Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa Review 2026: Heated Pool, Views, and Is It Worth It?

Thinking about staying at Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa in 2026 (the hotel formerly known as Aira)? In this honest review, we break down the real highlights, the heated infinity pool, mountain view rooms, and what you get for the price. We’ll also compare Aliana with Pistachio Hotel Sapa so you can choose the best stay for your budget and travel style.

1. The Best View in Sapa?

You’ve probably seen the shots online. A warm infinity pool with steam rising into the cold air. Green mountains layered behind it. And that little red train gliding past like it belongs in a fairytale. It sounds too perfect, right? The crazy part is it’s real, and it’s exactly the kind of moment people come to Sapa for. Welcome to Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa, one of the most talked-about boutique stays in town for travelers who want comfort and a view worth waking up early for.

Before we go any further, here’s the detail that confuses a lot of people and it’s important. Aliana was formerly known as Aira Boutique Sapa. You’ll still see the old name on blogs, maps, and older reviews, so if you’re comparing listings and thinking, “Wait, are these two different hotels?” No. Same place, new name. Clearing this up early saves you time and avoids booking mistakes.

So what’s the big deal with this hotel in 2026? It’s often ranked among the top choices for boutique luxury in Sapa because it hits a rare balance. You get high-level service and polished facilities, but the vibe still feels intimate and personal, not like a massive resort where you’re just another room number. In this review, I’ll break down what actually matters, the rooms, the famous pool experience, and whether the mountain view upgrade is worth it. I’ll also compare it directly with its biggest competitor, Pistachio Hotel Sapa, so you can pick the better option for your budget and travel style.

2. Location: Why “Fansipan Street” Matters

• Address: No.30 Hoang Lien Street, Sapa, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
• Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wHMXBKm3pcTxcfLY9

One of the biggest reasons Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa feels so special is not just the design or the pool. It’s the location. The hotel sits on Fansipan Street, and this road is kind of a cheat code in Sapa. It runs along the cliff edge above the valley, which means hotels here are positioned for the views most travelers are chasing. If you book smart on this street, you don’t need to hunt for viewpoints. Your balcony becomes the viewpoint.

The main advantage is the scenery. From Fansipan Street, you get wide, open sightlines over the Muong Hoa Valley and toward Fansipan Mountain on clear days. That’s the classic Sapa postcard: layered green mountains, mist rolling through the valley, and those dramatic cloud shifts that change every hour. Because the hotel faces outward toward the valley, the views feel more “unblocked” than many properties in the town center, where buildings can interrupt what you see.

But let’s be honest about the trade-off. Fansipan Street is steep. If you want to walk into town for dinner or to reach Sun Plaza, expect about a 10 to 15 minute uphill walk on the way back. It’s doable for most people, but after a long day of trekking, that slope can feel like a final workout. The good news is taxis are easy to grab, so you don’t have to force yourself to walk every time. Just know that you’re choosing views over flat streets.

And then there’s the detail that makes Aliana extra fun for photo lovers. This is one of the few hotels where you can actually watch the Muong Hoa Monorail, the famous red train, pass right below. On the right balcony or view angle, you can see it glide through the fog and valley like a scene from a movie. If you’ve been dreaming of that “Sapa red train” moment, Fansipan Street gives you a real chance to enjoy it without fighting crowds at a public viewpoint.

Important takeaway: Fansipan Street is the best area in Sapa for big views, but you pay for it with a steep walk. If you want to wake up to valley scenery, clouds, and the red train below, Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa is positioned exactly where you want to be.

3. The Rooms: Which One Should You Book?

When people scroll through Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa photos, they usually fall in love with one thing: the view. So let’s be super clear, because this is where travelers accidentally ruin their own trip. Do not book the “windowless” or “garden view” room types if you’re coming to Sapa for scenery. They might look like a good deal, but you’ll miss the main reason this hotel is famous. In Sapa, the view is not a small extra. It’s the experience.

If you want the safest, best-value choice, go for the Deluxe Balcony Room. This is the sweet spot for couples. You get fresh air, a balcony, and that satisfying moment of opening the curtains to mountains instead of a wall. It feels like the “classic Aliana stay” most people expect when they book this hotel.

