Thursday, December 23, 2010

Hotel Review: Royal Palace Hotel, Hanoi

Boutique hotels, especially those in Asia, should take note. They can learn a thing or two from Royal Palace Hotel in Hanoi.

Looking up at the entrance of the Royal Palace Hotel in Hanoi

Newly-opened in May of 2010, Royal Palace Hotel is located on Quon Su Street in a quiet section of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Blissfully hidden away from the noise and chaos of the Old Quarter, Royal Palace Hotel is still just a short distance (less than five minutes walking) from the epicenter of Hanoi's famous sites so guests need not travel far to enjoy the all that Hanoi has to offer.

Royal Palace Hotel's small staff of 12 are the friendliest service staff I have had the pleasure of meeting in Hanoi and all are eager to provide guests with excellent and prompt service. I have never experienced such genuine hospitality in a hotel, especially in Asia. In addition to the warm, welcoming smiles, services at the reception desk include tour information and bookings to nearby Ha Long Bay and trekking expeditions in Sapa, as well as sight-seeing advice within Hanoi and throughout Vietnam.

The reception desk at Royal Palace Hotel

What sets Royal Palace Hotel apart from other boutique hotels in Hanoi are the little things that Royal Palace Hotel thoughtfully provides their guests during their stay such as complimentary breakfast with a variety of tasty options, unlimited beverages throughout the day, a fresh fruit basket upon check-in, Hanoi restaurant recommendations, soft bathrobes, alarm clock (a rarity in Asia), and the unique addition of a personal computer equipped with internet connection in each room.


The dining area where you can chat with the staff over breakfast

The 25 spacious rooms inside Royal Palace Hotel are tastefully and minimally decorated in a modern Asian style. The plush beds are luxuriously comfortable. Room rates begin at $60 USD for a standard room and go up to $95 for a super-sized family room, a near steal given the quality of amenities and level of service. As an added bonus, Royal Palace Hotel is currently offering a special 30% Grand Opening discount on all rooms!

The stunning deluxe room with personal computer at the Royal Palace Hotel

The Royal Palace Hotel has made a strong impression on me and helped me enjoy my time in Hanoi much more. The general feeling you get as a guest at Royal Palace Hotel is the enjoyment of being there. Royal Palace Hotel just doesn't feel like a place to go back to for sleep after a day out exploring. It feels like a place you can sit, relax and engage in conversation with friendly people over a plate of fresh fruit and hot coffee. And isn't that what a great hotel should be?

For more information on the Royal Palace Hotel and to book your room online, please visit their website. Tell them you heard of their hotel through Connvoyage and you'll receive FREE AIRPORT PICK-UP for reservations over three days or FREE TRAIN STATION PICKUP for all reservations! You'll probably get an extra smile as well!

INSIDER TIP: Less than a minute's walk away from the Royal Palace Hotel on Hoi Vu Street is the delightful Chuon Chuon Quan Cafe. Admire the photography adorning the walls while you spend an afternoon or evening over well-brewed coffee and light snacks. The nau da, or traditional Vietnamese coffee is especially outstanding.

*Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publishing. Although my stay at Royal Palace Hotel was sponsored by the hotel, this hotel review is an accurate and honest view on my experience there.

Would you stay at Royal Palace Hotel when you visit Hanoi? Why or why not?

© Connie Hum 2010

3 comments:

  1. I'm going to Vietnam in a couple of months. This place is a little pricey for me, though. One of the many great things about visiting SE Asia are the cheap, chepa rooms, I think

    ReplyDelete
  2. @Sabina Hi Sabina, I totally know how you feel! I traveled all over Asia this year and stayed in plenty of cheap rooms myself because of my budget. However, it was my big 30th birthday and spending it in Hanoi at Royal Palace Hotel really did make a difference because truly, after 10 months on the road and staying in a multitude of cheap rooms, staying in a really nice place and paying a little extra for it, is completely worth it!

    I hope you have a great time in Vietnam! I have nothing but really nice memories from there!

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  3. I've been on the road for some time now. As a budget backpacker, staying in some pretty shabby places all over India and Asia, every now and then I feel it's important to splurge a little and treat yourself to some home comforts. Proper flushing toilets, hot water and the like are things I used to take for granted until I toured India.

    The Royal Palace Hotel was great respite from the normal brown, faded and sometimes unsanitary conditions the backpacker traveler often find themselves in.

    I certainly would recommend it to anyone in need of that little extra something in the way of comfort. Connie has done it justice I reckon. The staff were great and it did feel as though they went that extra mile for the needs and comfort of the guests.

    Try it, you won't be disappointed.

    ReplyDelete

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