I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Grand Mercure Hotel in Hanoi, and I must say, my experience did not live up to the expectations set by its five-star rating.
While the hotel certainly offers various features and amenities, many of them felt more like gimmicks than genuine enhancements to the stay. For example, the heated toilet seat seemed excessive and unnecessary. It’s a small detail, but it highlights the mismatch between luxury and practicality.
Another frustrating aspect was the automatic bathroom light. If you happen to wake up in the middle of the night and step onto the floor, the light turns on abruptly, waking everyone in the room. This design choice certainly detracted from our comfort. Additionally, the shower water temperature was inconsistent, running cold after just five minutes, which was quite disappointing.
The staff at the hotel did not contribute positively to my experience. They were cold and unwelcoming, which made interactions feel uncomfortable. I encountered significant communication issues when trying to add breakfast to my room. After discussing it with multiple staff members, we finally found someone who understood our request, only to be passed along to someone else who insisted that breakfast was not included. This left us feeling frustrated and ultimately led us to walk away without a resolution.
The location of the hotel is another downside; there isn’t much within walking distance