Thanh Do Hotel Da Lat is a value-focused hotel on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street in the Xuan Huong area, in the city centre. It is the sort of place that suits travellers who care more about location and a comfortable bed than about resort facilities. Xuan Huong Lake is about a three-minute walk away, Da Lat Market about five, the cathedral roughly eight, and Lam Vien Square and Crazy House around twelve minutes each on foot. That makes most of the classic first-day sights reachable without a taxi, and it keeps transport costs down on a budget trip. Prices are at the lower end for a hotel with its own front desk and services, and they move with the season, so check the rate for your dates when you book.
Rooms are described with practical touches such as a workspace, a television and either a rainfall shower or a jetted tub, depending on the room type, so look at the room descriptions to choose. Free wifi and free self parking are included, the front desk is open all day and night, and there is a safe at the desk. Laundry and dry cleaning are available, housekeeping is daily, and staff can help with tour and ticket arrangements, which is handy for booking a canyoning morning, a waterfall day or a sunrise cloud-hunting trip.
An airport transfer can be arranged for an extra charge per vehicle, so confirm the price and the notice needed. The hotel is smoke-free and does not accept pets, which is worth knowing if you travel with an animal.
A central budget hotel works well in Da Lat because the city is compact and most tours collect from the hotel. You can walk down to the lake in the early morning, when mist hangs over the water and few people are about, then return for breakfast before a driver arrives. In the evening, the market area is a short stroll away for grilled snacks, hot soy milk and noodle shops, and the streets around the cathedral have cafes that stay open late.
If you plan to spend most of your day out on excursions, a simple, well-placed room is all you need, and the money saved can go on a private driver or an extra activity.
Who it suits
Backpackers and independent travellers, couples on a modest budget, families who want to stay near food and shops, and anyone breaking up a longer journey between Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne and Nha Trang. It is not the best choice if you want a pool, a spa or a garden setting, since those are found at the resorts elsewhere in this market.
Streets in the centre can be steep, and some buildings have stairs, so ask about the floor and whether there is a lift if mobility matters. Traffic noise can reach rooms facing the street, so request a quieter side if you sleep lightly.
Good to know
Nights are cool, so bring a jumper, and check whether extra blankets or heating are provided. Weekends, public holidays and the Lunar New Year period are the busiest and most expensive times, so book early for those dates and compare cancellation terms before you commit. Details such as room types and facilities can change, so check them when you book. Because the price is low, many guests combine a few nights here with a night at a heritage hotel or a lakeside resort for contrast.
Why stay here
- ✓Free wifi
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
- ✓Laundry and dry cleaning
- ✓Daily housekeeping
- ✓Rooms with workspace and television
- ✓Airport transfer available for a fee
Good questions
Is it within walking distance of the lake?+
Xuan Huong Lake is about a three-minute walk and Da Lat Market about five.
Can staff help with tours?+
Staff can help with tour and ticket arrangements; ask when you book.
Does it accept pets?+
It does not; the premises are also smoke-free.
