Hanoi Gatsby Hotel

DO NOT STAY HERE. The photos aren't current, and the rooms are dirty. We checked in, saw the room, then checked right back out. There was mould on the walls, black mould on the pillows, a dirty bathroom, and stains on the chairs. The receptionist was asleep on the sofa when we arrived and again when we left. We were told to come back the next day about a refund, then refused one. They wouldn't let us speak to the owner or show us another room, and said they'd already resold the room we'd booked for 3 nights.

The room had several problems: a very dirty floor that left our feet grimy after showering, ripped curtains, a hole in the toilet bin, and a fire exit ladder that was blocked. There was even a pair of men's underpants drying on the balcony. At check-in, the male receptionist made us feel welcome and was good at English, service, and recommendations. He'd also given us useful advice about local attractions. But at checkout he asked to see my booking details in the booking.com app, so I handed him my phone. A few hours later I found a 10/10 rating for The Gatsby posted through my account. I didn't write it. Did he submit it while he had my phone, or was there some kind of bug? Be careful.

I was traveling alone as a woman and never felt safe or comfortable here. After checking in late and going out to dinner, I came back to find things in my room had been moved, so someone had clearly been inside. The receptionist said the cleaner had finished before I arrived. When I said I wanted to leave, he questioned me as though I were making it up instead of reassuring me. Eventually he learned that the receptionist on the earlier shift had entered all the rooms because of an electrical problem. If that was what happened, why hadn't guests been told? The explanation didn't really add up. I still wanted to go, and got no apology, refund, or reassurance. The room was awful too. I wouldn't recommend staying here.

The noise made it impossible to sleep. Our room faced the street, where people were eating and drinking until 2 am, construction went on until 3 am, and traffic started again at 5 am. I managed to book another hotel, and we practically ran out at 7 in the morning. We'd booked a family room on booking.com listed with one extra large double bed and one double bed. Instead, they asked us to cancel the booking and pay cash to reduce commission fees. After a lot of arguing, they let us see the room. It had a king bed and a single, not enough for our family of five. It was dirty too. When we tried to cancel, they said we'd owe all five nights whether we stayed or not. After more arguing with the very aggressive, rude owner, we agreed to pay for two nights, including an extra night's penalty, and leave before noon the next day. They provided a rollaway bed. The place looks nothing like the photos. It's old and run down, with mould in the shower, dirty toilets, and lots of noise just off the main street. I don't usually write reviews, but this experience compelled me. Do yourself a favour and don't book here.