Escape to Dalat: Stunning Mây Tầng 1 Near the Night Market!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of Escape to Dalat: Stunning Mây Tầng 1 Near the Night Market! And honestly, I’m still trying to figure out if I loved it or just…liked it a lot. This isn’t going to be a polished travel blog post. This is going to be the real, unfiltered… well, mostly filtered… me. Let's see what this Dalat escape really felt like.
First, the SEO stuff (because, you know, gotta pay the bills): Keywords – Dalat Hotel, Night Market, Mây Tầng 1, Dalat, Vietnam, Accessible Hotel, Spa Dalat, Pool Dalat, Wi-Fi, Restaurant Dalat, Family Hotel Dalat, Romantic Getaway Dalat.
Accessibility: A Few Stumbles and Some Surprises
Okay, so Accessibility. This is where things get a bit…dicey. Escape to Dalat says it has Facilities for disabled guests. I didn't need them myself, but I peeked around. The elevator is a lifesaver – Dalat is hilly, and these rooms are up, up, up. However, I didn't see any dedicated ramps or things like grab bars. It's a tricky one. If you absolutely need wheelchair-specific accommodations, I'd call ahead and get very specific details before booking. Don't take the website's word for it - I’m telling you, accessibility here felt a little like a maybe, not a definite.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I'm not sure. The main breakfast area seemed accessible but didn't explore every corner.
Wheelchair accessible: Eh. See above. Doubtful.
Internet Access: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Praise be to the Wi-Fi gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And not just free, but good free Wi-Fi! Which, in a place like Dalat, where you're desperate to upload those Instagram shots, is a godsend. I also saw Internet [LAN] listed but didn't use it. Internet services seemed up to snuff – I had zero issues streaming, video calling my dog back home (yes, I'm that person), and generally staying connected. Wi-Fi in public areas was also solid. No buffering, minimal lag – a true blessing.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and That Whole "Spa" Thing
This is where Escape to Dalat really tries to shine.
- Ways to Relax: Well, the whole vibe is chill. Being near the night market is an absolute boon!
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Okay, this is where it gets interesting. They offer a Spa. I'll be honest, I'm not a huge spa person, preferring a good nap or a strong Vietnamese coffee. I didn't go. But the option is there. So, if you’re into the whole pampering thing, you’ve got options.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I looked. I saw. I judged. It's… a gym. Not a state-of-the-art, endorphin-pumping experience, but it has treadmills and weights, the staples. Don't expect a full-blown Equinox.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is where it got me. The outdoor pool! Oh, the pool! Especially the Pool with view. I'm not going to lie, I spent a solid afternoon just… staring. It's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Dalat has that chilly mountain air, so swimming, especially at sunset is heaven. They had towels. They had loungers. And, most importantly, they had a bar right there. I'm pretty sure I tried every cocktail on the menu. Highly recommend. The poolside bar is an absolute game-changer.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. I didn’t see them, but I’m trusting the hotel on this one.
- Breakfast in room: Yep!
- Breakfast takeaway service: Excellent if you're in a rush (I was).
- Cashless payment service: Useful.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw it. Staff were very diligent.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know, even if you hope you don't need it.
- First aid kit: Present and accounted for.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Thank you, Covid times!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Standard.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't check, but the place felt clean and well-maintained.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Always a good sign.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly. Some areas felt a little crowded, but nothing egregious.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization between stays They highlight things that were done and seemed to care about the details
- Safe dining setup: Yeah, seemed to be working well.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Definitely!
- Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol Good signs of caring.
- Sterilizing equipment: Listed.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms They had the basics
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good to know you can request this
- Non-smoking rooms: A plus.
- Smoke detectors: Present and accounted for in the rooms.
- Safety/security feature Yes!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and the Relaxation)
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Whew! Okay, so, they had it all! The Breakfast [buffet] was extensive, an excellent start to the day. The Asian breakfast was worth exploring. I tried the Pho, and it was a solid start to the day. The Poolside bar was a must. The Restaurants were varied. The Room service [24-hour] - brilliant when you're jetlagged and hungry at 3 AM. The options are plentiful. The Happy Hour was a delightful treat. The food quality? Above average. Not Michelin-star, but definitely good quality and tasty.
- The Snack bar was super convenient for a quick bite.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meetings, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Projector/LED display, Meeting/banquet facilities, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting stationery: They had the business side covered. Seemed geared toward groups too.
