We arrived bleary eyed (around 8am) from the overnight train from Hanoi. Breakfast was ready and as was our room so we moved right in. We had a corner superior room (rm 401 - worth the extra $) which gave sweeping views of the cloud covered valley. It did clear a few times and the views were terrific. The room... more

Avoid the Royal Hotel in winter!! Fireplaces it does have, but they haven't been used in decades. The lounge and dining room are poorly heated by makeshift coal burners (pity help you if you're asthmatic). The rooms have no heating at all. When we made a fuss, we were given a very low powered electric heater (which they tried to... more

This hotel is very. very basic. After checking in, we were asked to change room three times - first time they did not have our room ready - second time they tried to give us a really really bad room, third time they gave us the room of somebody who was out on a trek. Sapa gets cold and the... more

The Royal Hotel in Sapa knows just what you want when you've just spent 9 hours on a tiny, claustrophobic overnight train from Hanoi. They allow guests going on treks who aren't even staying the night to have a hot shower (and provide clean white towels), something to eat or just to lounge on a couch in front of the... more

The Royal View does, indeed, have a fabulous and uninterrupted (unusual in Sapa) view over the valley. However, the hotel is otherwise pretty dreadful and I wouldn't reccomend it. The rooms are large but dark and incredibly cold. There are open fires in the rooms but no wood/fuel is provided (even in December) so it is a case of sleeping... more

My mobile phone was stolen from our room while we were out on a trek. We'd left our key in reception, and had booked the trek through the hotel. When I reported it to reception, and the manager, they listened, but were generally indifferent. Suggested that I may have lost it elsewhere, but I know for certain that I left... more

The Royal Sapa is at the bottom of the hill but commands fabulous views across the valley. Rooms either face towards the town or out towards the countryside. The town facing rooms are a little noisy but it hours can be spent sat on the balcony watching the local women pester western tourists. The rooms are large, feature wooden floorboards... more