Forget the big-name-hotels when you visit Vietnam. They may have five stars, but the rooms will be dated, the facilities will be subject to an extra charge, and the staff will be underpayed by the big companies. In stead visit the privately owned small businesses that go out of their way to make your stay an enjoyable one! Like the Orchid Hotel in Hue.
For a very average price in Hue, you will get a very above average sized room, that has a well designed interior, many modern facilities, and the small details you only find in the top end hotels in the western world, such as some fresh orchids spread across your king size bed, daily complimentary water, and fresh tropical fruit. Where many rooms in Asia have an issue of sound and/or light entering the room unwanted at night, the Orchid comes with thick walls and curtains, so the nightlife that you can find right outside will not find its way into your room!
The "expected" amenities, that are often missing in Vietnam, are all available here: toothbrushes, shampoo, sewing kit, combs, coffee, thea, etc. All that we could think off was available in the room. The minibar is (yes really) very well priced, with a good bottle of whine available for 4 usd, and (if you need it) daily replenished. Oh, and the towels... The towels remind me of those luxury resorts in the canary Islands. So thick and soft and heavy, you feel hugged by them.
Service is something that is payed much attention to in many hotels in Vietnam, but the Orchid excells at it! A welcoming drink with some fresh fruit, a lovely, serviced, breakfast buffet, with fresh eggs made to order (in all varieties I might add... even Benedict!). There is not a moment you will be even allowed to carry your own luggage, open the front door or clean up your own table wear. You will always find someone will be right next to you to assist you.
With the many things to see in Hue, many people book tours. This can be arranged by the staff of the hotel as well, and they know the best ones. They offer virtually any tour available in the city for a discounted price. We booked a full day tour of the highlights for 15 usd a person, including a lavish buffet lunch. The front desk also knows the best shops, restaurants and clubs around town.
Book your stay at the Orchid, and I promise you, you will not be disappointed! Get a lavish stay, all the service you need and infinite smiles for a very,...
Read moreWe were treated to a free room upgrade which was amazing, and the room was beautiful and had every kind of amenity you could ask for. In general the service was very nice, but I felt a bit tense with the staff and I think that the hotel would benefit very much if all of the staff relaxed a little bit. The breakfast was described in our guide book (2015 edition of the Rough Guide to Vietnam) as "astonishingly good" and was one of the reasons we booked, however I would say that the breakfast at Orchid is the worst hotel breakfast we have had in Vietnam. So I think that maybe the standard has dropped significantly. The portions on the buffet were small, the majority of the food was not tasty, the range of food available was small and the dining room has no atmosphere (quiet music maybe?).
When we arrived one of my bags was misplaced. I asked if reception had seen it and two members of staff said no, but made no effort to look for it in the hotel. They suggested I had not brought it into the hotel. When I returned to my room to look again, the hotel staff found my bag and brought it to my room. It would have been better if the staff had immediately offered to search the reception area for the bag, rather than initially assuming that it was me who had lost the bag and delaying their search until I had returned to my room.
I would still recommend Orchid hotel and I would stay again, but improvements to breakfast and service...
Read moreWe love everything about the hotel. From the beginning the bell boy brought our suitcase in, to when we are welcomed and after we checked out, everything was perfect. The location is strategic, surrounded by many shops, restaurants and an ATM machine. The facilities in the room are of good quality and the details of the guests' needs are very well thought of. The hotel is very clean overall, it is well maintained despite being a hotel for more than 10 years. The breakfast has a wide variety of choices and they are delicious. I must say that their service and warm hospitality make us feel very much welcomed.
The staff are passionate about the job and they went extra mile to offer service in case the guests are of any needs. Even though I've checked out, the hotel lent us towels for us to take bath and rest before we leave for our next destination.
The staff members Ms Cam and Mr Uan gave us very professional service and we thank them and every other staff who had made our pleasant stay memorable. We will definitely recommend this place to...
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