All Reviews
The service here ranges from "great" to "good luck" but the food's pretty good and the balconey has a good view and atmosphere.
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It's so nice to have a shop where everything is what you expect it to be! Things here are not so expensive, but they are very high quality.
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I've been to stones 1 once and thought it was okay.... Worth a look. Nice view and nice people. But I really have to say "brenaj" I have never seen a more shocking review or more terrible suggestions.... I'll say though... I want whatever your on...
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Great place to rejuvenate and chill out. Still fairly new but well-appointed, well-designed rooms make for easy relaxation at the end of a hard day. Strategic location in the middle of Tong Duy Tan (Food Street) makes it a great trip before sleeping.
Use of natural wood to interiors and locally prepared Vietnamese herbs lend a Vietnamese countryside authenticity to the whole establishment. Worth visiting.
Certainly an "Oasis for the Senses".
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Stayed here one year ago, for one night, after a nightmarish stay at one of the backpacker hotels. My friend and I simply called on the day itself for their rates, and showed up 20 mins later, after deciding that their rates were within our budget. (I think it was about 100 USD nett-- pretty good for a last minute booking)
Rooms were huge, and had huge windows that offered a bird's-eye view of the city. Beds for two singles were also large. The one thing that I liked best about the room was the pillows-- they had two different types of pillows, one harder, and one softer, which was a very considerate arrangement, as one was good for sleeping and one good for hugging. On the bed, they also left a leaflet whereby they showed other pillow options available (about 5 others), in addition to the two already offered.
Breakfast was a true international spread, and also extremely filling. They had Western, Japanese, and Vietnamese, and we ate so much that we decided to give lunch a miss.
Service at Melia also deserves the five-stars. They entered our request for late check-out and also helped us book a cab to the airport. The latter is pretty standard you would think, but they certainly went out of their way to ensure that we would not be ripped off by the cab driver, for the trip to the airport.
We also dined at the Latino Bar, and with some luck, it was ladies' night, which was a great deal. I think cocktails were at USD 2++ (okay, prices, one year ago). What made it a steal was that, with every order of cocktails, you had the choice of two free tapas per person. On any ordinary day, these tapas themselves cost more than USD 2.
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Stayed here for 10 days, and I seriously regret not having moved to another hotel after the initial 1. night.
This place is so far from elegant that I'm almost offended. The rooms smell so bad from fungus and insect spray, that I had a headache almost every day I stayed here. I changed rooms 3 times, but to no avail. In 2 of the 3 room, there was a noise coming from the wall over the bathroom, that woke me up repeatedly, even though I had equipped myself with earplugs. Also a lot of noise in the late and early hours coming from the windows that faced the interior atrium.
I think maybe i could have slep more comfortable in a chair, as the mattresses were stone hard. After a few days, I litterally ached from sleeping on them.
In one room, there were electric wires about 20cm from the shower head, and all other electric installations made me quite uncomfortable and unsafe.
The breakfast was simple and not too bad, especially on the few days where they got my order right.
Wifi internet was a joke, and worked only when I lifted the laptop up in front of the window. At least it was 'free' ...
Dispite all the trouble and uncomfort I had had, they didn't offer any discount at all. After a rather heated quarrel with the most unpleasant manager, who claimed that everything was tip-top international standard, i paid and left feeling truly suckered.
My advise would be to stay away from this place.
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I guess I might be the only person who is not just reviewing the pool, since I stayed here.
Anyway, it is a decent place to stay. Somewhat far away from the main backpacker's area in the Old Quarter, this place is calm and quiet, but yet, still close enough to where the action is, making it an ideal location to stay.
Rooms are okay, and have the standard stuff for a three-star hotel: A/C, ensuite bathroom, a tiny balcony, TV, fridge, desk, chair. However, the bathrooms of one of the rooms I stayed in had a weird and random pattern of dispensing hot water, making showering a chore. I was also not that sold on the decor of the rooms, which looked like something that came out of the 1950s. Quite unfortunately, I don't believe that was the intention of the hotel.
