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 steady temperatures averaging 18C year-round.
The Dalat Palace, a 3 storey classic structure, 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 around the lakeside.
Apart from being one of Vietnam's premier hotels, the Dalat Palace is arguably among the most significant historical buildings in the country. Its checkered past is briefly chronicled elsewhere.
Extensively restored in 1995, the renovations 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 pieces of art and sculpture are spread throughout 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.
Luxury rooms and Suites are larger than average, and feature full period decoration. Original brass and Bakelite telephone handsets, cast-iron bathtubs, porcelain tap handles and rich handmade carpets and rugs recreate the days of empire. The two-bedroom Presidential Suite, not listed below, is the height of opulence in exquisite period decor.
'Le Rabelais' restaurant puts on Continental and Vietnamese cuisine in grand French style. ‘Le Monet’ private dining room, seating up to ten, has the ideal atmosphere and service for special occasions. Open for breakfast and lunch, ‘Café de Palace’ offers cool views over the lake, and Larry’s Bar is a basement retreat where you’ll find your favourite drink amid rustic, stone-walled comfort.
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 and heritage, it's a good value.
(Last inspected in Summer, 2002)
Room facilities:
Room Categories |
Superior |
Deluxe |
Luxury Balcony |
Suite |
| Number of rooms |
14 |
18 |
6 |
4 |
Room position (floors) |
1st–13 rooms
2nd–1 room |
1st–6 rooms
2nd–12 room |
1st floor |
1st–2 rooms
2nd–2 rooms |
| Room size (m2) |
28 |
44 |
44 |
90 |
| Bed arrangement |
11 double /
3 twin |
12 double /
6 twin |
6 double |
4 double |
Window |
|
|
|
|
| Balcony |
|
|
15 m2 |
|
View |
Lake or cathedral |
Lake or cathedral |
Lake or cathedral |
Lake or cathedral |
Extra bed |
|
|
|
|
Baby cot |
|
|
|
|
Air conditioner |
|
|
|
|
Satellite television |
|
|
|
|
Personal safety box |
|
|
|
|
Wifi (free) |
|
|
|
|
Cable Internet connection |
|
|
|
|
Laptop/Internet TV |
|
|
|
|
Bathtub/shower |
Bath/shower |
Bath/shower |
Bath/shower |
Bath/shower |
Floor |
Wood |
Wood |
Wood |
Wood |
Extra Services |
|
|
|
DVD player, fireplace |
