Hanoi Elegance Hotel 3
, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Hanoi Elegance Hotel 3
Rooms: 30
106 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Hanoi - 10000 - Vietnam
Hotel Website |
| +844 9380175
677
Traveller
Reviews - Hanoi Elegance Hotel 3
Fabulous!
Submitted by: jerryrichardtysoe in 31/03/08 - Age Group: 41 - 50
- From: American Samoa
- Traveller type: Budget Traveller
Read 676 additional reviews of Hanoi Elegance Hotel 3 at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Hanoi Elegance Hotel 3
t go wrong with this hotel
from manxaura
Our experience with the Hotel Elegance 3 is pretty much like that for most others – highly positive. They’ve got their formula right – friendly and helpful service without being too much in your face. We had booked a standard room prior to the hotel's opening and based only on reviews of their two older establishments - hence, we'd really come here with no prior knowledge of this hotel.
When we arrived, we didn’t have to stand at the reception desk – instead, we were both correctly greeted by name (they'd worked who we were as we’d arrived in their ‘meet and greet’ car) and ushered to a seat and offered the customary welcome drink. They took our passports and checked us in with no fuss and all in a friendly manner - no form filling or other time wasting formalities.
They’d upgraded us to a deluxe room on the two separate nights we were there. In total, we had been in 3 different deluxe rooms and each was just slightly different especially where the bathroom was concerned. All the rooms we'd been in had sufficient space, but each had a different style of bathroom. The first had a shower cubicle and appeared more basic; the second room which we occupied 2 nights later had a bath and felt more spacious. The third room we used (only to have a shower in) was decorated in what we'd term ‘Versace’ style - a little over the top with the gold trimmed basin - but that's nothing to complain about.
The rooms were clean, had a computer that worked well, fast internet speed and large flat screen TV. It really was pretty good value for the money we paid. Whilst we didn't get a look at the superior (ie standard) room that we initially booked, it would probably have been on the small side. The rooms do not have external windows though, but to rectify this, internal windows had been put in - ie, either to the corridor (but curtained) or to the internal back wall (quite a nice wall for what it was). However, not having windows that open to the outside, meant that the rooms were quiet - we didn't hear any street noise at all. The breakfast was good – it was cooked to order and was sufficient in variety, and quantity was not an issue. We had nothing to complain about.
But the hotel elegance 3 is really not about the rooms or bathrooms or what was in it. What stands out is the service and hospitality that you receive – this really counts towards the quality of your stay. We had two split nights here as we had a trip up to Sapa in between (we also had a Halong Bay trip after our second night and returned to the hotel to freshen up after the trip - we were no longer paying guests but were treated as so).
Now, after checking out after the first night, the hotel stored our excess luggage and provided us with towels, soaps etc to have a shower before the night train trip to Sapa. They arranged a taxi and took care of us like we had never checked out. When we got back very early from Sapa (we rocked up at the door at 5am), they let us in even though the hotel was closed and everyone was asleep. A sleeping staff was woken to make us coffee, and later we were offered breakfast (we were technically not checked in and weren’t really entitled to breakfast that morning). We got the same treatment when we got back from our Halong Bay trip – treated like we had never left the hotel.
Most hotels would have happily checked us into the crappiest room and served sour service if we'd booked a room for much less than the rack rate - but not this hotel (particularly if you knew what we actually paid). It was definite value for money - we felt guilty on more than a few occasions when they bent over backwards for us.
The other thing was that they knew our itinerary better than we did! We simply left it to them to look after us - they'd worked out schedules for us where required and held on to our tickets to make sure they were safe. Yes, they did of course make a small commission when they booked train or tour tickets, but when compared to what others had paid - we were still ahead. The taxis they use were what I'd call 'no fuss' taxis - no need to haggle over prices etc as they were honest and will use an un-tampered meter.
We did stand next to a hotel guest that had some issues, but after overhearing his complaint, it was plain that he was the problem and not the hotel.
I have stayed in many top end hotels and never have I received the sort of treatment that we had been given by the staff of this hotel. The owner definitely realises that positive service is the key to growing the business - something many hotels in developed countries could perhaps pay a little attention to.
When we arrived, we didn’t have to stand at the reception desk – instead, we were both correctly greeted by name (they'd worked who we were as we’d arrived in their ‘meet and greet’ car) and ushered to a seat and offered the customary welcome drink. They took our passports and checked us in with no fuss and all in a friendly manner - no form filling or other time wasting formalities.
