as luxurious in Sapa yet, though there are several somewhat bland international style 3 and 4 star properties.

Topas Ecolodge is 18kms from town and it may be the best place to experience Sapa’s stunning landscapes and ethnic diversity in a tasteful setting.

Downtown, the Victoria Sapa was Sapa’s original high-end hotel. These days it’s looking a tad tired - but it’s still a good choice.

Interesting places to stay in Sapa

 

Topas Ecolodge

Simple, tasteful, lodges offering spectacular views across the Hoang Lien National park, 18kms from Sapa town. Perhaps its main claim to fame is that Mark Zuckerberg and entourage stayed here when they visited Vietnam a few year ago. Apart from spartan amenities, we didn’t notice any particular eco-virtues. Great, isolated place and a great way to experience the unique beauty of the area. We stayed here in 2013 and we were hosted by the hotel.


Victoria Sapa

For a long time the only choice for travellers looking for something with a few high-end touches in Sapa, the Victoria opened back in the 1990s and captures the mountain lodge feel that many expected would define Sapa back then. It’s still one of the best places to stay in town, though it’s starting to feel a little tired. We stayed here in the 90s and early 2000s. Visited 2016.


Sapa Hillstation

The Hillstation restaurant in Sapa serves the cuisine of local minority tribes. It’s a great concept and the 3 room hotel in the same building is a nice idea too. It’s a simple affair and service and amenities are light on - but the views are great, the decor is tasteful - notwithstanding some curious wallpaper - and the staff are from local ethnic minorities. Visited 2016.


Safe bets for Sapa


Amazing Hotel Sapa

A new high-rise hotel with great views across the valley. Probably not the kind of development Sapa really needs - but it’s there now. Feels like a 3 - 4 star hotel in Hanoi - with great views. Pokey rooms - and of course, a strange name. Visited 2016.


Sapa Legend Hotel

Another new hotel that feels like a 3 - 4 star business hotel straight of Hanoi. Comfortable and tasteful. Looks over the lake back from town. Visited 2016.


U Sapa Hotel

Right in the heart of town in French colonial style, the U Sapa is a recreation and opened in 2013. Comfortable with friendly staff - the large insurance advertisement on the hotel exterior is a fair warning that the details may not be quite right. A safe choice in the centre of town. Visited in 2016.


Hotels around 50USD and less per night

Sapa Elite Hotel

A good flashpacker option in a good location. Make sure you get a room with a view on one of the higher floors. Well priced with friendly staff. We stayed in 2016.

Hmong Sapa Hotel

Simple, comfortable spot 10 - 15 minutes walk up-hill from town. It’ll keep you fit. Good views (get a room with a view), friendly staff. Terrace also has good views. We stayed in 2013.


Disclosure
Rusty Compass recommendations are always independent. We list the places we think you should know about. That’s it. We visit all the hotels and resorts we list, and stay in quite a few as well. We usually pay our way too. If not, we’ll let you know. We can’t visit everywhere so let us know if you have recommendations. We’ll check them out. We’re especially interested in hotels and guesthouses with design and environmental features, or something that connects them with the local culture and environment,