FTE Ba Dinh Hotel

We were sad to leave the staff, who were all extremely friendly and helpful. They quickly opened doors, carried our bags, and checked on us throughout the stay. The area was quiet, so after exploring Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve, it was lovely to come back and sleep so well on those amazing beds. The top floor was especially peaceful, and we relaxed in the spa-like bathroom before falling asleep. The huge spa bath with its great views was our favorite evening spot. This was the only hotel on our whole trip that provided hair conditioner as well as shampoo. The AC was quiet and powerful enough to make the room freezing, but its controls were confusing. I couldn’t work it out on the first evening. You have to press power again after changing the temperature, so I see why people say it doesn’t work. The clean rooftop pool was a hit with my family, and we enjoyed swimming at night. The bar staff were legendary, and made the best cocktails we had on the whole trip, some of the best we’ve ever had. Laundry cost $5-10, and our bags came back overnight. We were traveling light and needed laundry twice, so I really appreciated that. Room service was pretty good, quick, and available late. My son liked the fried rice. The minibar was good too, with water, snacks, soda, beer, and ramen waiting when we arrived. Breakfast was okay overall. One morning the hot food was all Indian fusion, which we didn’t enjoy, and the pho tasted a little funny, so we ate at a nearby cafe that day. The other mornings were much better, and there was plenty of seating when we visited in April. If we return to Hanoi, I’d definitely stay here again. It’s a gem and very affordable!

Even the most basic room I booked for one night was lovely, with a huge comfortable bed and a bath I could actually stretch out in. It had nice extras too, including a toothbrush, hair conditioner, robe, and slippers. I had a drink brought over on arrival, booked spa treatments, and ordered room service, and every part of the staff service was flawless. Breakfast was wonderful, with lots of tasty choices and a live egg station. I also got a workout in at the top floor gym, then cooled off in the rooftop pool. I loved this hotel!

After the Ha Long Bay trip and Hanoi city tour, I arrived tired and was hoping for a good night in the room I’d booked. Instead, the AC was set to heat and the room was hot. I asked reception for help three times between 10pm and midnight. They gave me ridiculous explanations and never fixed it. I also asked to change rooms, but they refused. The reception staff showed no intention of sorting anything out, so I spent the night in the heat with no AC. It was a terrible night and a very disappointing response to a problem. The service was extremely poor.

I wouldn’t spend the money here. The rooms feel cramped, and the ventilation wasn’t good. The air conditioning also wasn’t working 😕, and it seemed like the temperature control was managed from reception. Even FTE management apologized for gaps in the service.