Our brief comments: 
Dalat, built around the picturesque Xuan Huong lake, is often called the "City of Eternal Spring" or "Le Petit Paris" thanks to a year-round average temperature of 18C.
The Sofitel Dalat Palace stands on a low hill commanding a panoramic view of the lake and city. The 18-hole Dalat Palace Golf Club is nearby and the main commercial centre of Dalat is a short stroll along the lakeside.
Apart from being one of Vietnam's premier hotels, the Dalat Palace is arguably one of the most significant historical buildings in the country. Its checkered past is briefly chronicled elsewhere.
Extensively restored in 1995, the renovations have retained the original colonial style of the building and blended the period French features with unobtrusive modern facilities. Opulent colonial extravagancies adorn the rooms and public areas - over 2,000 art pieces and sculptures are spread around the hotel. Don't be fooled, though - most are copies 
of old masters and modern pieces carefully crafted by Vietnamese artists.
The Dalat Palace is remarkably small. With only 43 rooms, it would normally be classed as a three or four-star 'boutique' establishment. Its illustrious history makes it an exception.
Guest rooms and Suites are much larger than average, and are decorated in period. Original brass and bakelite telephone handsets, cast-iron bathtubs, porcelain tap handles and rich handmade carpets and rugs recreate the days of empire.
Once famous for its game and hunting, Dalat still has abundant wild life. Sustainably farmed deer and wild boars often find their way on to the menu in the excellent 'Le Rabelais' restaurant. Venison tenderloin with blueberry sauce is a popular speciality.
Other dishes take advantage of Dalat's organic vegetables. Sweet Phang Rang prawns and local heart of artichoke with aioli sauce is a delight, especially when eaten on the spacious terrace overlooking the lake.
The cool temperatures of Dalat render swimming pools redundant, but the hotel compensates with tennis courts and mountain bikes for active customers. A short shuttle bus ride away is the hotel's 18-hole, par 72 golf course.
The Dalat Palace is an exclusive hotel with prices to match. However, considering its location, heritage and cuisine, it's good value.
(Last inspected in Summer, 2002 - comments welcomed if you've visited more recently!)
Room facilities (?= awaiting further information from the hotel):
Room Categories |
Superior |
Deluxe |
Junior Suite |
Presidential Suite |
| Number of rooms |
? |
? |
? |
? |
Air-conditioner |
? |
? |
? |
? |
Satellite television |
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Shower or bath |
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Bath with shower |
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| Bath + separate shower |
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Personal safety box |
? |
? |
? |
? |
Coffee and tea facilities |
? |
? |
? |
? |
| Laptop connection |
? |
? |
? |
? |
| Free broadband access |
? |
? |
? |
? |
Extra bed available? |
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Child's cot available? |
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Room size (m2) |
35 |
45 |
95 |
125 |
View |
lake |
lake |
lake |
hill and lake |
