We arrived at the Hanoi Glance Hotel late at night after travelling all day on Vietnam Airlines to Saigon plus a connecting VietJet flight to Hanoi. We were grubby, tired and short on patience after a day where nothing seemed to go to plan. Stepping through the doors, we felt like the last team to arrive after a manic leg of the amazing race. Our suspicion that we were last to check in was confirmed when the beaming receptionist greeted us by name on approach and had all our paperwork ready to go. The lobby was compact, modern and spotless which coupled with the receptionist’s efficiency set an amazing first impression that continued throughout our stay. If you are looking for a budget hotel in Hanoi that doesn’t skimp on the niceties then read on for all the details of my Hanoi Glance Hotel review …
Hanoi Glance Hotel Review
We had just six days in Vietnam in total and two nights in Hanoi. If you have a little longer check out this two week Vietnam itinerary. Hanoi is a fabulous city and we based ourselves in the Old Quarter. The Hanoi Glance Hotel is tall and narrow with only a few rooms on each floor, which is typical of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The ground floor houses reception, a tour desk, a lounge area and a breakfast room at the rear making the maximum use of the compact space. The staff were exceptional. We were greeted every time we passed through the lobby and the door was always opened for us when we entered or left. On day one the ever helpful receptionist sorted us out with a Vietnamese SIM card through Global Connection for VND300,000 which included 8GB of data plus calls and texts. Vietnamese SIMs will be disconnected in a few days if not registered. We read countless reviews of travellers getting caught out when buying SIMs off the street so it was handy when the Hanoi Glance Hotel took care of this for us.
The tall narrow design means drawing light to the lower floors is tricky but the Hanoi Glance Hotel conquered that with an internal atrium that streamed light from above. While small, the lush greenery and subtle lighting on the whitewashed walls was a nice touch in the narrow column. Perhaps the best feature of the Hanoi Glance Hotel was the location. Smack bang in the middle of the historic Old Quarter, all the best Hanoi activities are within walking distance including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and the best of Hanoi’s shopping and nightlife. Don’t miss a meal at nearby Bun Bo Nam Bo for street food for a steal or head to Red Bean for refined Vietnamese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Deluxe Room Hanoi Glance Hotel
After the speedy check in we wasted no time checking out our digs for the next two nights. The compact elevator whisked us up to the fourth and our deluxe room. The Hanoi Glance Hotel offers a number of room categories and our deluxe room was a ridiculously low AUD$48 a night. I rarely book budget hotels but we had a hectic few days planned in Hanoi so I was reluctant to spend the big bucks on a room that we wouldn’t be spending much time in. I must admit, I was slightly nervous that my penny-pinching would end in disaster but I needn’t have worried. Our room was amazing! Think generously proportioned, scrupulously clean, and luxe furnishings thoughtful. The king bed was comfortable and we even had an extra single to boot.
As we explored further we found thoughtful touches throughout the room including quirky ornaments that made me smile. My one complaint was that all the power points were loose and struggled to hold the weight of our adapters. I got caught out twice thinking my phone was charging only to find it flat hours later as the connection was lost. They say necessity is the mother of invention and I managed to make it work by jamming a chair up against the one on the wall and shoving anything available under the one on the desk. Problem solved!
Bathroom
The bathroom was compact but clean and modern. We were in desperate need of a shower when we arrived. The Hubs showered first and warned me the hot water was really hot. Even after being super careful I still managed to scald my thigh. The red/blue indicators were the wrong way around and so when I tried to turn it down it just made it worse! It only caught me out once though!
Breakfast
Did I mention the $48 also includes breakfast? Jet lag forced us up and out early the first morning and by the time we returned breakfast was over. The ever helpful staff were eager to please and encouraged us to eat anyway. I didn’t want to intrude, but I did grab a plate to take up to our room. We managed to make breakfast on day 2 and were very pleased with the variety. I’m not a big breakfast eater and was satisfied with a perfect croissant and some fresh fruit while the Hubs went for the more traditional bacon on toast. Beyond breakfast, you will never be short of a tasty treat and these vegetarian restaurants in Hanoi are a great place to start.
Best Budget Hotel In Hanoi
Hanoi is truly a budget travellers paradise. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Hanoi Glance Hotel. It really opened my eyes to just how good a budget hotel can be. The location was brilliant, the service impeccable and the facilities were way above my expectations for the price point. I think I may have just found the best budget hotel in Hanoi.
Did you find my Hanoi Glance Hotel review useful? Would you consider staying there? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. I paid for my stay at the Hanoi Glance Hotel in full. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links which will earn me a few cents to contribute to the running of this blog if you make a qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you.
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Jessica Esa says
Beautiful hotel! I absolutely loved Hanoi and would definitely go back but hopefully in a bit more style than the hostel we stayed in. I’ll definitely check this out.
Great post!
