Hilton Hanoi Opera Review

The Hilton Hanoi Opera is located in the most posh neighborhood of Hanoi - right behind the Opera House. The building is really old though and the entrance of the hotel is hidden in a back alley for some reason.

Rates are usually around $250 for weeknights and half that for weekend nights.

Check-in was crowded but a very knowledgeable agent helped me out quickly. There were suite upgrades and club level rooms available (though both showed up online as billable), but an executive room would do for me.

The room was old but spacious and in decent shape. The AC worked well but the bed was way too soft. The linens were soft and lovely but I wasn't happy with what the mattress did to my back.

The internet would not be connected for a few hours and when I tried later it was super-slow. Vietnam isn't a slow internet country and the internet had been speedy at my stays at a number of non-chain hotels. I asked for 'Premium Internet' but got nowhere at the front desk or in the lounge.

The Executive Lounge, which is on the 7th floor here, is something I like more and more. The Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel has taken it to the extreme, but it looked very well done here.

The evening appetizers weren't that appetizing, though the wines were decent and the beers were well-cooled. I did like the cheese once it came out.

The breakfast spread in the morning at the Executive Lounge was much better food and I liked a number of items quite a lot.

I went to the gym which looked incredibly improvised, though it had a decent amount of cardio and weightlifting equipment. There is also a pool, but it did not look like a pool you'd want to be in - ever.

In sum, this is a decent place for the low rate, especially if you have lounge access. However, I stayed a night at the nearby Hanoi Pearl Hotel and had a better equipped room, much faster WiFi and similar amenities for under $50. So this Hilton is terrible value.

You can book the Hilton Hanoi Opera here.