We booked this hotel based on the images from their website. Truly, this hotel is placed with one of the best views of the mountains and valleys surrounding the Hmong village of Cat-Cat. We weren't disappointed when we checked in. Fresh from the overnight train from Hanoi, our driver whisked us through the early morning mists clinging to the mountain passes up to Sapa. The hotel manager, Pham, greeted us personally and escorted us to the rooftop dining area with a stunning view of the sun rising over the lush green valley far below. More good news, they make a fantastic breakfast omelet and traditional Vietnamese coffee (strong). The room was clean and bright with a private balcony overlooking the valley. The hotel is situated directly above the trail leading down to Cat-Cat, which is a Vietnamese cultural "preserve". The hike is strenuous, but you will be rewarded with a look inside Black Hmong village life. We witnessed the women dying their hand woven fabric in indigo (grown alongside their rice crops), hand weaving their and sewing by hand the decorative detail on blankets, jackets, pillow cases, purses...etc. We were invited into several houses to see how they lived and also offered to have tea. Back in the town square is a lively market where the Hmong women and daughters offer their hand made goods - but beware - machine made goods from China are now starting to pop up. Please support these people by insisting on hand made items. We adored the Hmong. In fact we remarked later that we never met one with a bad attitude, they all seemed to be positive, happy and genuinely friendly. Surprisingly, they speak fairly good English.

The Sapa Eden Hotel was helpful in arranging a private tour for my wife and I that included a four wheel drive modern SUV and an English speaking Hmong woman. Pham runs a tight ship and his staff is very courteous. Please contact the hotel directly via email or call over Skype if you have questions. If you go, we hope you have a delightful time.