Choosing a Hotel
Until the mid-1990s, Vietnam’s hotel infrastructure, particularly in the north and centre of the country, was far below international standards. Rooms were often under-equipped or kitted out with fixtures and appliances that did not work, and there were frequent power cuts. Room rates were also relatively high.
Demand for accommodation often outstripped supply, but following a hotel boom in the mid-1990s onwards in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, today’s rooms offer far better value. Hotel development in the country is flourishing and visitors are spoilt for choice. International chains, with service standards and prices to match, can be found in all the major cities. Luxury hotels and resorts with business centres, high-speed internet access and/or Wi-fi, and spas and fitness centres, are the norm these days, but there is also plenty of choice in the budget lodgings category, where a room can go for US$10 a night.
The easing of restrictions on foreign investment has resulted in a boom in upmarket accommodation. The Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton and Sofitel chains are well represented in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and along the coast the Six Senses and GHM (which is linked to the high-end Aman chain) hotel groups have opened luxury properties in Vietnam.
Hotel staff are generally friendly and helpful, and adequate English is spoken in the major tourism and business centres. In more remote areas, communication in English can be a real problem. State-run hotels tend to have indifferent staff and low standards of service, which is a pity because some of Hanoi and HCMC’s most atmospheric historic hotels are state-run enterprises.
Mini Hotels and Homestays
If you’re on a tight budget, try the so-called “mini hotels”, small, often family-run hotels with fairly modern (but modest) facilities. These abound in Hanoi and HCMC, but are also increasingly common in popular resort towns.
There are smaller family-run guesthouses that offer homestay accommodation. These are mainly found in the Mekong Delta area and offer a more personal touch (you will probably have dinner, go fishing or end up singing karaoke with the family). In the northern highlands, it’s possible to arrange a stay with hill-tribe minority communities, particularly in and around Sa Pa. These would have to be booked with a travel agency that specialises in trekking tours.
Rates and Bookings
When booking your accommodation, always check the hotel website first to see what the best rates are. If it’s a smaller outfit without a website, call directly to ask. Hotel-booking websites should be your next port of call; these companies can often get you better rates because of the volume of business they bring in.
The published rates listed here should only be taken as a guide, as actual prices can be quite elastic – depending on seasonal discounts. Note: higher-end hotels usually charge a tax of about 10 percent and a service charge of about 5 percent.
As disposable income increases, more and more Vietnamese are travelling. During the school holidays (June–August) the beaches get very crowded, and during the annual Tet festival (in late January or early February) buses and trains are packed to the rafters with domestic travellers. On those days that the lunar calendar indicates as auspicious for weddings, you’ll also find many honeymooners flocking to Dalat. Hotel rates also spike during the Christmas and New Year periods. If you are making a trip during any of these times, it would be a good idea to book ahead.
Note: archaic communist-era Vietnamese laws insist that all hotel guests be registered with the local police. This could mean leaving your passport with the reception for the entire duration of the stay or just overnight. In Hanoi and HCMC, the practice is either to make a photocopy or to record details from your passport and landing card.
Hanoi has a wide variety of hotels to satisfy all budgets. The central Hoan Kiem District (which includes the Old Quarter) has the largest choice of luxury and expensive hotels. Most budget hotels and guesthouses are concentrated in the side streets of the Old Quarter. The West Lake area (Tay Ho) has two excellent 5-star hotels, though little else in terms of moderate or budget lodgings. In Hai Ba Trung District, south of downtown Hanoi, mid-range hotels catering to businesspeople do a booming trade, although they are quite a trek from the city centre and you will need a taxi.
1 Le Thanh Tong St. Tel: 04-3933 0500.
An architecturally impressive hotel – on the outside at least – built to complement the neighbouring Opera House. Rooms are large, airy and modern, and the Vietnamese-style pads are a particular treat. The wide, spacious lobby features live music and free WWi-fi. There is also a great pool, gym facilities and beauty salon/spa. $$$$$
44B Ly Thuong Kiet St. Tel: 04-3934 3343.
Located in Hanoi’s business and diplomatic district, the elegant Melia features large rooms with modern amenities. On site are five excellent restaurants, bars, a deli and a pool. The icing on the cake is a helipad on its rooftop and the largest pillarles...
