An Exhaustive Review of a Memorable Hotel Stay in Hanoi
Before embarking on a journey with my companions, I meticulously compared various destinations before making my final decision. Despite your theoretical assurances, there's always a lingering sense of apprehension until you experience a place firsthand, wouldn't you agree? Our trip wasn't part of a pre-packaged tour; rather, it was entirely our responsibility. Surprisingly, it turned out to be an exceptionally delightful experience. The hotel staff were remarkably friendly and well-informed, elevating my satisfaction level to match the quality of the hotel's services. I intend to provide a comprehensive review of my stay, covering the period before, during, and after our visit.1. Pre-Arrival Experience: Initially, we secured our reservation through Agoda's post-payment system. Based on my observation, the payment amount appeared to be pegged to the Vietnamese Dong (VND) at the time of booking through Agoda, implying that the final price could fluctuate depending on exchange rates. To ensure price certainty, I recommend converting the required currency well in advance. My room, shared among three people, cost approximately 90,000 South Korean Won per night, a rate that left me content. Roughly two weeks before our scheduled arrival, I received a confirmation email regarding our reservation. Additionally, the email included contact information for Zoey, a friendly member of the front desk staff, reachable via KakaoTalk. Zoey played a pivotal role throughout our journey, offering invaluable assistance. I opted for the airport pick-up service, priced at $32 for both arrival and departure, as opposed to $18 for just one-way transport. Although I had heard from a friend that using Grab might entail additional expenses like toll fees (which turned out to be inaccurate), I appreciated the convenience of a bundled service that handled all costs upfront. As for our Halong Bay tour, initially booked through another travel agency, we managed to secure a better deal—$55 per person—by arranging it through the hotel. Changing plans turned out to be a wise decision! My coordination with Joy via KakaoTalk spanned approximately a week, noting the two-hour time difference for effective communication between 11:00 and 6:00 Korean time. Given Zoey's amicable demeanor, I inquired beforehand about what to expect during our trip, and her positive feedback further heightened my anticipation.2. In-Hotel Experience: (1) Arrival Impressions: Upon arrival, the driver provided a brief yet engaging overview of noteworthy aspects. However, the true highlight was the exceptional warmth exhibited by the entire hotel staff! Their kindness, especially Zoey's, who proactively addressed our queries prior to our arrival, left a lasting impression. We received a warm welcome, along with a concise rundown of accommodation details, anticipated check-out costs, and nearby attractions around Hoan Kiem. The staff also recommended superb local dining options—a gesture that resonated with me, particularly because of Zoey's consistent assistance. I emphasize these details in my review to acknowledge the staff's exceptional hospitality. The male staff consistently greeted me courteously, assisted with luggage, and made my comings and goings enjoyable. (2) Guest Room: Our room, lacking a window, initially carried a faint air freshener scent, which quickly became familiar and tolerable. The bedding was clean, comfortably soft, and adequately firm, earning praise from my companions, especially for the pillows. However, the absence of multiple luggage stands was a minor inconvenience. The room provided one complimentary bottle of water per person per night, with additional charges applicable for other brands stored in the refrigerator. The safe in the closet allowed for secure storage of passports. The bathroom maintained cleanliness and supplied basic amenities like toothbrushes, cotton swabs, combs, and razors, although I brought my own. The provided disposable toothbrush exhibited decent quality. The water pressure in the toilet was slightly lacking, and there were occasional reminders from staff regarding disposing of large items and tissues properly. While the shower amenities included only shampoo and body wash, I recommend bringing a full set of shower supplies for convenience. The hairdryer's performance was mediocre. Ample towels, one large and one small per person per night, were provided. However, soundproofing in the room was subpar; noise from the first-floor massage shop was audible even on the fourth floor. Overall, I rated my experience at four stars, considering these factors. (3) Breakfast Experience: The breakfast menu featured delicious egg dishes, rice noodles, coffee, and tea, although these items were available upon request. The omelet and rice noodles stood out for their taste and quality, eliminating concerns about food hygiene. The hotel's pho, in particular, was exceptional, prompting me to indulge in it for three consecutive days. The iced coffee, though not listed on the menu, boasted a delightful mild yet rich flavor. While the buffet offered slight variations daily, maintaining interest, I often opted to craft my banh mi sandwiches, relishing their delectable flavors. The yogurt provided wasn't entirely plain but slightly sweetened. (4) Hotel Tour Experience: The hotel facilitated our tour through an affiliated travel agency, offering an English-guided experience with comprehensible explanations, albeit with some pronunciation challenges. A designated pick-up vehicle arrived promptly, initiating a tour that commenced after a brief exploration of downtown Hanoi, allowing for a restroom break en route. The tour itinerary closely resembled typical Halong Bay tours available online. Notably, bottled water was provided in the vehicle, although most cruises prohibited plastic bottles, necessitating alternatives like tumblers. Regarding gratuities for the driver and guide, our group opted to tip 50,000 Vietnamese Dong to the driver and 100,000 Vietnamese Dong to the guide, although being unaccustomed to tipping customs. Noteworthy tips included purchasing Yongan honey at highway rest stops and considering post-meal pearl shopping for better deals. (5) Massage Experience: I indulged in two massages during my three-night stay: a 30-minute foot care session and a one-hour hot stone massage. The hotel's tour discount of 50% made these sessions remarkably affordable. Preceding the massage, I savored tea and lotus meat candy, enhancing the overall relaxation experience. The foot soak, featuring cinnamon powder, left my feet notably softer. The massage room's ambiance, characterized by dim lighting and soothing music, induced a tranquil state, with some moments even lulling me to sleep. While I thoroughly enjoyed my massages, some of my companions expressed mixed reviews, attributing their experiences to differences in masseuse skills and distractions from other guests.3. Departure Experience: As our departure coincided with an overnight flight, the hotel graciously allowed us to retain our luggage post-check-out and utilize a convenient shower room adjacent to the massage facilities. Given Hanoi's climatic conditions and pollution, this gesture was highly appreciated, affording us a chance to freshen up before departing. Our farewells were met with genuine warmth, leaving us with a tinge of sadness at parting ways. The hotel's significant contributions to our itinerary underscored its exceptional quality, making it a top choice for any future visits to Hanoi.
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