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Situated on
a hillside overlooking Xuan Huong Lake, this extraordinary property
features a mere 19 rooms and suites and has an almost B&B ambiance
or the feel of a plush Mediterranean villa. Though not as luxurious
and country-clubish as the Dalat Palace, the Empress is not as
pretentious either.
The Empress'
cozy, bistro-like restaurant adjoins the tastefully appointed,
chalet-type lobby, where both superlative Western and Asian cuisines
are offered. Dining is also offered in the garden courtyard overlooking
the lake. On the terrace below is a large outdoor cafe/bar, perfect
for a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap. The service here is extraordinarily
friendly and efficient, even family-like.
The suites
and rooms surround a cozy courtyard. Most overlook the lake. The
suites are particularly impressive, with a sunken bath and jacuzzi
beneath a high, sky-lit ceiling. Marble floors, antique phones,
gorgeous rattan furnishings and a 36-inch screen television fill
out this amenity-packed option.
The deluxe
rooms offer only slightly less - you don't get a jacuzzi, and
the TV is smaller - but are spacious and airy, with a generous
number of windows hinged to polished, hardwood shutters. Though
the superior rooms are bit more scaled-down, both in size and
character, the price is a bargain.
The location
of this hotel on Xuan Huong Lake might actually make it a better
hotel than the more famous Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel. The hotel
staff is very friendly and room is adequate. The view over the
lake is wonderful and it is a very short walk to restaurants,
cafes, and the incredible Dalat Market. The restaurant is very
elegant looking and again has a nice view over the area.
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