Hoa Binh Hotel***
Our brief comments:
 The four-storey Hoa Binh Hotel is located on a corner where two of Hanoi's leafy boulevards intersect, about ten minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Built in 1926, unsympathetic 'renovations' have obliterated some of its original external features.
Fortunately, many of the hotel's interior features have survived - an elegant wooden staircase, shuttered windows and ornate door surrounds, for example. Of particular interest are the original windows in the  entrance and at the rear of the 'Le Splendide' restaurant - the first with the rounded curves of Art Nouveau, and the latter a fine example of Art Deco stained glass.
Although the original fine cupola and windows that graced the front fascia have long gone, the windows on the sides of the building still have their heavy wooden shutters - a boon when the weather is hot.
The rooms are a good size with plenty of room and French Second Empire style period furniture. Deluxe rooms are akin  to a mini-suite, with a seating area and writing desk divided from the bedroom by an original wooden partition. Bathrooms are standard apart from the addition of a bidet.
Suites are larger still with enough space for a large double bed and a single bed on opposite sides of the room, and a much bigger sitting area. Surprisingly, suites have only a single standard bathroom.
Recently, the hotel has opened a small Business Centre, but apart from a sauna and the ubiquitous massage rooms, there are no other additional facilities
The foyer has a rather down at heel appearance and, being small, is often crowded. There's an uninspiring restaurant just off the foyer serving traditional dishes of Vietnam.
Adjacent to the foyer is the 'Le Splendide' restaurant with a mainly French-based cuisine. The French menu contains several classic dishes, and has an extensive list of good French and Italian wines. Surprisingly, prices are very reasonable.
If you like international-style hotels with modern facilities, the Hoa Binh is not for you. However, if you prefer character and period charm, the Hoa Binh provides both at a reasonable price.
Last inspected February 2005
Room facilities:
Room Categories |
Superior |
Deluxe |
Suite |
| Number of rooms |
67 |
25 |
5 |
Air-conditioner |
|
|
|
Satellite television |
|
|
|
Shower or bath |
|
|
|
Bath with shower |
|
|
|
| Bath + separate shower |
|
|
|
Personal safety box |
|
|
|
Coffee and tea facilities |
|
|
|
| Laptop connection |
|
|
|
| Free broadband access |
|
|
|
Extra bed |
|
|
|
Child's cot |
|
|
|
Room size (m2) |
20 |
30 |
55 |
View |
city |
city |
city |
Additional room facilities:
Hotel facilities:
Outdoor pool |
|
Non-smoking floor(s) |
 |
Pool bar |
|
Non-smoking rooms only |
 |
Fitness/health centre |
|
Vietnamese/Asian restaurant |
|
Sauna |
|
International restaurant |
|
Massage |
|
Patisserie/coffee shop/cafe |
|
Jacuzzi |
|
Business centre |
|
Additional hotel facilities:
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