Victoria Sapa Hotel

+ excellent hotel if you avoid the extra costs !

Allow me to cut to the chase. The Victoria hotel is an expensive place to stay; and if you are considering travelling to Lao Cai by their train service, the cost can become rediculous. So, the first thing to say is this; do not bother with their train service. I've travelled the Hanoi to Lao Cai route many times; alternative and cheaper sleeper services can be found which are just as comfortable and as spacious as the Victoria cabins. Your extra money will get you nothing more than a red carpet (I'm not kidding) and an umbrella if it's raining. The same goes for the Victoria's transfer service from Lao Cai to Sa Pa. They provide a minibus but, for at least half the price, you can find yourself a private car; There'll be lots of people willing to drive you up the mountain.
The Victoria hotel is located on the side of a hill overlooking the village. Sa Pa has improved a lot over the last 10 years. It used to resemble a wealthy shanty town (if such a thing exists); now it is more like a french ski resort. There are still many buildings going up, which can make the place look a bit shambolic, but it is still a pretty place to be. The surrounding mountains, however, are as stunning as they have always been. From any room in the hotel you will have a view that is guaranteed to make your jaw drop, as longs, of course, the fog hasn't set in, which it frequently does during the wet season.
So, once you've managed to find your inexpensive way to the hotel you'll be given a warm welcome by the staff. Despite having to deal with the most demanding customers (believe me, most of the people who stay at the Victoria want everything to be perfect) they'll still greet you with a beaming smile, bright eyes, and a cup of steaming lemon tea which is just what you'll need after a night on a Vietnamese train.
Check in is seamless and in hardly anytime you'll be escorted to your room.
The rooms are very comfortable and come equipped with everything the hotel advertises. A few things to note. There is no air conditioning; it's not necessary, though, because it can, and usually does, get cold at night; there is a ceiling fan if it gets hot during the day.
The bathroom is of a good size and comes equipped with free toiletries (toothpaste and brush, cotton buds, sewing kit, shampoo, shower gel, body cream etc), shower, bath, toilet and, for those of you who are vainglorious, a massive mirror.
Back into the room and into the wardrobe you'll find the most delightful dressing gowns, which swallow you up into a ball of comfort, and slippers, which make your feet feel very special indeed; something which is very welcome if you have been trekking around the mountains. Don't even think about stealing these items (as if you would) or, for that matter, anything that might take your fancy in the room. Upon check out, a member of staff will be sent to check you haven't nabbed anything; if anything is missing, even if you haven't taken it, they'll try to charge you for it. Even when you put on your most innocent face you will be looked at as if you're the most terrible beast they've ever encountered; still, the staff are friendly people the rest of the time.
Breakfast is well stocked. Almost all breakfasts in Vietnamese hotels are described as American Buffet style, and this one is no exception. Based on what I have experienced, American Buffet Style means everything you could possibly want but lacking in quality. The eggs will be slightly undercooked; the bacon and sausages will be fatty; the cereal will be a brand of which you have never heard and will resemble cardboard; the fruit will be over or under ripe; the cheese will be plastic; and the pastries will be just pastry. Not to worry, there is always the coffee, which tastes superb.
As for the hotel's extra facilites otherwise known as the spa; unless you are the most wealthy person walking the earth, you probably won't want to consider a massage or stone therapy; take a look in the menu and gasp at the prices; I needn't say more. The pool, on the other hand, is free, and is welcome if you want to relax your aching muscles.
I don't think there is much more to say except to encourage you to go trekking in the mountains and to visit the minority villages; any trip to Sa Pa would be wasted otherwise.

+ Great Hotel - Pity about the hill.. !

enjoyed our stay in Sapa! A definate must if you are visiting Vietnam - the Village Tribe people are fantastic! Thought this hotel was nice - Probably the best we saw in town and the location was amazing - would have been great views if it was not so foggy while we we there but we only staying for one night - wished we had stayed in Sapa longer! The only problem with the hotel was the hill leading up to it. Not great for elderly or not so able bodied people to climb after a day shopping or trekking. Staff were lovely and very helpful. Breakfast was very nice and hotel gardens were amazing! The only other problem was the pool..again - you had to climb another hill to reach the pool up a road and the pool was fairly uninspiring - looked like they were doing some renovations though (hopefully and new pool) but it was indoors and (heated??) Very peaceful though and would stay there again. Not sure we would catch the Victoria Train up there next time though - would definately recommend booking 1 cabin per 2 people as the cabins are fairly squishy.

+ Great hotel, very amicable staff !

The Victoria Sapa Hotel is close to the Top hotel and service in Sapa town, the room was very pleasant and clean, morning meal was actually excellent, employees was superb friendly.
Although it is close to a foremost downtown road it was equitably quiet. if you desire to know-how the Victoria hospitality come and enjoying your stay.

+ very nice hotel and staff but way overpriced !

my wife, two adult daughters and i stayed at this hotel for two nights and had a very enjoyable experience. the rooms are clean and comfortable. the staff was friendly and helpful but sometimes it was hard to converse in english. the location is only a short walk from town but the return to the hotel is all uphill. overall, our experience at this hotel was satisfactory except that the price is way out of line compared to other hotels in sapa. there are a number of very nice hotels in town, including several new ones that have a more convenient location and are more moderately priced. that said, sapa is spectacular and should definitely be included in any trip to vietnam, if possible.