Sapa Garden Hotel

This is a four star review for a two night stay. This is a good hotel with inconsistencies that can easily be fixed. The largest disappointment came from being refused late checkout in a hotel that was very empty (housekeeping leaves all the rooms open as they clean them, and we were practically the only guests in the hotel). The hotel manager gave no logic for refusing late checkout but did offer us tea and to use a shower after checkout. Room: Had a soft and comfortable bed, a safe, balcony, and fridge. The room itself was a five star room, however the bathroom had a dirty towel folded up as if it was clean when we arrived. See attached photo; it looks like it was used to kill bugs and then folded up and placed back in the bathroom. This was a nasty surprise but can be easily avoided as this was a very clean hotel otherwise. Toiletry bottles were mini and not full.The hair drier in 302 did not work and is dangerous as it heats up and short circuits because the fan function within it is not working. Basically a toaster. Breakfast: Highlight of the property. Had the chicken noodle soup both mornings with very fresh fruit. Eggs also an option. The coffee is much stronger than other local coffees we tried brewed in the same local fashion, and could have used a bit less ground in it. Area: Good spot which is up the hill away from the main strip leading to more quiet but also more walking to get to things. Close to Sapa Station. Our tour guide explained Sa Pa is a town developed rapidly for exploitation of the natural environment and the Indigenous areas around it and is thus not well integrated into its surroundings. There is constant construction and the architecture is not unique or authentic to the region. We will stay in a mountainside hotel instead of a hotel in town next time. Accessibility: No elevator and slippery walkway to get to entrance. I would not recommend this hotel for people with mobility issues. Value: One of the more expensive hotels we stayed at in Vietnam however Sa Pa is more expensive due to a real estate boom and its rural location up a mountain.