They’d upgraded us to a deluxe room on the two separate nights we were there. In total, we had been in 3 different deluxe rooms and each was just slightly different especially where the bathroom was concerned. All the rooms we'd been in had sufficient space, but each had a different style of bathroom. The first had a shower cubicle and appeared more basic; the second room which we occupied 2 nights later had a bath and felt more spacious. The third room we used (only to have a shower in) was decorated in what we'd term ‘Versace’ style - a little over the top with the gold trimmed basin - but that's nothing to complain about.
The rooms were clean, had a computer that worked well, fast internet speed and large flat screen TV. It really was pretty good value for the money we paid. Whilst we didn't get a look at the superior (ie standard) room that we initially booked, it would probably have been on the small side. The rooms do not have external windows though, but to rectify this, internal windows had been put in - ie, either to the corridor (but curtained) or to the internal back wall (quite a nice wall for what it was). However, not having windows that open to the outside, meant that the rooms were quiet - we didn't hear any street noise at all. The breakfast was good – it was cooked to order and was sufficient in variety, and quantity was not an issue. We had nothing to complain about.
But the hotel elegance 3 is really not about the rooms or bathrooms or what was in it. What stands out is the service and hospitality that you receive – this really counts towards the quality of your stay. We had two split nights here as we had a trip up to Sapa in between (we also had a Halong Bay trip after our second night and returned to the hotel to freshen up after the trip - we were no longer paying guests but were treated as so).
Now, after checking out after the first night, the hotel stored our excess luggage and provided us with towels, soaps etc to have a shower before the night train trip to Sapa. They arranged a taxi and took care of us like we had never checked out. When we got back very early from Sapa (we rocked up at the door at 5am), they let us in even though the hotel was closed and everyone was asleep. A sleeping staff was woken to make us coffee, and later we were offered breakfast (we were technically not checked in and weren’t really entitled to breakfast that morning). We got the same treatment when we got back from our Halong Bay trip – treated like we had never left the hotel.
Most hotels would have happily checked us into the crappiest room and served sour service if we'd booked a room for much less than the rack rate - but not this hotel (particularly if you knew what we actually paid). It was definite value for money - we felt guilty on more than a few occasions when they bent over backwards for us.
The other thing was that they knew our itinerary better than we did! We simply left it to them to look after us - they'd worked out schedules for us where required and held on to our tickets to make sure they were safe. Yes, they did of course make a small commission when they booked train or tour tickets, but when compared to what others had paid - we were still ahead. The taxis they use were what I'd call 'no fuss' taxis - no need to haggle over prices etc as they were honest and will use an un-tampered meter.
We did stand next to a hotel guest that had some issues, but after overhearing his complaint, it was plain that he was the problem and not the hotel.
I have stayed in many top end hotels and never have I received the sort of treatment that we had been given by the staff of this hotel. The owner definitely realises that positive service is the key to growing the business - something many hotels in developed countries could perhaps pay a little attention to.
Great hotel
from Jameyjamey
We have recently come back from our 2nd trip to Vietnam and Hanoi. We stayed at the Hanoi Elegance Hotel 3 as it was recommended by a fellow traveller and we read some of the reviews beforehand. I can confirm it lives up to its friendly reputation. It is a little gem. Its in a great location in the old quarter but also near some trendy shops in Hang Bong. It is spotlessly clean and as everyone has said in the reviews the staff are just fanstatic. Extremely efficient, sincere and they work so hard to make everyone feel very special. I read what some people say about the breakfast but I think the breakfasts are the same as their sister hotels and its good food. If they have a lot of guests all wanting breakfast at the same time then it may take a bit longer to get your breakfast but its good food when it comes. The rooms are spotless and the faciities are excellent. All our plans worked out perfectly from getting picked up at the airport, to having our trips arranged. Its the staff that really made our stay special. Hope other travellers will like this hotel as much as we did.
Love this Hotel
from LPSpringfield
This hotel, on the convenient Hang Bong Street, is a brand new and beautifully decorated hotel. I have been to many four- and five-star hotels on my business travels, none treated me better than this one. My wife, I and two other couples stayed at this Hanoi Elegance Hotel there for 5 nights. Every staff member, from the manager, front desk staff, porter to restaurant workers -- even the owner when he was there -- made us feel so welcomed. It made our trip 100% better.
Would stay here again
from Dharma_Punk
No issues, other than the long wait fore breakfast in the morning. One table of Korean tourists (of course) seemed to be ordering one of everything from the menu, and they tied up the girls in the kitchen for a very long time, and I finally left without my food.
Staff was helpful, friendly and efficient, decent English spoken.
