Wil'que Westlake Hotel & Residences

We stayed three different times during our trip and had a different room and experience each time. The first, room 229, was lovely, spaciously laid out, comfortable temperature-wise, and had great views. The second was larger, with two air conditioners, a washing machine, and a balcony. You had to sign a waiver to get the key to open it. On our last night we had the smallest room. The aircon was split between the lounge area and bedroom but pointed straight at the dividing wall, so it cooled neither properly. It took more than five hours to cool down, and even then only the areas it was meant to serve got cool. Apart from the kitchen, the whole room smelled like someone had pooped, but I couldn’t find the source. The staff were lovely, which is why I’ve given three stars, but everything was unreasonably priced. Three stays, three very different experiences.

For around $60 USD a night, my cousin and I got a decent-sized room with a kitchen and sitting area. Wil’que also has a well-kept outdoor space, a pool, and a gym, so I found it inexpensive for what’s offered. The staff were the standout. The receptionist who checked us in, the 24-hour security staff who opened the doors and greeted us each day, and housekeeping were all excellent. After we asked for extra towels, housekeeping came in and carefully arranged the bathroom. Their service really made Wil’que shine. The room itself could use a facelift. We were on the first floor near the housekeeping quarters, and the hallway looked less maintained than I imagine other parts of the hotel do. For a first visit, the location also isn’t ideal if you plan to spend lots of time in the Old Quarter. It’s about an hour on foot, or roughly 20-30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. With realistic expectations, I think you’ll be fine here 🙂

The pool was a highlight for both us and our four-year-old, and the security staff opening the building door and taxis for us was a lovely touch. The hotel is great value, with great staff and a nice location overlooking the lake. The nearby streets are hard to walk because they’re so crowded with motorbikes, but Grab taxis get us everywhere, so it hasn’t been too bad. There’s food, coffee, and shopping close by.

Kind staff, excellent rooms, and a good location for getting around Hanoi, especially downtown. Breakfast could use more choices at the buffet, and there should be more tables, since finding a seat was difficult.