If you’re celebrating something or you just want the full wow-factor, the Suite is the one. The standout detail is the freestanding bathtub positioned by a window looking out over the valley. It’s exactly the kind of setup you’ve seen in those dreamy hotel photos, and yes, it’s prime Instagram material. More importantly, it’s also genuinely relaxing. Sapa can be cold and misty, so having a warm bath with a dramatic view makes the hotel feel like a destination, not just a place to sleep.

Traveling with friends or family? The Family Balcony room is the practical winner. It’s larger, has a more comfortable layout for multiple people, and still keeps the “balcony + view” part that makes staying here worthwhile. If you’re splitting costs as a small group, this room type can be a really smart value.

No matter which category you choose, the room style is part of the hotel’s charm. Expect dark wood floors, a warm Indochine-inspired design, and a cozy atmosphere that matters a lot in Sapa’s winter months. When the temperature drops, you’ll be grateful for a room that feels snug and well-insulated, not cold and minimal. 

Quick booking rule: If you want the Aliana experience you’ve seen online, choose a room that clearly says Balcony and Valley or Mountain View. That one decision is what turns a “nice hotel stay” into a Sapa memory you’ll keep talking about.

4. Amenities: The Heated Pool and Aliana Spa

If you’re booking Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa for one reason, it’s this: the outdoor infinity pool with a full mountain backdrop. It’s not just for photos. After trekking all day, that warm soak hits different, especially in winter when Sapa can feel seriously cold. The important update is that the infinity pool is heated, so you can still enjoy a swim even when the air outside is in the single digits.

Now let’s talk wellness. The Aliana Spa is one of the big reasons people rate this place so highly. It’s the kind of spa you actually want to spend time in, not just a “nice to have” on the brochure. Their treatment list covers the classics like aromatherapy and Swedish-style massage, plus local-inspired options like a traditional herbal bath and herbal steam as part of their spa menu. If you want the most “Sapa” experience, ask about arranging a Red Dao herbal bath style soak. The Red Dao are famous in this region for their herbal remedies, and Aliana even mentions this experience can be arranged through their local activities.

Food-wise, breakfast is another quiet win here. Guests often mention the buffet plus cook-to-order options, with favorites like fresh phở and eggs made the way you like. My local tip: go early, grab a hot bowl of phở first, then take your coffee outside and let the valley do its thing.

5. Head-to-Head Comparison: Aliana vs. The Competition

If you’re considering Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa, you’re probably also looking at a few “big names” in Sapa. That’s smart. These hotels can look similar in photos, but the vibe is totally different once you’re actually there. Here’s the honest comparison so you can pick the one that fits your trip, not just the one with the best marketing shots.

5.1. Aliana vs. Pistachio Hotel Sapa

Pistachio is the flashy, modern option. It’s known for the famous gold-style infinity pool and a more social atmosphere. It’s also closer to town, which makes it convenient if you want to go out at night, café-hop, or meet other travelers easily. If your Sapa plan includes a bit of energy, photos, and a “buzzier” hotel scene, Pistachio fits well.

Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa feels more elegant and calm. The design leans classic and cozy, and the setting on Fansipan Street gives it a quieter mood. The pool experience tends to feel less hectic, which matters if you’re coming to Sapa for slow mornings, peaceful evenings, and romantic mountain vibes.

Choose Pistachio for a more lively, social, modern feel. Choose Aliana for romance, quiet, and a more relaxed pool and view experience.

5.2. Aliana vs. Azalea Hotel Sapa

Azalea wins on price and location. It’s very central, which is perfect if you’re using the hotel mainly as a place to sleep, shower, and head out again. If you’re trekking all day and you just want a clean base near everything, Azalea can be a practical choice.

But if what you really want is that classic “Sapa moment” at the hotel itself, infinity pool, valley views, lingering over coffee while clouds move through the mountains, Azalea usually doesn’t deliver that same hotel-as-the-destination experience.

Pick Azalea if your schedule is packed and you want to save money. Pick Aliana if you want the hotel to be part of the trip, not just the place you crash at night.

5.3. Aliana vs. Hotel de la Coupole

Hotel de la Coupole is the full luxury statement. It’s famous for its Bill Bensley design, top-tier service, and a true 5-star “city hotel” feel in the middle of Sapa. It’s also typically in a much higher price bracket, often $150+ depending on season.

Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa is the best “4-star plus” alternative for many travelers because it offers a boutique experience and strong amenities at a more approachable range, often around $70 to $90. You may not get the same grand, high-fashion vibe as Coupole, but you do get an intimate stay with views and a calmer atmosphere.

Choose Coupole if you want the ultimate luxury experience and budget is not a concern. Choose Aliana if you want excellent value for boutique comfort, views, and a quieter stay.

Quick shortcut to decide: If your hotel is mainly a base, go cheaper and central. If you want the hotel to be part of your Sapa memories, the pool, the view, the peaceful mornings, then Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa is the kind of upgrade you’ll actually feel every day of your trip.

6. Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa Prices (2026 Estimates)

Let’s talk numbers, because once you know the typical range, deciding on Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa gets much easier. In 2026, this hotel usually sits in that sweet “4-star plus” space. It feels boutique and polished, but it’s still more approachable than the ultra-luxury resorts.

In low season (May to September), you can often find rates around $60 to $80 USD per night. This is when Aliana can feel like a real bargain, especially if you’re flexible with weekdays. You still get the cozy rooms, the heated infinity pool, and the view-focused location, but without the peak-season pricing.

In high season (October to December), prices typically rise to $90 to $120+ USD per night. This is the most popular time for Sapa because the weather is cooler and cloud hunting is at its best. Rooms with balconies and valley views can sell out quickly, so booking earlier matters more in these months.

Important value tip: if you’re serious about staying here, check the option to book direct with the hotel. Direct bookings often come with small perks that add real value, things like a free foot massage or a herbal bath credit. Those extras might sound minor, but in Sapa’s cold weather, they can make your whole stay feel more relaxing and “complete,” without paying more.

7. FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Is Aliana the same as Sapa Grand Hotel?

No, these are two different properties. Sapa Grand is a separate hotel and it’s generally considered a more traditional, older-style option. Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa is the more “boutique luxury” choice, with a stronger reputation for views, design, and overall experience.  

Important takeaway: don’t mix them up when you search on maps or booking sites.

How far is Aliana from Sun Plaza and the station area?

It’s roughly 800 meters from the Sun Plaza area, so technically you can walk. But the key detail is the slope. The walk up to town is steep, especially after trekking or in misty weather. The easy strategy is: take a taxi going up, then walk back down to the hotel later. A taxi ride is usually around 30,000 VND, and it saves your energy for the fun stuff.

Does Aliana have a gym?

Yes. It’s not a massive fitness club, but there’s a small, functional gym that works well for a basic workout or a quick stretch session, especially on rainy days when you’d rather stay indoors.

Is the pool open in winter (December or January)?

Yes, and this is one of Aliana’s biggest advantages. Because the infinity pool is heated, it stays usable in winter. Swimming in warm water while the air outside is cold and foggy is honestly one of those “only in Sapa” moments.

Important takeaway: if you’re visiting in winter, this feature alone can make Aliana feel worth the upgrade.

8. Conclusion

If you want the honest short version, Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa is the “just right” choice in Sapa. It feels special enough to count as a treat, heated infinity pool, strong spa, cozy boutique vibe, but it usually doesn’t hit the eye-watering prices of the biggest 5-star resorts. That balance is exactly why so many travelers rate it so highly. You’re paying for the view, the comfort, and the calm, without feeling like you’ve overpaid just for a brand name.

One final tip that can seriously upgrade your stay: request a room on the 4th floor or higher if you can. Lower floors sometimes have their view partly softened by trees, and Sapa is always changing with new buildings popping up. A higher floor gives you a cleaner line over the valley, better light in the morning, and a more dramatic “cloud” feeling when the fog rolls in.

Check availability

To book your stay, you can compare rates and room types on Agoda, Booking, or the hotel’s direct website. If you’re going in October to December or you want a high-floor mountain view room, booking earlier usually gives you the best choices.

Want to save time and skip the planning stress?

If you’d rather not spend hours comparing hotels, transfers, and Sapa itineraries, you can contact Asia Mystika, a trusted tour operator in Vietnam. Share your travel dates and travel style, and we can help you secure the best room at Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa, arrange transport, and build a smooth Vietnam trip with less effort on your side.

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