Computer with internet in room is nice, but old machine, for a new hotel, I'm sure they could have spent a little on some new machines, not the museum pieces they installed. Mine wouldn't even recognize my thumb drive. Also, this is one of those places where you have to stick your key in the slot by the door to turn the electric on, so if you had your computer on and you decide to step out for a snack or something, you have to shut down the computer before leaving, or simply pull the key out and zap it off.
Free fruit every morning, which I enjoyed. Nice glass shower stall, even though water drained out onto the floor. Nice bathroom, modern decord. Also, nice decor in the rooms, flat screen on wall, electric water kettle for tea or coffee in room, even a flower on the desk. Staff did my laundry for me; when I asked the man at the desk about how happy I was with my white shirt, he said he has to soak it for awhile before washing it! I thought he sent it out to be cleaned, but he did it himself!
I would certainly stay here again, even though I found it a little pricey for Hanoi. Should be about $30-$40 a night.
Staff was helpful, friendly and efficient, decent English spoken.
Computer with internet in room is nice, but old machine, for a new hotel, I'm sure they could have spent a little on some new machines, not the museum pieces they installed. Mine wouldn't even recognize my thumb drive. Also, this is one of those places where you have to stick your key in the slot by the door to turn the electric on, so if you had your computer on and you decide to step out for a snack or something, you have to shut down the computer before leaving, or simply pull the key out and zap it off.
Free fruit every morning, which I enjoyed. Nice glass shower stall, even though water drained out onto the floor. Nice bathroom, modern decord. Also, nice decor in the rooms, flat screen on wall, electric water kettle for tea or coffee in room, even a flower on the desk. Staff did my laundry for me; when I asked the man at the desk about how happy I was with my white shirt, he said he has to soak it for awhile before washing it! I thought he sent it out to be cleaned, but he did it himself!
I would certainly stay here again, even though I found it a little pricey for Hanoi. Should be about $30-$40 a night.
Maintaining the Hotel Elegance Reputation
from Ms_Mano
We stayed at Hotel Elegance 3 for one night when Hotel Elegance 2 was full. The staff was very eager, polite, and professional.
I would note 2 negatives. At least in our room, the hot water for the shower ran out after less than 5 minutes. It was cold in Hanoi the weekend we were there, so this was pretty uncomfortable. Also, as others have noted, the night staff does sleep on a mattress in the lobby. We had to leave early to catch our outbound flight and they were still clearing this away when we came downstairs. Given that they pull a garage door down over the entrance at night (as many places in Hanoi do) and someone needs to be at the front desk to let in the late nighter, I found this pretty forgivable given the small staff they have to operate on.
I would note 2 negatives. At least in our room, the hot water for the shower ran out after less than 5 minutes. It was cold in Hanoi the weekend we were there, so this was pretty uncomfortable. Also, as others have noted, the night staff does sleep on a mattress in the lobby. We had to leave early to catch our outbound flight and they were still clearing this away when we came downstairs. Given that they pull a garage door down over the entrance at night (as many places in Hanoi do) and someone needs to be at the front desk to let in the late nighter, I found this pretty forgivable given the small staff they have to operate on.
Up and Running
from Mark_Sharon_Colorado
The Elegance 3 officially opened a few weeks ago, but it feels like they've been doing this a while. They arranged pickup at the airport as well as a 3 day Ha Long Bay tour. Some hiccups at the airport, but it was the beginning of Tet and we got bumped to a different flight, so it took a bit for them to find us. They are still working out some bugs with the hot water, so shower early. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They also arranged a 3 day Ha Long Bay tour on a junk which so far has been the high point of our visit to Vietnam and worth the stated price. (This is an option on their web page reservation form).
Just keep in mind this is Hanoi and it's noisy - windows are vastly overrated. They'll figure out the hot water and don't forget to lock your door when you go - the locks are not automatic.
Just keep in mind this is Hanoi and it's noisy - windows are vastly overrated. They'll figure out the hot water and don't forget to lock your door when you go - the locks are not automatic.
Jewel in The Old Quarter
from Fi1Ireland
Brand new boutique style hotel. Good size rooms, panel TV and computer in the room. Tasteful decor. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much to ask. Arranged a great trip to Halong Bay. Pick up from the airport worked a treat. As a single traveler and first time to Hanoi, they made me very comfortable. I expect this hotel will be top of the list in no time. Just one thing, when booking ask for a room higher than the 2nd floor unless you rise for breakfast at 7am !
