Sapa Eco Hugo

This really depends on your preference but for me I loved how far away from Sapa Central it was (30-40min drive). This home stay is located within the village, up a winding hill but still amongst all the rice paddies. You can see the buffalos and chickens and ducks wondering nearby and there is a pigsty in one of the neighbouring houses where you can go stare at the pigs. Unlike some other home stays, this place is located right alongside one of the "main roads" so that it is easy for a taxi or van to come right up to the home stay which is a bonus if you are carrying a lot of luggage and don't want to have to drag the luggage up a small dirt track. The rooms are super comfy with great big windows and a bench outside which you can sit comfortably with a cup of tea or a book and just watch. I have literally spend hours on the window seat watching the world go by. It was so relaxing. The beds are soft and comfortable. The area in front of the huts is fake grass so its free from mud and a great place for kids to run around and play. I ran barefoot over the fake grass after my son and my feet were still clean. The place is marvelously clean. Cleaner than some city hotels. Yes there are insects flying around (you are in the country after all), but every morning uncle mops all the entryway to all the houses. The toilets are basic but very serviceable with consistent hot water (very important in winter) and really clean flushable toilets. Even their dog is cleaner than my dog at home. Speaking of dog, they have a really adorable Shih Tzu size little pupper named Bung who just loves belly rubs and sitting beside you begging while you eat. They also have this beautiful long haired grey cat named "Miu" who appreciates a chin rub here and there. She is more flitting in her affections but still comes when you call. My toddler loved the both of them and would follow them around. Service is wonderful. Quy helps arrange for almost anything we need including transport. she advices us on places to go and visit too. Try the Bamboo forest hike. The views were spectacular and there is an "easy" version if you are travelling with elderly or kids. It comes with a very delicious lunch at a resturant with a spectacular view of the paddies. And her parents cook a wonderful dinner that even included chicken cutlets for my picky eater. They also make an excellent ginger tea and hot chocolate if you crave something sweet. Some downsides: So if you were looking for absolute peace, the fact that it is near their "main road" up the hill means you have a lot of motorbikes going up the hill and if you leave the window opened there is a constant sound of vehicles until dinner time. But I must say the sound is nowhere near as noisy as Hanoi or the cities. Just an occasional motorbike put putting up the hill. Also this place is a home stay not a luxury hotel. So don't expect hardwood floors/walls or marble tiling. Their laundry service is highly dependent on weather so if it