Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Luxury Suite at Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Luxury Suite at Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Luxury Suite at Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm! - A Quirky, Honest Review (Buckle Up!)
Okay, folks, let's talk about Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Luxury Suite at Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm! because, honestly, finding a truly good hotel in the heart of Hanoi can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail. I’ve been burned before, I’ve been promised the moon and ended up with a dusty, mosquito-infested crater. So, I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism, ready to be disappointed. But… well, let's just say Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm surprised me. And not just a polite "Well, that was acceptable" kind of surprise. More like a "Whoa, did I just stumble upon a secret oasis of calm in the chaotic beauty that is Hanoi?" kind of surprise.
First, the basics. This place is a luxury suite situation. And yes, it's right in the heart of the Old Quarter (Hoàn Kiếm district!), which is a massive plus. The accessibility… well, let's get to that later. But first:
The Good Stuff (And Some Less-Good Stuff We'll Tackle Later):
The Suite Life (aka, the Room): Honestly, the room was gorgeous. Not just "nice," but gorgeous. Think plush carpets, a super comfy bed (with an extra long option, which is clutch for tall people like myself), a seriously spacious seating area, and blackout curtains. I repeat: Blackout curtains. In Hanoi! A city where even the sunrise feels like a direct assault on your retinas. Thank. You. Sweet. Baby. Jesus. The in-room safe was a nice touch, and let’s be honest, the complimentary tea and coffee setup (with a coffee maker!) was a daily lifesaver. They also had a mini-bar that, while tempting, I mostly ignored because I was dedicated to exploring the delicious street food scene… but I digress. Oh, and the air-conditioning? Heavenly. Pure, cool, silent bliss. And a window that opens! (Gotta love that fresh air, you know?). The bathroom, with its separate shower and bathtub and luxurious toiletries? Chef's kiss
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where it gets really good. Post-COVID, safety is paramount, right? Well, these guys are serious. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. You can even opt-out of room sanitization if you're feeling eco-conscious. The staff is trained in safety protocols, there's hand sanitizer everywhere, and they even have sterilizing equipment. Bonus points! Staff was very good, and I really didn't see anyone do anything that wasn't up to safety protocol.
Food, Glorious Food (And Drink!): Okay, let’s be real. You can’t go to Hanoi and not eat. And Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm gets it. They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Asian Cuisine, Western Cuisine, Buffet in restaurant, and A la carte in restaurant I went for the buffet initially, and while it wasn't Michelin-star material, it was a great start to the day. They even had a coffee/tea bar. Big smiles. A poolside bar exists (more on that later). The room service (24-hour) was a godsend after a long day of exploring. You could order alternative meal arrangements. Everything felt clean and safe, which is a huge relief.
- Special Note on Dining: The Happy Hour was a nice touch. The coffee shop was surprisingly great, too, and I enjoyed a few desserts!
Services and Conveniences: They've thought of everything! 24-hour front desk, concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and luggage storage – all the essentials are covered. Cash withdrawal is available, which is handy, and they offer currency exchange. There are also facilities for disabled guests. They even have a gift/souvenir shop.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi: Okay, this is important. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and it worked. Like, actually worked. I was able to stream my guilty pleasure, "The Great British Bake Off" (don't judge), without buffering. There's also Internet [LAN] if you need it.
The Gray Areas (and My Honest Gripes):
- Accessibility: Now, let's get real here. While the hotel lists facilities for disabled guests, I honestly didn't see enough details to say if it was truly wheelchair accessible. They do have an elevator, which is a good start, and they check all the other accessibility basics.
- The Pool… with a view? The pool is, shall we say… compact. And while the description says “Pool with view”, the view is… of neighbouring buildings. Don’t get me completely wrong, the pool was lovely and the water was a perfect temperature, but it wasn't the Insta-worthy infinity pool of your dreams.
- The Spa/Fitness Center Situation: They list all those spa features: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I didn't get a chance to try ALL of these as I was busy exploring the city, but the few I did get…were just ok. (I did love the sauna).
Things to Do (And Ways to Relax):
- The "Things to do" section is a bit of a mixed bag Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm is perfectly positioned for exploring Hanoi. Old Quarter is right at your doorstep, meaning you can stumble out and lose yourself in the maze-like streets, the incredible street food stalls, and the vibrant markets.
