Hanoi Crystal Pearl

The rooms are roomy and come with a safe, bathrobes, and toiletries. We found the price good for the quality, and the location put us just minutes from both the French quarter and the old town. Breakfast was magnificent, with fresh juices and eggs cooked to order. The staff were friendly and helpful whenever we needed them.

The bill came with charges that hadn't been clearly explained in advance. The food was already overpriced, and then there was a 15 percent tax plus an extra charge for paying by card. We also saw the kitchen, which looked dirty and poorly maintained. Service took an extremely long time, and the staff were rude and unprofessional. Patrik in particular was discourteous and impolite, making an already bad experience worse. I travel a lot and can usually tell when I'm being taken advantage of, but I fell for it this time. I wouldn't stay at this hotel, and especially wouldn't eat here. Don't make the same mistake.

The rooms were clean, roomy, nicely decorated, and had what we needed, including complimentary bottled water. I was in the room without a window and honestly didn't miss having one. The air conditioning worked well, and we mostly used the room to sleep. Just a couple of small issues: the shower head made a strange noise, and the desk drawer wouldn't shut. Breakfast was a straightforward buffet with the usual European choices and some local food, enough to get the day started. We booked three rooms for our family's three-night trip around Hanoi and the surrounding area: one without a window, one with a window, and one with a city view. The hotel is in the middle of the old city, within a short walk of Hoan Kiem Lake, the night market, the cathedral, and lots of attractions, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Service was warm and helpful from start to finish. Check-in was quick and easy, with a welcome tea, and check-out was just as smooth. The staff stored our bags overnight while we went on a Halong Bay cruise. When we left for the airport, the bell boy even called our drivers on his own to help them find the hotel. I'd definitely come back for the location, service, and value.

The staff made the stay memorable, always warm and ready to help. Our room was spacious, very clean, and comfortable, with tea and coffee, water, and toiletries. We were right in Hanoi's old quarter, just steps from Hoankiem lake and within easy reach of the attractions. I'd recommend Hanoi Pearl to anyone visiting Hanoi.