Great new hotel, excellent location
from berlydallas
We recently visited Vietnam for 12 days and spent a total of 4 nights at the Hanoi Elegance. Like others the Hanoi Elegance 2 was our hotel of choice, but it was booked. They offered the new Hanoi Elegance 3 and we decided to give it a try. They were very helpful through email and also booked a trip to Halong Bay for us which we enjoyed immensely. We arrived on their 16th day of business. The hotel was clean and the staff was more than helpful. The location of the hotel was in the heart of the Old Quarter, which in my opinion is a fabulous location. Our room was the family suite with plenty of room for a family with two kids. The only thing that I would hope they would improve on is their breakfast as it was a bit slow and probably not the best food we had in a country with incredible food.
I do also have to say the staff was probably the nicest most helpful hotel staff we have ever encountered. We were there around the Tet holiday and even though they were working they went out of their way to make our stay a good one.
I do also have to say the staff was probably the nicest most helpful hotel staff we have ever encountered. We were there around the Tet holiday and even though they were working they went out of their way to make our stay a good one.
Great service and location
from saiyingpun
We stayed at the Hanoi Elegance 3 in February during Tet and we couldn't have asked for a better hotel. The staff were amazing. They delivered the complimentary breakfast to the room when we slept too late, hailed taxis for us and told them where to go in Vietnamese, and stored our luggage while we went to Halong Bay. They even memorized our names.
The room was fine as well. There were nice touches, like the in-room computer, fresh fruit and flowers. It was also pretty large and there was a heater. My only complaint would be that the hot water in the shower only lasted for 10 minutes at a time so you had to rush. I would definately stay there again.
The room was fine as well. There were nice touches, like the in-room computer, fresh fruit and flowers. It was also pretty large and there was a heater. My only complaint would be that the hot water in the shower only lasted for 10 minutes at a time so you had to rush. I would definately stay there again.
Excellent Staff
from thechubbs
Like everyone else, we wanted to stay at HE2. But it was fully booked. The initial few reviews on HE3 were a little scary but we decided to give a try.
The best part of this hotel has to be the staff. They were warm, friendly and helpful. Despite several times when you could see that they were understaffed, they tried their hardest to put in the extra effort.
They helped with arranging transfers, queuing for water puppet tickets, arranging a wonderful trip on the Bhaya Cruises in Halong Bay (which was the highlight of our trip to Hanoi, well worth the money) even driving us to Halong bay.
Overall the room we stayed in was ordinary. You could see that alot of effort was made in the little terrace (we booked a suite, apparently the honeymoon suite). But overall the room wasn't fantastic. The room was clean and tidy, quite a contrast to the streets of hanoi. Our room had little 'power shower' cubicles with many different jets to choose from. However, the cube was really tiny and my 6 feet tall husband found it a little difficult to have a comfortable shower. Also, we were rationed on about 20 mins of hot water. Which for 2 people in 7 degree cold outside was not sufficient!
The hotel was in a great location. Especially if you were looking to spend most of your time in the Old Quarter. We were about 5-10 mins walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake, the walk was great as you would pass through Hang Gai (Silk Road). We walked to most of the 'attractions', even Temple of Literature.
Unfortunately for the price we paid (USD 90 per night for a suite) was a little steep for a 'budget' hotel. But i did enjoy my 4 nights stay at this hotel.
The best part of this hotel has to be the staff. They were warm, friendly and helpful. Despite several times when you could see that they were understaffed, they tried their hardest to put in the extra effort.
They helped with arranging transfers, queuing for water puppet tickets, arranging a wonderful trip on the Bhaya Cruises in Halong Bay (which was the highlight of our trip to Hanoi, well worth the money) even driving us to Halong bay.
Overall the room we stayed in was ordinary. You could see that alot of effort was made in the little terrace (we booked a suite, apparently the honeymoon suite). But overall the room wasn't fantastic. The room was clean and tidy, quite a contrast to the streets of hanoi. Our room had little 'power shower' cubicles with many different jets to choose from. However, the cube was really tiny and my 6 feet tall husband found it a little difficult to have a comfortable shower. Also, we were rationed on about 20 mins of hot water. Which for 2 people in 7 degree cold outside was not sufficient!
The hotel was in a great location. Especially if you were looking to spend most of your time in the Old Quarter. We were about 5-10 mins walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake, the walk was great as you would pass through Hang Gai (Silk Road). We walked to most of the 'attractions', even Temple of Literature.
Unfortunately for the price we paid (USD 90 per night for a suite) was a little steep for a 'budget' hotel. But i did enjoy my 4 nights stay at this hotel.