- Ways to Relax: Besides the sauna, there's a spa/sauna if you're into that. I'm more of a lay-in-bed-and-watch-Netflix kind of relaxer, so I can't really vouch for it, but it is there!
The Quirks and Anecdotes:
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff was amazing. They were genuinely friendly, helpful, and went out of their way to make my stay comfortable. One time, I wandered into the lobby looking utterly lost (which, let's be honest, is my default state) and a staff member practically held my hand while finding a restaurant that served authentic pho.
- The Location: Being right in the Old Quarter is both a blessing and a curse. The pros? Everything is within walking distance. The cons? It's loud. The noise is relentless, especially at night. But remember those blackout curtains? And the soundproofing in the room? They're lifesavers.
My Rating (and why you should book):
Honestly, I give Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's not perfect, but it's damn close. The rooms are gorgeous, the location is unbeatable, the cleanliness is top-notch, and the staff is wonderful. The fact that they made us aware of rooms sanitized between stays was a HUGE plus as well. It's a great base for exploring Hanoi.
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- Luxurious Comfort: Sink into bliss with plush bedding, blackout curtains, and a well-equipped room.
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- Wheelchair Accessible!
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Escape to Paradise: Luxurious 2-BR Apartment in Rawalpindi's Bahria Town!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to descend into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my Hanoi itinerary. We're talking Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm (22land Suite, fancy!) – and trust me, this isn't some pristine, Instagram-perfect travel plan. This is real life, with all the spilled pho, questionable street food decisions, and existential dread that travel inevitably brings.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Instant Regret Over Packing Too Much
- Morning (ish): Land at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). You know the drill: the sweaty scramble for immigration, the vague panic that your luggage has been lost to the ether (it hasn't, yet). Finally, free! I'm expecting my pre-booked car to be a charming, dented, and probably air-conditioned-in-name-only vehicle. God, I already regret the giant suitcase I lugged. And I packed TOO MANY SHOES. What was I THINKING?
- Mid-Morning: Taxi ride (hopefully not a total rip-off, though I fully expect to barter) to Residence Hotel 3. Okay, this hotel… the website photos are usually, y'know, highly optimistic, but I REALLY hope it's as charming as it looks. Fingers crossed for a balcony! That's a non-negotiable. Gotta sit and judge the world, you know?
- Afternoon: Check-in, collapsing onto the bed in glorious, air-conditioned relief. Unpack (more like haphazardly throw everything everywhere) and then… the great war of the shower. Praying the water pressure isn't a dribble. And that I'm able to operate the shower without flooding the bathroom. Then, a swift recovery from the travel ordeal. I must seek out a good meal to recover.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wander the streets of Hoàn Kiếm. First order of business: Currency exchange. Then, absolute MUST -- street food tour. I'm talking spring rolls that could change my life, Bún chả (Obama's favorite!), and the inevitable, paralyzing fear of getting food poisoning. This is what I came for, dammit!
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. If I didn't die from spring roll, I shall make it. I am currently planning to taste my meal and if I survived, I will go all in on the taste. And, maybe, a strong Vietnamese coffee (or three) to keep me awake and alert. Later maybe a massage to rub out all the walking -- and judging.
Day 2: Temple Troubles, Egg Coffee Euphoria, and a Very Questionable Purchase
- Morning: Wake up, probably still slightly jet-lagged. Breakfast (included in my suite, thank GOD). Seriously, if that breakfast is just bread and jam, I'm going to lose it. I am counting on fresh fruit! And, hey, maybe some pho?
- Late Morning: Head to Ngoc Son Temple (the one on Hoan Kiem Lake). Taking pictures of Hoan Kiem Lake is a must. Then, it's time. I'm a sucker for pretty temples, the only thing I have to check that doesn't end up being a tourist trap are all this beautiful red bridge. Feeling like a little less of a tourist and more of a… spiritual tourist?
