8 Best Hotels in Dalat, The South-Central Coasts and Highlands

This charming resort, on a hill 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Dalat, comprises 17 French-colonial villas restored to capture the elegance of a former age, albeit with every modern convenience, including a spa for pampering. Each villa, set in beautiful landscaped grounds, contains between three and six private rooms and suites as well as elegant shared areas, with most villas having open fireplaces in the communal lounge.

A misty mountain paradise near Tuyen Lam lake, about 20 minutes outside of Dalat, Binh An Village is a boutique resort that pays tribute to Dalat's French and hill-tribe heritage in its design and decor. The rooms and villas, most with lake views, are elegant and comfortable, the service exceptional, and the on-site restaurant excellent. It enjoys a lovely back-to-nature location among pine trees and beside the lake.

Each of the 10 rooms has its own offbeat wildlife theme at this small guesthouse, which is also a tourist attraction in its own right, but beware: the Dalat Crazy House has the kitsch factor turned up so high it's almost off the scale. The cheapest rooms (the Bamboo and Termite Rooms) are quite small, but still fun for those with the right sense of humor. The Bear Room has a life-size bear with eyes that light up when you turn on the lights and a small fireplace in its belly.

Retaining the splendor and charm of a bygone age with 15-foot ceilings, ornate fireplaces, artworks, beautiful manicured grounds, library, and spacious rooms with claw-foot bathtubs and original moldings, this historic property oozes old-world charm, matched by world-class service. Originally called the Langbian Palace when it opened on the shores of Xuan Huong Lake in 1922 as the city's first health retreat, it was designed to draw Saigon's high society to the mountain air of Dalat. It also hosted the negotiators of the future at the Fontainebleau conference in 1946, and has been refurbished several times during its history.

A boutique guesthouse in a restored French colonial villa built in 1935, the Dalat Train Villa is associated with the Dalat Train Cafe, which is on the grounds. The staff are helpful and friendly and the villa is a short walk from train station and a medium stroll from the lake and the central market. For a more relaxing stay, book the suite.

Built in 1932 to take the overflow from the popular Langbian Palace Hotel (now the Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel), the art deco–style Du Parc Hotel Dalat is full of character, from the original metal-cage elevator and the ornate staircase in the lobby to the hardwood floors in the rooms.

This romantic boutique hotel, on a hill 3 km (2 miles) from downtown Dalat, is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Each spacious themed room has a balcony overlooking the beautiful flower-filled garden and pond. The friendly staff can assist with ordering taxis, renting motorbikes, and providing local tour information. Great attention to detail throughout the hotel and the gardens make for a comfortable and soothing stay.

Zen is a small and tranquil family-owned resort with lovely views of the valley, large, comfortable rooms with modern bathrooms, an excellent in-house restaurant, and a spa. The hotel is a peaceful and relaxing retreat, such as you'd find in the Swiss Alps. The friendly staff can assist with tickets and tour bookings, as well as motorbike hire and luggage storage.