Top Local Tips for Hanoi
Vital you have hotel pick you up at airport Airport mafia in Hanoi is notorious, will rip you off in a second, stop halfway to Hanoi and demand more money, and might even kick you out if you refuse to pay. Have transportation planned in advance! Taxis in Hanoi didn't seem to be a problem, just the airport crew.
Excellent hotel to consider If you are looking for a very nice and reasonable priced hotel, I will definitely recommend this Hanoi Elegance Hotel
'Tricky' Menus Not strictly about Hanoi, but one thing that did annoy us was the 'tricky' menus some restaurants / cafes use. You might find on the bill, a higher price for some items than you recall. This is because when ordering, you will be provided with a particular menu set. When you question the higher price, another menu set with a 'new' price covering the 'old' price will be provide and a story about price increases and not all menus were updated (yah, right!). So, the big tip here: Have a piece of paper and pen with you and write down the price of each dish as you order, then compare this with the bill that comes at the end. Doing this in front of the staff member should eliminate the 'new' price tactic. If it doesn't, just make a bit of noise and it will quickly be rectified (since they know if you complain to authorities, they’ll be in trouble). This should not be an issue with higher end establishments, but more so with the smaller ones.
- (hotels)
Other names for Hanoi Elegance Hotel 3
- elegance 3 hotel hanoi
- elegance 3 hanoi
- Address: 106 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District - Hanoi - 10000 - Vietnam
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- (hotels)
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When we arrived, we didn't have to stand at the reception desk instead, we were both correctly greeted by name (they'd worked who we were as we'd arrived in their meet and greet' car) and ushered to a seat and offered the customary welcome drink. They took our passports and checked us in with no fuss and all in a friendly manner - no form filling or other time wasting formalities.
They'd upgraded us to a deluxe room on the two separate nights we were there. In total, we had been in 3 different deluxe rooms and each was just slightly different especially where the bathroom was concerned. All the rooms we'd been in had sufficient space, but each had a different style of bathroom. The first had a shower cubicle and appeared more basic; the second room which we occupied 2 nights later had a bath and felt more spacious. The third room we used (only to have a shower in) was decorated in what we'd term Versace' style - a little over the top with the gold trimmed basin - but that's nothing to complain about.
The rooms were clean, had a computer that worked well, fast internet speed and large flat screen TV. It really was pretty good value for the money we paid. Whilst we didn't get a look at the superior (ie standard) room that we initially booked, it would probably have been on the small side. The rooms do not have external windows though, but to rectify this, internal windows had been put in - ie, either to the corridor (but curtained) or to the internal back wall (quite a nice wall for what it was). However, not having windows that open to the outside, meant that the rooms were quiet - we didn't hear any street noise at all. The breakfast was good it was cooked to order and was sufficient in variety, and quantity was not an issue. We had nothing to complain about.
But the hotel elegance 3 is really not about the rooms or bathrooms or what was in it. What stands out is the service and hospitality that you receive this really counts towards the quality of your stay. We had two split nights here as we had a trip up to Sapa in between (we also had a Halong Bay trip after our second night and returned to the hotel to freshen up after the trip - we were no longer paying guests but were treated as so).
Now, after checking out after the first night, the hotel stored our excess luggage and provided us with towels, soaps etc to have a shower before the night train trip to Sapa. They arranged a taxi and took care of us like we had never checked out. When we got back very early from Sapa (we rocked up at the door at 5am), they let us in even though the hotel was closed and everyone was asleep. A sleeping staff was woken to make us coffee, and later we were offered breakfast (we were technically not checked in and weren't really entitled to breakfast that morning). We got the same treatment when we got back from our Halong Bay trip treated like we had never left the hotel.
Most hotels would have happily checked us into the crappiest room and served sour service if we'd booked a room for much less than the rack rate - but not this hotel (particularly if you knew what we actually paid). It was definite value for money - we felt guilty on more than a few occasions when they bent over backwards for us.
The other thing was that they knew our itinerary better than we did! We simply left it to them to look after us - they'd worked out schedules for us where required and held on to our tickets to make sure they were safe. Yes, they did of course make a small commission when they booked train or tour tickets, but when compared to what others had paid - we were still ahead. The taxis they use were what I'd call 'no fuss' taxis - no need to haggle over prices etc as they were honest and will use an un-tampered meter.
We did stand next to a hotel guest that had some issues, but after overhearing his complaint, it was plain that he was the problem and not the hotel.
I have stayed in many top end hotels and never have I received the sort of treatment that we had been given by the staff of this hotel. The owner definitely realises that positive service is the key to growing the business - something many hotels in developed countries could perhaps pay a little attention to.