- Business facilities: Okay, it's not a full-blown business hotel, but they have the basics.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Concierge, Doorman, Elevator, Laundry service, Ironing service, Dry cleaning, Daily housekeeping, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Car park [free of charge] They had everything.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking, Bicycle parking: Getting around was easy.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Doorman, Front desk [24-hour] Yes, quick and easy!
- Hotel chain: Part of a group, which usually means consistency.
For the Kids: Yay or Nay?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: It looked like a solid choice for families. I didn’t see a ton of kids, but the facilities suggest they are welcome.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Yes
Available in All Rooms, AKA the Nitty-Gritty Details
- Additional toilet: Nice touch, if you want it
- **Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carp
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy brochure, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is me, about to unravel in the floral chaos that is Dalat, Vietnam. And let me tell you, it's going to be a journey, alright? A journey of questionable decisions, questionable snacks, and a whole lot of "Oh god, what have I gotten myself into?"
Trip Title: Dalat Dreams (and Maybe Nightmares) - Mây Tầng 1 & Beyond (Night Market Adjacent, Naturally)
Base Camp: Mây Tầng 1 (2km from the Night Market – because, let's be real, that’s the epicenter of my potential chaos)
Pre-Trip Panic (aka, Day Before Departure):
- 10:00 AM: Realize I haven't packed. Cue frantic flailing. Where did I put my mosquito repellent? Should I bring all the sweaters? (Spoiler: yes. Always yes.)
- 11:00 AM: Successfully packed (ish). Double-check passport. Breathe deeply. Pray to the travel gods for no delayed flights.
- 1:00 PM: Try to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. Fail miserably. "Xin chào" (Hello) is easy. "Where's the best banh mi?" (My most urgent need) is not.
- 2:00 PM: Spend an hour watching Dalat travel vlogs. Get overly excited. Convince self I'm basically an expert now. (I'm not.)
- 6:00 PM: Eat an entire pizza. (Pre-emptive carb-loading. You never know.)
Day 1: Arrival, Adventure, & the Inevitable Night Market
- 8:00 AM (Local Time, supposedly): Arrive in Dalat. The air is crisp, the pine trees are majestic, and I feel…slightly nauseous from the overnight flight. Classic.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to Mây Tầng 1. The driver, bless his heart, tries to engage in conversation. My Vietnamese skills desert me. We communicate mostly through hand gestures and laughter. Success!
- 10:00 AM: Check into Mây Tầng 1. The vibe is chef's kiss. Cozy, slightly bohemian, and smells faintly of incense. Already feel like I'm escaping the real world.
- 11:00 AM: Stroll the streets surrounding the hotel. First impressions: Flower power! Seriously, it's like a floral explosion. Every corner bursts with colors I didn't even know existed. Spend an embarrassingly long time photographing a particularly flamboyant display of orchids.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! Found a tiny, unassuming bánh mì stall. The bread is crusty-soft, the fillings are heaven, and I'm pretty sure I just ate the best sandwich of my life. I may or may not have drooled a little.
- 1:30 PM: Decide to be "adventurous". Try to navigate the chaotic local market on my own. Get completely lost. Buy a bag of dried mango that tastes suspiciously like cardboard. Learn a valuable lesson: stick to the food stalls.
- 3:00 PM: Embrace the quiet… or attempt to. Read a book at the hotel, but can't concentrate. Keep catching myself staring out the window at the scenery and wondering if I made the right travel arrangements.
- 5:00 PM: Nap time… because jet lag is a cruel mistress, and I’m utterly defeated by the afternoon.
- 7:00 PM: Night Market Time! Brace myself. It's a sensory overload, I know it. The aromas of grilled everything, the vendors yelling, the crowds…oh, the crowds. First mission: master the art of haggling (wish me luck).
- 7:30 PM: Okay, I'm here. The Night Market is a swirling vortex of fried delights, cheap souvenirs, and enough clothes to clothe a small army. I try haggling for a hat. Utter failure. I paid too much. But hey, it's cute. Small victories!
- 8:30 PM: The food, oh the food. I get a sizzling plate of random grilled stuff that I can't identify, but it's delicious. Probably a meat-based mystery, but I don't want to know. Ignorance is bliss.
- 9:30 PM: Discover a stall selling fresh fruit smoothies. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Suddenly, everything is right with the world.
- 10:30 PM: Wander through the night market and catch a glimpse of something so amazing… the next big thing!