Allison Smith says
I’m heading back to Hanoi in 2019 and Hanoi Glance will be at the top of my list. You just can’t beat the location!
neha says
The hotel looks simple and elegant to me. I particularly like the way they have brought in the natural light, conquering the challenges. Cost wise, it does look like a bargain to me.
Allison Smith says
It was perfect for us Neha ?
Agness of eTramping says
This is an amazing hotel. Loved your review, Allison!
Allison Smith says
Thanks Agness. We really loved our stay.
Cat says
Wow, with $48, you got a big room plus breakfast? What a steal! It is very nice of the staff to help you get a Vietnamese SIM card – saving you all the hassle!
Allison Smith says
We defiantly lucked out that’s for sure!
Suruchi says
The Hanoi glance hotel is a good budgeted hotel. The rooms look cozy and comfortable.The breakfast too looks rich. After a long flight if you get a good clean hotel like this with impeccable service; half of the long journey pains vanish like that only.
Allison Smith says
That’s so true Suruchi. It was a welcome relief after a very long day ?
Megan Jerrard says
Wow for a budget hotel in Vietnam, the standard is much higher than I would have expected – The Hanoi Glance Hotel sounds quite incredible, and including breakfast, what exceptional value for money. I love that there are only a few rooms to each floor – usually that means less noise. And I love how contemporary, clean and modern everything is. So nice of the hotel staff to set you up with a SIM card, especially when other travelers have been caught out with dodgy buys on the street – sounds like this is the whole package – thanks for the recommendation!
Allison Smith says
It was brilliant Meg. And for $48!!!! I couldn’t have asked for more ?
Sheri says
This looks like a great place to stay. Very much my style and Hanoi is a place i still have not visited yet.
Allison Smith says
I loved Hanoi. It was a great place to spend a couple of days exploring!
Siddhartha Joshi says
The hotel looks really charming…the kind I like too 🙂 It’s location in the old quarters is alluring too…
Allison Smith says
Location was absolutely perfect Siddhartha. Would love to stay again!
Bruce Schinkel says
There are definitely some great budget hotels in the world, and this looks like one of them. We stayed in a Roomz hotel in Vienna and had an amazing time. Thanks so much for this great review, I’ll definitely be looking at staying here on my next trip to Hanoi!
Allison Smith says
I tend to stick to mid range but was so pleased with the Hanoi Glance that I have just booked a budget home stay in Bali. Fingers crossed it works out just as well for me ?
Erica says
Wow $48 for this hote is such a steal! I love a good clean hotel, it’s one of my biggest concern! Hanoi is such a lovely city though, isn’t it?
Christina says
This place looks pretty comfortable for a budget hotel. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the number of new boutique hotels popping up in Vietnam. I’ll be sure to add this to my list of hotels to check into next time I’m in town.
Allison Smith says
Hanoi seems to lack the ‘big brands’ and most are boutique hotels which suited us just fine. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to the Hanoi Glance.
Marcus and Mel says
Looks a really good hotel at a great price. A fraction of the price you would pay in Europe for a hotel nowhere nearly as nice.
Allison Smith says
It’s the same in Australia! You would be lucky to get 2 bunks in a backpackers for that! This is why I love SE Asia!
Mike Cotton says
This looks like a stunning hotel. I’m hoping to visit Hanoi next year and I can’t wait.
Allison Smith says
You will love it Mike! I need to plan another trip to Vietnam soon ?
Zoya says
This post comes at just the right time! We are planning a 3 week trip to Vietnam later this year, and Hanoi will be one of our last stops. This will be the perfect fit for us; clean, great location, cheap and a grear breakfast spread!
Allison Smith says
That’s great Zoya! I hope you like your stay as much as we did ?
Janine Thomas says
This looks like a fabulous hotel to fall in the Budget category! I am going to stay there next time I visit Hanoi! Thanks for the post and sharing such great information.
Allison Smith says
You won’t be sorry at this price Janine!
neha says
Although you call it a budget hotel, I don’t see any compromise on the quality, standards and amenities that it provides. The beds look very comfortable and the food options are just so many…I would definitely like to stay here.
Allison Smith says
It offered everything we needed and nothing we didn’t and you can’t beat the price Neha.
Jane M says
Wow, this place looks really great. We always have a hard time finding a good budget hotel in Hanoi so we’ll definitely check out The Hanoi Glance Hotel next time we’re there (this October!).
Thanks, J
Allison Smith says
I hope you have a fantastic trip to Vietnam Jane. It’s such a beautiful country and I can’t wait to return.
you.theworld.wandering says
What a lovely stay for a budget hotel! The rooms look modern, clean and comfortable and the breakfast variety does also look great! Shame about the scolding! Glad you only managed it the once!
Kristie – you.theworld.wandering
Kellyn says
Great quality for a budget-friendly hotel. I was loving the breakfast buffet. The bathroom and all other furniture seemed very modern and up-to-date. Certainly a hotel I would look into if I was going to stay in Hanoi.
