Villa NT88 - FLC Sam Son

I spent 2 nights and 3 days here at the start of tourist season, and the experience was sub-par and mundane. From outside the hotel looks huge and kind of glamorous, which is reassuring, but inside it feels barren. The staff were kind and helpful, with no particular standout and no real flaw, so I gave service 4/5 star. The gym and swimming pool on the third floor are nice, although they can get crowded, which isn't something staff can control. I only tried the lunch and breakfast buffets, and they were practically the same with very little difference. None of it felt restaurant-quality. The food tasted and felt cheap. For somewhere claiming to be 5-star, I expected more. There's not much to do, and the place is too spacious for its own good. The decor is mundane and a bit soulless, with barely any paintings; the plants and vases feel like they're just there to tick a decoration box. To be clear, it's not a bad hotel. It's just disappointing for a 5-star one. 3 or 4-star might fit better.

The pool has a strong chemical smell, and the staff look sleepy and don't smile. All the service is super slow. The hotel doesn't seem to be looked after, so it feels tired. I'm disappointed and won't return. I do recommend FLC HALONG, though. It's much better.

I arrived expecting a luxury stay with all the amenities shown during booking, but was told everything was closed except two restaurants. When I went to them, they were closed too. I asked reception for a manager and was left waiting in the lobby for 30 minutes. Staff kept talking to one another and looking at me, but nobody came over; they just kept telling me to wait. When the manager finally arrived, he said there was nothing he could do and no refund was possible. They didn't offer an upgrade, free meals, or anything to make it right. I've never had such a bad hotel experience. This is supposed to be a 5 star resort, yet there's nothing to do unless you want to stay in your room all day. I'm appalled that it can call itself 5 stars and charge what it does while treating guests this way.

The service at FLC Sam Son Beach Resort was excellent, and the location is superb, with beachfront and private beach access. Everyone, from the front desk and room cleaners to restaurant staff, electric car drivers and security guards, was friendly and accommodating. Our requests were handled promptly, and I was very pleased with the service. The villa was spacious for 4 people, with great views from both bedrooms, the kitchen and the sitting room. It is dated, though, and needs renovation to maintain its 5-star status. The restaurant turned off the air conditioning to save money, the menu had little variety, and breakfast was okay.