We went to Hanoi for a business study mission and stayed at Sunway Hotel. As a four star hotel, it disappointed me because of the facilities which were quite dated. Although the lobby area was reasonably clean, I feel that it was quite crowded. The room I stayed at has a distinct not-so-pleasant smell as well. Giftshop was a bit pathetic although the jades sold were not expensive. The staff were okay but not too helpful, and the food was average, although I did love the pho. Although the hotel did receive some awards as one of the best hotels in Hanoi, I certainly do not agree. For a business trip, it's okay to stay there, but definitely not for a getaway or a romantic escapade.

This hotel was the last one on our organised Vietnam tour and we have to say after staying at the Duxton in Saigon and the Saigon Morin in Hue, this was disappointing. We were put on a smoking floor which was smelly. The room was really fine, smaller than previous ones, the bathroom had only a shower which is better than getting into a bath/shower but the lack of enough towels and no hand towels was noticed. The breakfast was fine although a new toaster would be a bonus! The location also was an issue as we liked to walk around after dinner but didn't feel too comfortable in this area, probably unfounded but still we didn't risk it. Would we stay there again, no... we would find something more central around the lake area.

Many say the sunway is not ideally located , but with taxis so cheap and plentifull it is not a problem at all . The surrounding streets of the hotel provided a never ending source of entertainment - from the many "bia hoi " bars (5000 dong or 30cents / glass ! ) , great for an hour or two of local beer and street watching - to the local cake and pastry shop on the near by corner - or the footpath pet and bird cage store , a walk around the block was always an experience no matter which direction you turned on leaving the hotel . There is a small grocery store nearby ( turn left out the front door and right at the first corner then about 200 mts down the street past the school ) which sells every thing from water to beer and spirits , snacks and any other need you may have , and an atm in the opposite direction - on the same block but "behind" the hotel . The hotel breakfast was good with the standard fare and the lunch bistro good value . For restaurants at night its best to travel to the Hoan Kiem lake area where the choice of good food restaurants is wonderfull.

We stayed at the Sunway for 4 nights during May. For a hotel that is 4 stars - it needs some polishing of services. The staff dont seem to smile at all however were helpful once we overcame the language problems. We had to ask for drinking glasses in the room. Towels were not always replaced when the room was cleaned. The information book in the room didn't include very much information at all. I thought that the kettle didn't work nor the lamp so l called the room service and they told me most of the power in the room was controlled from a panel which was on the clock next to the bed (Again not obvious to the eye). The breakfast included in the room rate was what you would expect in a buffet and a good variety however the dishes were not labelled with the contents ie: you could see dumplings but couldn't tell if they contained meat or fish or a sweet.. Again once overcoming the language barrier you would eventually get an answer. The lobby bar was a pleasant place for a drink however service is very slow (but quite normal pace for Vietnam) there is a variation in the drink measures and the pricing having been charged US$7.00 for a bourbon and coke US$4.00 bourbon & $3.00 for coke one night and then US$5.10 another night - cocktails are better value at US$4.00. We already knew the location of the hotel in relation to the city centre - however the 10 minute walk to the city actually takes a lot longer due to the Hanoi traffic situation. However it is a very inexpensive taxi ride or xyclo ride tot he city. There is a small shop next to the hotel where you can buy bottled water, soft drinks, beers, postcards etc... We left our luggage in storage overnight (no charge) while visiting Halong Bay and all was fine. Communication was prompt via letters under the door reminding us of our check out times. Bellboys didn't carry our bags until asked and the hotel didnt use bag trolleys. (had the same experience in Saigon). Would l stay there again? - no l believe you can better value for money at a location in the city centre. Hanoi is a beautiful, clean and vibrant city with a central focus point of the lake cant wait to visit again

The Sunway is a liitle out of the action but taxis are cheap about $2 to the old quarter. It was clean with a great shower, breakfast had a good selection. Air con in the room was a little noisy. The staff were very friendly and efficient. Corner shop just outside great for water etc and laundry! Little bar next door for local flavour sitting out on a tiny chair watching the traffic.