Review of Hotel de la Coupole, MGallery Sapa

Previously, I focused on the southern region, but this time I headed north to Sapa. It's easy to get there—fly into Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) and then take a bus for about 5 hours. There are regular buses and sleeper buses available. You can also try the train, but you'll still need to transfer to another vehicle afterward, or simply use Grab. Along the way, there are local shops selling snacks made mostly from mung beans or rice flour. Roasted chestnuts and dried lotus seeds are also great for snacking. Upon arriving in Sapa, the weather was perfect. From December to February, it gets quite cold with thick fog. This time, I stayed at Hotel de la Coupole, MGallery Sapa, which is conveniently located next to SUN PLAZA. SUN PLAZA has a tram that connects to the cable car leading up to Mount Fansipan. The hotel was designed by Bill Bensley, a designer with a home in Thailand, whose name might be familiar to fans of architecture and interior design. The hotel embraces the Indochine style of the 1920s–1930s (an era of parties, art, and fashion) combined with French interior design. All furniture is vintage, and the vibrant colors are inspired by the various ethnic tribes in the Sapa mountains, creating a luxurious and elegant atmosphere. The hotel is situated in the middle of the valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains from almost every spot—hallways, balconies, terraces, and the rooftop bar. Some rooms even provide direct views of the Sapa valley just by opening the window. In the distance, you can see rice terraces, and when the fog rolls in, the scenery is truly breathtaking. I stayed in a Deluxe Suite, which features an orange tone and Art Deco-style decor—a blend of French fashion and mountain tribal culture. The room includes a large freestanding bathtub, sliding doors that open wide, and a separate living area. The weather is cool enough that you don't need air conditioning, as the outside air is refreshing. At night, temperatures drop to around 10 degrees Celsius, and during winter, it can go down to single digits or even below zero, with occasional snowfall. For dining and drinks, I recommend three places. First, Absinth, a rooftop bar with an outdoor fireplace, open until 11 PM (children are not allowed after 6 PM). The bar features a high dome ceiling with a bright purple tone, excellent wine, and delicious tapas. Next is Cacao, a café on the same floor as the lobby, specializing in traditional French desserts. During the colonial era, Indochina was under French rule, so the recipes for cakes, chocolates, and pastries are authentic. Definitely worth trying! If you're hungry, the 3 Cheese Pizza is the best choice—a large tray for 290K VND, very worth it. The café's decor is fashion-inspired. Lastly, Chic is the breakfast and all-day dining restaurant. The food is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and you should try both French and local dishes. The ambiance resembles a theater, with a large outdoor balcony offering open views. The sunset here is particularly stunning.