The breakfast at the hotel was pretty decent, and there was a selection, from confectionaries to stir-fries to local stuff, like pho. However, it did get a little boring by the fifth day or so.
As I stayed during the summer, I quite naturally made use of the pool-- which I do have divided feelings about. On the one hand, having a pool in the hotel during the summer is a very nice alternative to simply hiding in my A/C room. On the other hand, I was not quite sure if it was worth risking permanent paralysis, should one of the gabillion kids canon-balling themselves into the pool irresponsibly happen to jump onto me, as I swim by.
Can't comment on the value-for-money aspect, since someone else picked the tab, and hence, I never saw the bill.
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Stayed here for one night, and generally agree with dwaq.
Rooms are from 120000VND to 200000VND.
The 120000VND room is a fan room, and does not come with an ensuite bathroom, but looked pretty clean to me, though perhaps a little cramped. However, this is probably a good idea for a budget-conscious traveler, and definitely sleeps two. (okay, there were other things in the room, but I can't remember-- it wasn't just a bed and room)
The 200000VND room comes with A/C, fridge, TV, table, chair and ensuite bathroom. The room I stayed in (302, I think) had a small window that did not face the main street, hence, I had a quiet night's sleep.
On the bathroom, it was a tad small (maybe about 1m x 1.2m?), which made showering and not getting my clean clothes/towel wet a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, it was manageable.
A few minor annoyances: 1) the shower faucet and the sink tap are shared; 2) there was no dustbin in the room that I stayed in; 3) the toilet water kept dripping, making it a little noisy; 4) bed was a little squeaky, which added to the (minimal, tolerable) noise level in the room.
But otherwise, all was good. The rooms were clean, and the staff were great. And in the current crazy USD-VND currency crisis, a place that doesn't try to cash in on this frenzy is a rare find.
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i am surprised no one has reviewed this place. i stayed here last summer while visiting hanoi before moving here and it was great.
i think the prices range from 45 - 55 US dollars depending on if you are in a back or front room. obviously the rooms in front are best (and more expensive) as you get natural sunlight, and a balcony.
the rooms are modernly furnished with simply designed vietnamese furniture and crisp clean medium (300-400) thread count sheets.
there is internet in the rooms available via ethernet cable, as well as a TV with satellite stations. the mini-bar is pretty well stocked and, at least as of last summer, moderately priced.
the breakfast isn't shwanky but they get it done in the eggs and lightly toasted toast department.
above all i found the staff incredibly pleasant and accommodating. i would recommend golden lotus to people who can afford more expensive hotels but want some bang for the buck.
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To add to the above, one of the nice things about the Sofitel Metropole chocolate buffet is that chocolate lovers with varying tastes will be satisfied, because they have a decent selection of the different types of chocolate, white, milk and dark.
However, the four stars is mainly because there's only so much chocolate you can eat before you get sick of it, even though it is very nice chocolate.
Which brings me to the point about beverages. It is possible to consume more chocolate, if one has tea or water to help ease off the chocolate rush for a bit. Although hot chocolate/iced chocolate (yes, that is an option as well, but I am guessing the hot chocolate option is better, as the iced chocolate I had was more milky than chocolate-y) is welcome, it does not help to ease the overload. The only way the chocolate overload can be eased is by a pot of tea... Or several pots of tea.
Unfortunately, three pots of tea cost as much as the chocolate buffet itself.
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Clean, well appointed rooms, a nice enough place in that respect.
I found the included breakfast a bit disappointing, greasy fried eggs, spongy toast and the like. Fresh(ish) fruit though. The Candle Cafe over the road is better, much friendlier and not expensive. Eat the fruit, get a coffee and go across the road if you're hungry.