Lien says
I loved Hanoi! Seems like a good price for everything that is included. The breakfast looks delicious
Archana Singh says
I love Hanoi. There’s so much to see and do in the city. And the best part is – everything is available at very cheap rates. Your hotel looks really nice. I loved the food picture a lot.
Allison Smith says
Thanks Archana it really is good value isn’t it! I found it much more affordable the Ho Chi Minh City (and a lot less busy lol)
Aditi Shukla says
Hanoi offers some really good budget hotels. Their service is impeccable. I love the look and feel of this hotel, especially the green strip across the column. Needless to say, its location is a plus point.
Allison Smith says
Location was perfect but the service really stood out as well which makes all the difference ?
Kim says
I can’t believe this is considered a budget hotel in Hanoi! What an amazing value and I can’t believe the price also includes breakfast (is that flan I see?). I would definitely stay here if I visited Hanoi, I love the decorations and aesthetics, totally my vibe haha.
Allison Smith says
I was pretty chuffed about finding the Hanoi Glance Kim. The value was outstanding!
Marlies says
Wow, what a great place to stay in Hanoi. I can totally see myself sitting their with a cup of coffee and a laptop or a drink in the evening. I have a similar experience with he red/blue indicators the wrong way around, so funny afterwards.
Allison Smith says
It’s a distant memory now Marlies but at the time it wasn’t funny at all ? I was so impressed with the value for money. We were really happy with our choice ?
Julianne says
Love how you were able to solve the problem with the outlets! 🙂 Bonus points for your creativity. Like others have mentioned, I’m impressed by the cost of this hotel — seems like a great value. The breakfast especially looks good. Would def be interested in staying there!
Allison Smith says
A dead phone lead to me be creative lol. You can’t beat the value in Hanoi for my money. There are cheaper around but not in such a great location!
Claire Summers says
This place looks great Alison! It always amazes me how much you can get for your money in so many SEA countries. In the UK that wouldn’t get you much. The breakfast looks so good and I love all the details in the rooms like the wine holder. What a great find.
Allison Smith says
It really was Claire. I haven’t been to the UK in years so not across the costs but in Sydney you would be struggling to get two bunks in a backpackers for $50!
Nuraini says
I didn’t know that about Vietnamese SIM cards! I think maybe the last time I was there I just used roaming. Looks like a charming hotel!
Allison Smith says
Roaming would cost me a fortune so I always try to grab a local SIM if I can ?
David says
This hotel is exactly the kind of place i would stay! Its stunning inside! The food looks amazing aswell! Great read and i will be considering booking the Hanoi Glance Hotel when I visit Hanoi.
Allison Smith says
Everything was just perfect and seriously a bargain!
Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ) says
Wow! What a bargain!! If you’d shown me the pix and asked me how much a room like that would cost per night, I would’ve guessed a LOT higher. It’s amazing what a difference thoughtful service makes to your stay – it’s often the clincher for a return visit AND a recommendation to others. I’ll bear it in mind if I’m ever over that way 😀
Allison Smith says
I know right! I was blown away by the value! The staff were fantastic and always willing to assist.
Sandy N Vyjay says
The Hanoi Glance hotel looks definitely value for money. At the rate they are charging, it is definitely a nice choice. The rooms look elegant and comfortable, the breakfast spread looks adequate too and best of all as you mentioned, the service is very good and the staff friendly, which is such a reassurance, especially after you land up from a harrowing long flight.
Allison Smith says
We really enjoyed our stay Sandy and wouldn’t hesitate to go back. ?
jen says
Oh wow! Looks really luxurious for the price you paid. I mostly stay in hostels as a budget traveler but i wouldn’t mind good comfort that comes with good price. And im drooling over their cold cuts!
Allison Smith says
It was brilliant for the price! My hostel days are far behind me lol but I am not adverse to a good bargain!
Suma Shah says
For just $48, I think you found a gem in the city. The room looks very comfy and clean and considering you did not spend much time in the hotel, it was perfect. Being a breakfast person, I love the spread here, that is definitely a selling point for me :).
Allison Smith says
We sure did Suma! We couldn’t have been happier with Hanoi Glance Hotel. Really lovely staff and fantastic location!
Tony says
It sounds like a gem of a find. I love budget hotels, but this one has more than just budget going for it. Thanks for the share. Something to consider.
Allison Smith says
I like a bargain but not if I have to forgo a little luxury. Simple blown away how lovely this hotel was for the price!
Paula - Gone with the Wine says
Looks very nice! It’s amazing sometimes what you can get with a very low cost in some countries. Cleanliness to me is very important but I have to say, that the room looks quite nice and also the breakfast. I’m glad you guys had a good stay.
Allison Smith says
I know! I found Hanoi very friendly on the wallet particularly compared to Ho Chi Minh City which was significantly more expensive for the same quality!