- 11:00 PM: Stumbling back to the hotel, overloaded with excitement and questionable purchases (what was I thinking buying that sequined scarf?). Fall asleep before my head even hits the pillow.
Day 2: The 'Crazy House' and All Its Quirks, Plus Waterfalls, and a Meltdown
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Slightly regretting all the street food from last night. But, hey, no regrets!
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at a local cafe. Pho. The aroma is heavenly, the taste is even better. Slowly coming back to life.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Crazy House. This is not a drill. It is as bonkers as everyone says. Twisted staircases, hidden caves, and enough avant-garde architecture to make your head spin. I love it. Honestly, it's the weirdest, coolest thing I've ever seen, and I wouldn't have missed.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at some random place that seemed to be recommended. Order something adventurous. End up just being confused by what I get.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to visit a waterfall. The plan seemed good on paper. The actual execution involved a motorbike rental, a slightly terrifying ride through winding mountain roads, and a near-death experience involving a rogue chicken. (Seriously. I swear it tried to attack my ankle.)
- 4:00 PM: Waterfall viewing with a stunning view. Appreciate the beauty. Remind myself to take it seriously.
- 5:00 PM: MELTDOWN. Overwhelmed. Scared. Homesick. Sit on a rock, staring into the distance and cry a bit. It’s okay to be vulnerable.
- 6:00 PM: Eat street food again.
- 7:00 PM: Go back to the hotel because I’m exhausted, and watch a movie.
Day 3: Coffee, Clay, and Contemplation - Or, The Day I May Have Found My Happy Place
- 9:00 AM: Coffee. I NEED coffee. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place that serves the strongest Vietnamese coffee. It's pure rocket fuel.
- 10:00 AM: Visit a local clay sculpture village. This is SO random. Apparently, there’s a place in Dalat where they make incredibly intricate sculptures out of clay. It's fascinating. The artists are incredibly talented, and the whole place smells faintly of earth and creativity.
- 12:00 PM: Explore the place. Take a lot of photos.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at some random place that seemed to be recommended. Order something adventurous. End up just being confused by what I get.
- 4:00 PM: Get myself together. Relax.
- 5:00 PM: Go to the night market and try to buy something again. I made a friend who showed me how to haggle… SUCCESS!
- 7:00 PM: Go back to the hotel and call it a day.
Day 4: Farewell, Dalat! (Until Next Time)
- 9:00 AM: One last breakfast. Banh mi, of course.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Buy ALL the coffee. And some more scarves.
- 11:00 AM: Pack (again). This time, with a slightly heavier suitcase and a much fuller heart.
- 12:00 PM: Sigh, and taxi to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Farewell Dalat! I'm pretty sure I left a piece of my heart there. I might have to come back!
Miscellaneous Ramblings & Imperfections:
- Food: Eat everything. Seriously. Just do it. Don't be afraid to try new things. (Unless it looks really suspicious. Then maybe skip it.)
- Language: Don't worry if you don't speak Vietnamese. Learn a few basic phrases, use Google Translate (it's a lifesaver!), and embrace the art of non-verbal communication. It's amazing how much you can convey with a smile and a point!
- Transportation: Get a taxi. They're (usually) affordable and convenient. Motorbike rentals are fun, but… maybe not advised. *
Okay, Let's Talk About Escape to Dalat: That Mây Tầng 1 Thing... Seriously.
Is Mây Tầng 1 *actually* a "stunning" escape? Like, is it REALLY? Because I'm cynical.
Alright, buckle up, because "stunning" is a loaded word. Yeah, the pictures? They're gorgeous. That all-glass front overlooking the valley? Instagram gold. But here's the real deal, from a seasoned cynic: it *can* be stunning. Emphasis on *can*.
It's like, on a clear day, when the clouds are doing their misty thing, and you're sipping your Vietnamese coffee on the balcony... yeah, pretty damn gorgeous. I remember one morning... the sun was just *exploding* over the mountains. Made me get all sappy and romantic, which is *not* my usual state. But then, there was that one afternoon... torrential downpour. Literally couldn’t *see* a thing. Just grey. Felt a bit… trapped. Like, "Well, here we are, at the 'stunning' vista, staring into the void."
So, beautiful? Absolutely. Guaranteed paradise 24/7? Don't hold your breath. Dalat weather is a fickle mistress, y'know?
What's the actual location like, you know, beyond the marketing fluff? Near the night market...is it *too* noisy?