While the wireless network within the hotel is excellent, the internet connection it is linked to is not. I could rarely bring up a web page, never mind check email. The computers in the lobby maintained a snail's pace connection. I saw them messing about with it at one point, maybe it's fixed. Check the lobby computers if internet's important to you. Again, you can get reliable wifi internet in Candle (hey, you're there for breakfast anyway!)
There's definitely an 'unsupervised' feel to the staff - in fact I was never sure who worked there and who was just a friend coming to visit. I don't think they get paid enough to care to be honest. Service with a sneer... and I got charged 19,000 dong to the dollar on a visa extension! A bit much I think. Also, be aware that I paid 14 dollars for my airport pickup, it's NOT a free service, even though my school was paying (within a limit) for my stay. So yes, I agree that when using any of the hotel services - caveat emptor.
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I've visited the Vine offices and spoken with the PR department there. The actions of camvan (recent posts to this page) were not in line with their policies and were not known to them at the time of posting. A formal statement on the matter from Vine is likely to be forthcoming.
A thanks to everyone for your responses and for your patience.
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Yes, the Chocolate Buffet is a fun way to spend your afternoon, I agree with 4inhanoi!
It is absolutely delicious and the variety of chocolate is overwhelming.
There is also a chocolate fondue where you can dip some healthy fruit into a fountain of chocolate...!
Yes, they could throw in a drink for that price but as part of the buffet you can get hot chocolate which is, need I say it, delicious and of high quality. Choose your favourite Valrhona chocolate and they will melt it for you on a little stove. Also, I have asked for and received normal table water which was brought at no extra price (no Evian of course...).
Truly a special treat for chocolate lovers!
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This is a small spa that does not cater specifically to foreigners (read: cheaper, limited English, staff keen to make you a regular customer). They offer: hair cutting, styling, dying, perming and straightening; waxing; massage; manicure and pedicure; facials; eyebrow/lash tinting; body detox treatment.
I highly recommend their waxing services -- clean, private, professional, quick, and not-so-painful-you-will-want-to-cry-
but-just-enough-to-satisfy-latent-masochistic-desires-and-
leave-you-wanting-to-rip-out-by-the-roots-all-the-hairs-of-
your-nearest-and-dearest.
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What a gd clusterfuk. 42 bazillion Vietnamese ogling the monkey with headphones, no a/c, and goods ranging from delicious baby turtles to cinnamon flavoured douche.
Now that just ain't right on so many levels, but what is it that you can't buy in the city for a decent price that compels you to drive to the end of the Earth?
No, really.
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Stopped in here for some Tapas and a drink or two the other night.
The place looks great, they've done a really great job on the interior and the idea of a kids playroom on the top floor is a great idea.
Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the surroundings. It was ok, but nowhere near as good as it read on the menu, or could have been. It seems as if the culinary knowledge and care is there, but it failed to present itself on the plate. Dry meatballs, over-herbed roasted pumpkin, and tinned olives were not what I was expecting.
The service was good, but the staff need to learn how to pour a bottle of beer into a tall glass, and stop fiddling with the light dimmer.
I'll go back, mainly because I get the impression that the food can, and has been, better than it was this time.
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This review is for the chocolate buffet at the Sofitel Metropole only.
This buffet can be found in the Club Bar, near the swimming pool.
For afternoon teas, this is the place to go in town and you basically have 3 options:
1. the chocolate buffet. This consists of more varieties of chocolate than you knew existed, including (but not limited to): pralines, tart, mousse, flakes, brownies, icecream, hot chocolate, truffles and cake.
This will set you back 15 USD ++
No drinks included and a simple pot of tea for one person is 5 USD ++
2. Afternoon tea. This is basically a tray with goodies: sandwiches, scones, fruit and some pastries. The neighbouring table had it and it looked good!
This one is 18 USD ++, but it has tea included
3. A combination of 1 + 2. Not sure how that works, you probably get an additional plate with a selection of the chocolate buffet delivered to your table. Or maybe they let you go to the buffet, I did not ask.
