Somerset Hoa Binh, Hanoi, VN: Cosy 3-Star Hotel With Great Facilities

Somerset Hoa Binh, a luxury serviced residence

Somerset Hoa Binh is a part of the Ascott Limited, the world’s largest international serviced apartment, which are found in the US, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Gulf region. In Hanoi, there are currently 3 locations that are part of the Ascott Limited: Hoa Binh, Grand Hanoi, and West Lake Hanoi. In 2017, there will be two additional locations added, which are West Point Hanoi and West Central Hanoi.

At Somerset Hoa Binh, you have 4 room options: studio executive, 1- bedroom delux, 1-bedroom executive, and 2-bedroom executive, and the price ranges from 1360000 VND (61 USD) to 2550000 VND (114 USD) a night. Each room comes with large windows, which allow you to look out at the city and also a kitchen, which allows you to prepare food if necessary.

Many people may not cook while they are on vacation, but having a spacious and clean kitchen is a plus for those who are staying for more than a few days. In addition, on Sundays if you are staying over the weekend, there is a free shuttle service provided by Somerset Hoa Binh, which takes you to popular tourist attractions. You may like to check out where the free shuttle is taking you on Sunday from the location you are staying at.

The view of Hanoi from your room

At the time of my stay, I stayed on the 11th floor facing Hoang Quoc Viet, a main road. From the 11th floor, you can see the city view of Hanoi where there is currently a lot of construction taking place, especially on high-rise buildings that will be apartments, condominiums, and office buildings in the upcoming years.

By looking straight ahead, you will be impressed by what is happening in Vietnam, but as soon as you look down to the streets, you will see the reality. During rush hours, the streets are filled with buses, taxis, cars, and above all, motorbikes, which are the main means of transportation in Vietnam. Being so high up in Vietnam, it gives a surreal experience of how Vietnam is transforming.

Relax at the pool and sweat at the gym

Some hotels in Hanoi have pools outside, but at Somerset Hoa Binh, there is an indoor pool on the 4th floor. You do not have to worry about being tan or getting sunburned if you go to this pool. It is 1.2 meters (~4 ft) deep, so it is a little too deep for little children to play, but the size is perfect for adults to go for a quick swim if you want to get little exercise.

For those who also want to just relax, you can use a hot tub, a sauna, and a steam room at this facility. During the day, it is never busy, just staff from the Japanese restaurant right next to the pool coming by so you may be lucky enough to have a beautiful pool for yourself for an afternoon.

As well as the pool, Somerset Hoa Binh has a beautiful gym on the 22nd floor. It has big windows on one side so you can get a great view of Hanoi while working out. It is not a large gym, but like the pool, it does not get that busy, so you will have ample room for yourself to get little exercise in.

For those people who need to get some exercise while traveling, Somerset Hoa Binh offers just the right amount of great facilities, especially knowing how difficult it can be to exercise outside like you may do back home.

Highland Coffee at your doorstep

When you are vacationing in Vietnam, one of the most attractive things for a lot of people is the food. Of course, you may likely be just getting great deals at the local cafes, restaurants, and even street vendors, but if you want to get something at Somerset Hoa Binh, you have a few options as well.

On the 4th floor right by the pool, there is a Japanese restaurant, Takara. The price is reasonable, so if you are little tired one night, you may like to stop by at this restaurant rather than going out and eat.

There is also Otokotamashi, a breakfast buffet and a night time bar on the ground floor. For those who get a breakfast buffet as an option during your stay, this is where you want to go. It is located right outside of the main gate on the ground floor and you can have a Western-style breakfast buffet, or enjoy the bar at night.

There is also Vietnam’s coffee chain, Highland Coffee right at the side of the main entrance. If you want a quick bite of pho or a Vietnamese sandwich, this is where you want go. A Vietnamese sandwich is only 19,000 VND (0.85 USD) and there is both outdoor and indoor seating.