Fodor's Expert Review Chau Long Hotel

The stately French villas of Sapa have nothing on this distinctive—and decidedly incongruous—crenellated mock-château containing one of the town's better hotels. The pretensions of grandeur don't end with the exterior. Inside there are sweeping staircases and verandas along with rich, dark woodwork. These details are bolstered by stunning views of the surrounding hills. Cream-color bed linens and open fireplaces make the deluxe rooms a cozy retreat after a cold day in Sapa. The hotel has a decent in-house restaurant, which serves above-average Vietnamese dishes in a rather austere space.