La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa — Hotel in Hà Nội

We stayed for three nights in April 2023.

Let's start with the positive things: location is great! Many four stars hotels in Old Quarter, but we liked this location next to lake and with view of the lake from rooftop. Propably noise on weekend , but we didnt notice as it was working days. staff is very attentive and helpful! Not used to this kindof service, so we felt a little overwhelmed and confused at some times. For example the check in we were placed in Chairs and had sweet non alcoholic purple welcome drink while a staff member tried to explain in her best English what dining options and attractions are possible in Hanoi. Honestly we just wanted to check in quickly, go to our room, and head out in the city but check-in was almost 20 minutes. Staff followed us to the room and "explained" the room to us. Luggage was carried by other staff Breakfast was quite good. Opens 6.30, in time for most in order to go to tours, for example Halong Bay. Selection varied each day but always fresh fruit and vegetable/ salad. 4-6 hot dishes to choose from. REMEMBER that there is FREE a la carte ordering, where all the eggs are. Many vegetarian options ala carte as well, they were hit-and-miss though . Omelets were great with free choice of filling. You can order hot or cold coffee with condensed milk a la carte, also to go . Their hot buffet Coffee was only drip coffee (extra charge for cappuccino and latte) but it was very strong and delicious! (Probably robusta type coffee beans). Breakfast staff was amazing! Efficient and nice to remove used plates quickly. Music was pleasant although still playing two types of christmas songs in April!! Great view from the breakfast room!! our room was deluxe room and an OK size with large closet. Still no good place to put opened up luggage . We had refilling of soap, body lotion ect every day. Room service cleaning was great. We got two 0.5 l water bottles each day! i think the staff is very good at helping you with calling for example Vietnamese travel companies and speaking Vietnamese with them. Alot of tour drivers for example don't speak English. we were celebrating our engagement on this trip, and staff decorated our room nicely with real flowers !! And we had a piece of cake in our room. we didn't use the rooftop bar but it looked great .

Negative points, mostly minor things; Mini fridge in room was not cold at all! Couldn't adjust temperature anywhere. Bed was large but not that comfortable, too hard for us. Coffee machine in room is extra charge! NO WINDOWS in our room! quite noisy hallway, but elevators were quite. To our liking, staff was a little "too helpfull". I think we prefer a little more privacy. I know they mean well, but we prefer not to small talk during check in and out, for example. at check out, you are handed a small review chart, takes 1 minute. I filled out mostly 5 stars, but some points only 3 and 4 stars. Overall 4 stars. When manager saw this she was very sorry and wanted to make it right, asking about what they could do better. that's totally ok. However she also asked me NOT to make a review online because it was "only" 4 stars. See, that's not ok!  I sincerely understand that the travel business rely on good reviews to get their customers, especially after Covid when that business suffered alot. However, the purpose of reviews is also to help fellow travellers and give advice of what to be aware of. If everyone always gave five stars reviews it would be meaningless. My advice to Sinfonia  is to keep providing their great staff service, and not comment on giving Reviews! Overall it's a great hotel with a even...

The hotel’s location is, in my opinion, its main attraction. You can walk into the oldest area of the city. The views of the lake from the restaurant are excellent. I stayed for two nights in an executive room with a window with breakfast included. The rooms are comfortable (with great beds), but the bathrooms are dark due to their decor. The hotel arranged my arrival transfer with a very professional driver. Check-in and out were fast and efficient.

There is no view from the windows in their executive rooms. If you need an outside perspective, this is not the room for you. If you place it at the right angle, you could see people in the next room or nearby buildings.

Downsides: The AC vibrated all night during my first night, making it impossible to sleep. This was reported the following day, and it was fixed without delay by the front desk. Breakfast service: The hotel advertised a continental breakfast. You know it will not be a good breakfast when you have presented the menu on two pieces of ordinary paper (see pictures). To my surprise, they did not have fruit juice as part of the breakfast (I was speechless due to the abundance of fruits in this country), and the only coffee I could have was a Vietnamese coffee (cold). Even when selecting the Western option, the waitress indicated that I should pay for it if I wanted an expresso or latte instead. In the country of coffee, and for the first time in 6 years, I could not have a different coffee!!! The restaurant staff were extremely polite and accommodating. I understood this was a decision of the management for the day! On my second day, after expressing my disappointment, I was offered an orange juice and a coffee option. I was also complimented with a voucher for two cocktails on the rooftop (I never used them/visited, but it seems to be a fantastic spot with great views). The front desk was very interested in making up for the incident and the poor breakfast service of the first morning and offered me a complimentary late checkout of 2 hours. That was extremely generous, and I was thankful for it. Biggest disappointment: After leaving the property, the staff repeatedly asked me to leave a “5 stars review”. I was surprised of getting such a clear and direct request. It then continued in the form of private, improper messages that made me very uneasy due to the suggestions of a possible refund and vouchers (I was never looking for a refund!!!) in exchange for not sharing the details of my experience with the travelling community. My advice for the management: In hospitality, details and first impressions are everything. We understand the moment and context we are living, but the poor decisions regarding the menu and the awkward follow-up can completely change a client’s perception of a property. I am sure it will be a truly four stars establishment soon, but for now, ask your clients just to review you and let them judge...

From check-in to check-out the staff were superb. Attentive, friendly, professional, responsive, and always happy to help.

Check-in we were greeted by a very professional doorman who helped with luggage. We sat in the lobby and offered a refreshing towel, a warm tea, and dried fruits.

Checkin was fast and efficient and we were shown to our room. Room orientation was completed by the lady checking us in.

First impressions of the hotel: Very well maintained and clean.

The room (603) was well appointed. Bed linen was soft and the bed comfy. Two pillows provided - one soft and one more firm.

Two bottles of complimentary water provided as well as all the necessary toiletries, including vanity items.

Coffee and tea (complimentary) and minibar items for purchase are also provided. In room safe, laundry, and hairdryer.

No iron (but available on request).

Breakfast was included in my room rate and what a feast. Selection of juices, fresh fruit, bakery, hot and cold buffet (sushi, canapes, salad, sausages, potatoes, noodles/rice), as well as a good selection of items made to order. There are daily specials - such as fish noodle soup, and spicy chicken noodle soup, as well as the usual eggs / omelette selection. Pho is also available to order at no extra charge. There is a large vegetarian menu available for order too, also at no extra charge.

Black coffee, Vietnamese coffee, and tea is complimentary for breakfast. Cappuccino and Americano are available for a few (approx 80,000 VND).

The roof top bar on the 7th is superb for watching the sunset, relaxing to the music, and a full bar service is offered. Cocktails, mocktails, spirits, wine, and soft drinks are all available. Food is also offered from an extensive western and local menu.

Great views of the lake too.

The best thing about this hotel is the staff. They are superb. Great level of English and always provide 5* service with a smile.

I will be back to this hotel and highly recommend you stay here. This was my seventh trip to Hanoi, but my first staying at this hotel. I wish I...