Okay, proximity to the night market. Huge pro, huge con. Seriously. Walking distance? Yes. Perfect for late-night street food binges and souvenir hunting? Absolutely. But...the noise. Oh, the noise. It's not horrific, but it's *there*. You've got the usual hustle and bustle – vendors hawking their wares, the occasional karaoke warbling (more on that later, ugh), motorbikes zipping by.
I remember this one night. Just trying to relax, read a book. Suddenly, this *ear-splitting* rendition of "Gangnam Style" starts blasting from… somewhere. My eardrums almost exploded. Had to close the windows. Ruined the whole ‘tranquil escape’ vibe, let me tell you. So, if you're a light sleeper, or crave complete silence, maybe bring some earplugs. Or, you know, a very, very large bottle of wine.
The Mây Tầng 1 itself... what's the inside like? And, like, does it have a decent coffee setup? Because that's non-negotiable.
Inside… it’s generally pretty slick. Modern, clean lines, that whole minimalist chic thing. I’d say the decor is a *little* predictable… lots of wood, neutral tones, a couple of strategically placed throw pillows that look like they've never been sat on. But it's comfortable enough. The all-glass front… it’s even better in person. You really do feel connected to the outside (when you can see it, of course!).
Okay, the coffee situation. This is important. They usually have a French press and some Vietnamese coffee. Not a bad start. But listen closely: *bring your own good coffee beans.* Seriously. The included stuff? It's...okay. Drinkable. But to truly enjoy that morning view with a beautiful cup of joe? Invest in some good stuff before you go. I’m talking about a full-blown personal coffee ritual, the kind you can judge everyone else's coffee habits with.
I remember I forgot my good beans. *Tragedy*. I ended up having to run out to the local store and buy some instant coffee. *Shudders*. Ruined the first morning, I tell you. Don't make my mistake. Coffee = vital.
Are there any hidden fees or downsides they conveniently leave out of the gorgeous photos?
Ah, the fine print. Always the devil in the details. Hidden fees? Not *major* ones, from my experience. But... the cleaning fee. Always seems a little steep. Like, I'm paying to clean the already cleaned place? Annoying, but typical.
Downsides, beyond the weather and the karaoke? Okay, the WiFi can be a bit patchy sometimes. Not a dealbreaker, but if you *need* a super-reliable connection for work, maybe bring a portable hotspot. And, the hot water? It’s generally fine, but I noticed a few times it got a bit… tepid. Not ideal for a proper shower after a long day of exploring.
Another thing…the stairs. If you're older, or have mobility issues, know that *Mây Tầng 1* is a multi-storied. Up, up, up! They are a design marvel, and very scenic. But… those things felt like a climb, especially after a long hike or a big dinner (street food, anyone?). Something to bear in mind.
Okay, spill the beans. What was your favourite thing about Mây Tầng 1? And your *least* favourite? And be brutally honest!
Favorite? The *view*, when it's on. Seriously. Watching the sunrise, the way the light plays on the mountains... it's genuinely breathtaking. That moment, with my perfect coffee (the *second* time I went and brought my own beans!), just… perfection. I felt like I was in a movie. And with that view… it's hard to feel too stressed. It's a memory etched into my head.
Least favorite. Hands down. The karaoke. I swear, it was the same terrible rendition of “Hotel California” on repeat every evening. And the neighbors loved it! The walls were thin. I went to bed one night at midnight and was woken up at 2 am with a new song, which was equally terrible. *Shakes fist at the sky.* Honestly, I’m still having nightmares about that karaoke, months later. Maybe I should ask the hosts if the soundproofing is different, I'd go in a heartbeat.
Would you recommend it? Even with the karaoke and the fickle weather?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look. *Yes*. I would. But with caveats. Know what you're getting into. Bring the earplugs. The good coffee. Manage your expectations about the weather. And mentally prepare yourself for the inevitable karaoke.
Because when the conditions are right, when the view is stunning, when you're sipping that perfect cup of coffee… it's a truly special experience. It's a chance to disconnect, to breathe, to *feel* something. And even with the imperfections, the noise, and the potential for cloud cover… that's a trade-off I'd take any day.
Just, for the love of all that is holy, *please* learn to embrace the chaotic awfulness of karaoke. It’s part of the Dalat experience and it gives a real taste of Vietnam. (And that’s coming from someone who hates karaoke with a passion!).
