Mrs Dung

An unfortunate name for such a nice person !

She and her husband bought and built up the business of the Dreams Hotel many years ago. So successful has she been that there was Dreams 2 and the magnificent Dreams 3 with enough marble and flowers to attract the new Chinese, Korean and even Russian clientele now coming to Dalat.

The French developed this hill station from nothing at the beginning of the 20th century as its cool climate gave relief from stifling Saigon. There are some interesting leftovers from that epoch.

We chose Dreams 1, the ever so slightly tatty original, which doubles as the family home. A quiet spotless room, perfect beds, strong WiFi throughout, 6 computers at the guests' disposal, book exchange, bike rental, incredibly large breakfast.... And discreet help at every turn in perfect French from Mrs D herself. All for 23 euros a night!

But eleven months ago her husband had a stroke and things changed. She had to sell Dreams 2, and now divides her long days between the other two hotels, making sure that everyone is comfortable and finding solutions to their problems.. Her husband does what he can, smiling welcomes, giving keys and checking computer difficulties.

Their two small grandchildren add to the atmosphere in the afternoon in the communal lounge as they wait for their parents to pick them up for piano or English lessons ($10 an hour...the price of a good meal for two).