- Afternoon: Egg coffee quest! This is non-negotiable. I've heard about this stuff, and my taste buds are READY. Going on a mission to find the best egg coffee in Hanoi. Expect multiple coffee stops, and possibly a slight sugar rush.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandering the Old Quarter. This is where the real fun begins. Or the real chaos. I hope to find some local art. And inevitably end up buying something I absolutely don't need. A "unique" souvenir, guaranteed to gather dust in my attic.
- Evening: Dinner near the Old Quarter. I'm hoping to find something I've never tried before. The sheer variety is overwhelming, but I'm determined to push my culinary boundaries. Or maybe I stick to something safe. We'll see how brave I'm feeling.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay (the Big Day!) and Post-Boat-Bound Blues
- Early Morning: The big one! Ha Long Bay day trip. Up before the sun (or what passes for the sun in Hanoi, anyway). Hoping the bus isn’t a sardine can. Hoping the cruise isn’t a tourist trap (again). Most of all, hoping for stunning views and not seasickness. I will keep my fingers crossed.
- All Day: Ha Long Bay Experience. Caves, views, kayaking? This is why I came to Vietnam! I've seen so many photos, I'm counting on the reality surpassing the hype. I absolutely plan to be that one person taking a million pictures, just to make sure I get the perfect shot. Yes, I'll be that person. And I'm not even sorry.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Travel back to Hanoi. The inevitable post-boat blues (exhausted, sunburnt, and maybe a little seasick). That bus ride better have air-conditioning!
- Evening: Dinner near the hotel, a relaxing one. That's the plan, anyway. Likely, I'll be too tired to be adventurous. Maybe just some pho and early to bed. Ah, the life of a travel.
Day 4: The Temple of Literature, French Colonial Charm, and the Bitter Taste of Leaving
- Morning: Temple of Literature. Getting a bit more culture in me. This place looks stunning in photos. Hoping it lives up to the hype. Plus get some more photos.
- Afternoon: Wandering around the French Quarter. Gazing at pretty buildings. Maybe a little window shopping (because, let's be real, I've already spent way too much money).
- Late Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping (that item I absolutely needed and forgot to buy!). Buying gifts for people.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner. A somewhat fancy-ish restaurant. Reflecting on the trip. Feeling a mix of exhilaration and sadness. And definitely not ready to go home.
- Night: Packing (or, more likely, shoving everything back into the suitcase). Drinking a final Vietnamese beer. And already planning my next trip because I didn't get to do everything I wanted.
Day 5: Departure and The Aftermath
- Morning: Early wake up and going to the airport. Pray I am not late. I should have planned better.
- All Day: Boarding and flight back home. Remembering all the good times.
- The Aftermath: Post-vacation blues. Reliving every moment (especially the food). Already searching flights to go back. Because Hanoi, you glorious, chaotic, and occasionally overwhelming city, has captured my heart (and my stomach).
And that, my friends, is the general idea. Of course, the real itinerary will be a lot less organized, a lot more spontaneous, and far messier. It is what it is. Wish me luck! And, please, send me your best Pho recommendations. I'm gonna need them!
Escape to Paradise: Charming 2-Bedroom Cottage in Lawrenny, UK!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Residence Hotel 3 Hoàn Kiếm - You've Got Questions, I've Got (Mostly) Honest Answers!
Is this place REALLY a "hidden gem" or just marketing fluff? Because honestly, I'm sick of hype.
Okay, fair question. I, too, roll my eyes at "hidden gem" these days. But... *leans in conspiratorially* ...this one actually IS. Think of it like this: it’s not plastered all over Instagram with influencers doing fake poses. It’s a little more *subdued*, a little more… discreet. And that's its charm. I stumbled upon it almost by accident, and honestly, it felt like finding a secret club. A very, very comfortable, luxurious club, complete with a ridiculously comfy bed.
The "Luxury Suite" sounds...expensive. Can my budget handle it? Will I need to sell a kidney?
Alright, let's get real. It's NOT budget travel. It's not hostel level. But...and this is a big BUT... compared to similar luxury experiences in other major cities, the value is INSANE. I'm talking, you might actually feel like you're getting away with something. Seriously. Check the prices *before* you book, obviously. But during my stay, I remember thinking, "Wait...is this legal? Am I being scammed *in reverse*?!" Seriously. I had a *moment* where I thought I should feel guilty. I didn't, but I did. Consider a special occasion, a splurge... or just treat yourself! We all deserve a little extravagance.