This one is 20 USD++, but has tea or coffee included
We chose the chocolate buffet, but that's only because the sandwiches and scones sounded a bit boring on the menu. When we saw what the neighbours had, we decided to go for the combination next time.
They do this tea-thing every day from 15.00 until 17.30. No extra charge during the weekend.
As for service and quality, well..... it's the Sofitel Metropole: all was flawless and friendly. Even though I brought my 2 kids who got a bit hyper after a few runs to the chocolate buffet!
Not something we would do everyday (in fact we have lived here for almost five years and this was the first time that we decided to do this), but certainly a fun way to spend your afternoon.
They apparently have free wifi as well. Sofa's and chairs are comfy too!
The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because I feel that for 15 USD++ they could at least throw in a cup of tea or coffee. Or even some LaVie (oops, pardon me, the only water they serve here is Evian. Of course.....)
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I can't believe that nobody thought of including this place in the directory much earlier. From the outside it doesn't really look inviting unless you venture in and peek through the glass doors of the ground floor dining area.
What struck me about this place is its size. It has quite a large indoor dining area and spacious outdoor area where they've also placed tables and chairs for those who wish to dine outside. Why people would choose to do that instead of enjoying the elegant indoor dining area (and A/C) is strange indeed (although we didn't see anybody outside when we had dinner there yesterday).
Our group dined on the second floor. The sofas were so inviting but we were a big group so we were given a long table at the far end of the room and the chairs were as comfortable. They had really nice touches for the interiors, such as the sofas, multicolored lamps and wet cloth towels on a plate that also had a stick of cinnamon and a piece of star anise beside it. I ended up getting all the cinnamon sticks and star anise from our table to take home (yes, my apartment now smells very yummy).
Another thing I liked about eating there was eating for free! I've been very lucky to have had quite a lot of free meals since I arrived in Hanoi, courtesy of colleagues celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. In this case we were celebrating a belated birthday, so the celebrator ordered noodles (for long life), fried spring rolls, sliced roasted duck (that you eat wrapped in egg rolls, veggies, pickes and hoisin sauce), a yummy green mango and dried anchovy salad, fried soft-shelled crabs (I still prefer Hong Kong's version but Le Tonkin's version is also good), and a mushroom stir-fry, eaten with lots of steamed rice.
I'm not really sure about the price but my friend said that for our group of 12, the cost was reasonable.
I didn't give it five stars because we didn't like the songs that the pianist played while we were there (think soft rock ballads) since it didn't quite fit with the ambiance.
But overall, this place is highly recommended.
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This is somewhat overdue.
Firstly, we were invited by the consultant (?) Kay for a Mac User Group meeting, and hence, food and (some) drinks were on the house. Hence, I am most inclined to be generous with my review. (or even writing a review)
Located about 5-10 mins walk from Vincom towers, finding the entrance without knowing what you are looking for was a bit of a challenge for me, because the door looked like it led to a bunch of gas pipes (or something else not food-related). Well, perhaps it is an innovative design, but I would have definitely missed it if I weren't looking for a specific address.
I very quickly whizzed past the first level (which was reportedly filled with loud music and skimpily-clad girls, but I didn't notice) to the second level, which was significantly calmer, and a place whereby you can sustain a conversation without having to shout. The staff on the second level were also generally attentive.
Not quite sure if they spoke English, given that I communicated in Vietnamese.
Food served was good. We had
a) green mango and chicken salad (I think!);
b) tuna pasta;
c) fried rice
d) a dessert that had an oreo cookie, some fruits and ice cream
All the fare served was delectable, though I probably would not specially go back again for it. But nevertheless, delectable.
Can't comment on the prices, or the billing system, since, as mentioned, it was on generous Kay's tab.
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Nothing much new to say here! We sat outside, where they managed to keep the worst of the summer heat at bay with system of fans.
The food was a bit expensive, but they give an insane amount of bread with it. And the portions were enormous - I almost skipped dinner. We skipped dessert, but reading reviews here maybe I shouldn't have...
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