Gecko Hotel

Our windowless room was damp and sticky, though the bathroom was okay. The staff were friendly and tried to help with everything, but their English wasn't very good, so we ended up booking things ourselves. Gecko Hotel is right in the middle of the old quarter, which makes it a perfect, cheap base for seeing Hanoi's sights.

The room was comfortable and had a funky style, so this could have been a great stay. Poor management and staff spoiled it. The hotel was cluttered with stuff, even on the stairs, and staff slept in the restaurant at night, so we had to wake them when we came down for breakfast. On arrival they insisted on keeping our passports until morning. When we asked for them back, they wouldn't return them at first. Eventually we got them from an unlocked desk drawer right by the street. The worst part was coming back at 4 pm to find four workmen in our room. I complained and they told us to come back in half an hour. The work wasn't urgent and could have waited. An hour later the workers were back in there, so I made them leave. Our belongings had all been moved around. Not professional.

The room was small, old, and nothing special, but the staff were friendly and the location was good. It's very close to Hoan Kiem lake and beer conner. Gecko restaurant is outside, with antique decor and really nice food.

The smell of old damp and the stained covers had my lungs and me running from Gecko. The name could be changed to bugs and mold's. Also, there was no bathtub, even though it was advertised. Good old-fashioned scam.