Hanoi Travel Forum

I had booked a room at the Hanoi Guesthouse. However, they moved me to "Classic Hotel at 71 Hang Luc Street," supposedly 2 miles from the Hanoi Guest House. I tried to look it up on the net, but only found Classic 1 Hotel and Classic 2 Hotel of the Sunshine Hotel group with different addresses. If the Classic Hotel at 71 Hang Luc street is an all right hotel for $16/night, I'll keep the reservation. However, if it's not recommended, I'll take my chances and look for another hotel. Please advise. Thanks. -Hieu

The hotel market in Hanoi is quite competitive, and I advise you not to book ahead at all. I was just there for a total of 8 nights, and I stayed at 5 different hotels in the $20.-$30. range. Simply put, you must see the room before you can tell if you like it, and even then, one can not judge the hotel until you've stayed a night or 2. I have a problem with windowless rooms, and you will too, because most in your price range will be windowless, but not all. Price is affected greatly by location (anything close to Hoan Kiem Lake will be more expensive). Hanoi is the most expensive city in the country, but even there, it is still possible to find something special. I had major problems with door handles and locks coming off in my hand (twice), noise, and dishonest hotel keepers. My find after so many hotels was the Especen Hotel in the Cathedral District - a huge room with balcony for $25. in a very nice area and with very nice hosts (see room pictures at my blog: sea2009.travellerspoint.com). Another problem with booking in this 2* category is that many guests often do not show up for their reservation, and hotels are fighting back by often giving away that reservation to a current guest needing an extra night or 2. To protect your reservation, you must keep in contact with the hotel and reconfirm more than once.

Thank you. I'll stay at the Classic Hotel for the first night. I will look for another hotel if I don't like it. Also thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately my budget is <$20/night.