Rising Dragon Estate Hotel

The WiFi kept disconnecting, so we had to rely on our own data much of the time. If you need a dependable connection for work, you might want to stay somewhere else. Also, the toilet seat was very dirty and clearly needed replacing. The location in Hanoi is easily the best thing about the hotel. Our room was tidy and clean, the bed was comfortable, the shower was very good, and the staff were friendly and helpful.

We paid 3.48M VND, around US$134, for four nights in a Family room on the seventh floor. Booking direct on the hotel website was cheaper than booking and agod@. Ours was a corner room near the elevator and was quiet, though you can hear people being noisy by the lift. The location is a 10/10, just across the street from Train Street. Staff were friendly, and the front desk is open 24 hours. At night the guy there was asleep behind a locked door, but you can knock if you arrive after midnight and he’ll wake up. Our room and toilet were relatively clean by our standards. The bidet, hot shower, strong water pressure, AC, and ceiling fans all worked fine. They cleaned daily, refilled bottled water, coffee, and tea, and changed towels. There was also a kettle, microwave, and extra sink. We found the bed comfortable. The room is old and needs major renovation. There were bubbles on the wall from outdated waterproofing, so I’d be wary of possible leaks when it rains. The bathroom overall is cramped, and the shower area especially so. I could fit, but movement was limited and I’d hit my shoulder or legs on the glass. A taller or bigger person would definitely struggle. The guidebook mentioned an in-room safe, but there wasn’t one, so we locked our valuables in our luggage. Nothing went missing.

The room was 501, and its socket didn’t work. The WiFi connection wasn’t good either, so I hope they improve those things. The hotel is well placed in the Old Quarter, close to the train cafe, which means you can hear the train, though it wasn’t that noisy.

We’ve stayed here several times on different trips, and it’s been a reliable place in a busy part of town. The rooms have been fine every time, with nothing to complain about. The main reason I rate it so highly is the staff: the front desk guys and everyone else have always been friendly and helpful.