What's the *actual* suite like? Give me the nitty-gritty! Details, details!
Okay, okay! So, picture this: you walk in (after a swift, polite check-in, which, by the way, is a HUGE plus after a long flight), and BAM. Space. Actual, usable space. Not some cramped box they call a suite. Think high ceilings, tasteful (but not over-the-top) decor, and natural light flooding in. The living area is comfy – like, you could legitimately lounge on the couch all day reading. And the bathroom… oh, the bathroom. Big enough to swing a (very small) cat in (don't actually do this). The *shower*… it was a religious experience. Seriously. Rain showerhead, great water pressure, all the little soaps and shampoos you could want. And the BED. Oh, dear GOD, the bed. I'm pretty sure it's made of clouds and dreams. I actually over-slept one day and almost missed an outing because I was so comfortable.
The location: Is it actually convenient for exploring Hanoi? Or am I going to be stuck in traffic hell all day?
This is where it truly shines. Residence Hotel 3 is smack-dab in the heart of Hoàn Kiếm district. This is gold. You're steps away from the lake, the Old Quarter (think: street food paradise!), and countless shops and attractions. No hours wasted in traffic (though let's be real, Hanoi traffic is a beast, even when it's "good"). You can walk everywhere, or easily grab a cyclo (but bargain HARD). It's perfect. Honestly, I’d gladly pay extra just for the location alone.
What's the service like? Are the staff helpful? Do they speak English well? I'm bad at languages.
The staff… ugh, they were absolute angels. Seriously. Always friendly, always helpful, and their English was excellent. They genuinely seemed to care about making your stay memorable. They’d anticipate your needs! Need a taxi? Sorted. Need a restaurant recommendation? Boom, best pho *ever*. They even remembered my name, after literally one day. I'm not sure how they do it, but it's magic. I felt… pampered. And that's a rare feeling, let me tell you.
Breakfast: Good? Bad? Mediocre with a side of disappointment? Spill!
Okay, here's the deal. Breakfast is included, and it's… good. Not the *best* breakfast buffet I've ever had (I once had one that included a chocolate fountain in a ski chalet), but solid. It was varied. There were both Western (eggs, bacon, pastries) and Vietnamese options. They had pho, which I highly recommend starting your day with. The coffee? Excellent. The atmosphere? Relaxed and pleasant. I ate there every morning and happily. It was a good start the day. Enough to get you fueled for exploring the city. No complaints.
Seriously, what was the *worst* thing about this hotel? Be honest!
Hmm… okay, I'm grasping at straws here. The only *tiny* thing I can think of is the slight street noise at night. Hanoi is a bustling city, so you'll hear motorbikes, people chatting… it's part of the charm, but it's worth packing earplugs if you're a light sleeper. But honestly? That's it. And it's a *very* minor complaint.
Give me a specific, totally-you anecdote from your stay. The messy, human stuff.
Alright, let's go there. After a long, sweaty day exploring the Temple of Literature (which, by the way, is stunning), I returned to the hotel utterly wrecked. I mean, *drenched* in sweat, hair a mess, and just generally feeling like I’d been through a blender. I practically stumbled into my suite, desperate for a shower. I ripped off my clothes and raced to the bathroom, only to realize… I’d forgotten to bring my toothbrush. Ugh. The ultimate travel fail. I was about to lose it – visions of walking barefoot again (the thought alone made my toes curl). I called reception, mumbled something pathetic about "urgent dental hygiene needs," (I can't believe that happened) and half-expected some judgmental eye-rolling. Instead, maybe five minutes later, there was a knock at the door. It was a staff member, beaming. And they brought me a toothbrush, toothpaste, and even a little packet of mouthwash. I seriously almost cried. It was that small gesture that really cemented how amazing that place was. It turned a minor disaster into a moment of pure, unexpected joy. That level of attention to detail? That's what separates a good hotel from a truly unforgettable one.
Would you stay there again? In a heartbeat?
Absolutely. Absolutely, absolutely. I'm already planning my return. I might even book early this time! Consider this your official nudge to book it! Just… don't tell *too* many people. WeOcean View Inn
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