Best hotel in Hanoi! From the convenient location, the decor, cleanliness, comfort, value, and service, the Shining Central provided above and beyond the perfect stay. I was a solo traveler. Upon arrival you are personally greeted by all the staff and offer the most delicious welcome tea and dried fruits. The room was eclectically quaint like a studio, clean, decent view, and had everything I needed to exist comfortably. Food, markets, street performances, coffee shops, nail saloon, and massages all within 1-5 minutes walk in any direction. Very easy to get a Grab or taxi. The spa is connected to the building and reminds me of a favorite spa in Napa, CA, USA. Warm, peaceful and the 90 minute massage was so good I went back the next day for another! The best part about the hotel is the service. Actually, it’s Thien. She left me wanting for nothing. Everything, and I mean everything, I asked for Thien provided timely and easy options to achieve my requests. I wanted an Ao dai and she personally walked me two blocks to the best store. I wanted a private tour guide to take me to Ninh Binh and the Incense Village and she found me a driver and English speaking guide. I wanted to get my nails done and she walked me across the street to a great little shop. I wanted to buy the best coffee and tea and again, she paved the way. The asks and information was endless. Thien messaged me throughout each day to ensure all my wants and needs were met. It was like having a personal assistant. Even now that I’m back home in the United States, Thien messaged me to make sure I made it home OK. She is a gem!! Thien provided opportunities and I gained life changing experiences at a reasonable price. I am forever grateful. Highly recommend this hotel!

I have a gluten allergy so anywhere in Vietnam was somewhat challenging to find gluten free food. The hotel buffet did have fresh fruit and vegetables and the staff were always eager to please. However, Thien gave the best recommendations for pho just two doors down and spring rolls just a 10 minute walk away.

The stuff was really friendly. Rooms are smaller than expected, but very comfortable. There is not much sunlight through the windows, but as we already know, we are in Hanoi and this is normal because of the architecture of the city. The hotel is located at a perfect spot without the nightlife of old quarter but you can walk there within 5 min. Breakfast was very good. Nothing was empty at any time. Upon our request, we could expand our stay in the same room, even the hotel was totally booked. I would definitely recommend this hotel for a relaxed stay in Hanoi.

Fire alarm went on at around 4 in the morning, due to a very clever guest smoking in his room… Toilet has only a thin glas door, so you have a little privacy conflict as a couple.

The staff is very friendly, professional and helpfull. The hotel itself is extremely well located in the Old Quarter, which gives good access to all the sights Hoan Kiem has to offer. The water puppet theater is right around the corner! Hong and Jen are the two People Who will help to arrange every trip or daytrip needed or wanted. We visited Ninh Bin arranged by the hotel and it was a wonderfull experience. Breakfast offers a wide selection of food with the option of fresh Pho and made to order scrambled eggs. The view from the rooftop bar gives a really good idea how Hanoi is laid out. There is a small waterjetequiped pool on the roof for a bit of swimming. The spa gives relaxing treatments and are even great for teenagers 😉 The rooms are spacious and very clean, even the rooms near the street were adequately soundproofed. Even seven People could be housed comfortably 😉 This is a great hotel located in the busiest part of Hanoi and can serve to discover What North Vietnam and the Old Quarter has to offer! If possible we would definitely come back in the future.

The hotel is in an excellent location on the edge of the Old Quarter, just a short walk from the lake, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars nearby. The bedroom was very clean and featured a large and exceptionally comfortable bed. The shower was one of the best we've encountered—hot water with strong pressure—but take care as the tiles are not slip-resistant. Breakfast offered a wide selection of good options, and the breakfast room is a lovely setting to start the day. The staff at reception and during breakfast service were warm, attentive, and exceptionally helpful.

Lighting in the bathroom could be better as it was quite dim. Unfortunately, the rooftop bar was closed for renovations, but the hotel compensated with an extra discount for a massage, which turned out to be a delightful experience.

I couldn't say enough positive things about my experience at this hotel. I was greeted with a warm welcome and immediately felt at home. The service here by all staff, particularly Jen, was exceptional. One thing I really admired was, although the service was extremely professional, it was also very down to earth, which made it feel really personable and fun. Had so many laughs with the team here. The room was incredible and the amenities were amazing. All in all, it was an amazing experience, and if you're reading this right now and considering booking, go for it, because you won't be disappointed! Thank you Jen and the team, I hope to see you all again 😊

All Staff were amazing, the room was big and kept clean. Would definitely return.

The rooms were very comfortable, and the staff were wonderful and helpful. From the moment of my booking, Hong reached out to offer assistance. Hong was able to arrange transportation for us from the airport, protecting us from possible issues with Taxis. Hong also assisted us in obtaining tickets to the Water Puppet Show which is a must see while you are in Hanoi. I would also like to recognize Mali for everything she did for us during our stay. Mali went out of her way to insure we had everything we needed including an awesome restaurant recommedation. The hotel is perfectly located within walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Huc Bridge, and the Water Puppet Show. The famous Train Street is about 3 km from the hotel and we were able to hire a Cyclo which made for an interesting ride back to the hotel. We only stayed for two nights as Ha Noi was only a stop over for our Ha Long Bay Cruise, but this hotel was very nice and accommodating and had a very good breakfast buffet. When we return to Ha Noi we will definitely be booking the Shining Central Hotel & Spa again.

The only thing I can think of that seemed awkward was that the elevator does not service above the 9th floor. The restaurant and Sky Bar are on the 10th and 11th floors. It did not represent a real problem, but it would have been nice.

-the location is very central in my opinion and shops and local food as well as markets are in walking distance: location 10/10 -the staff was always very helpful and nice: staff 10/10 -the room had a good size and nice interior, also clean floors and sheets: cleaning 9/10 -the breakfast was very good but not exceptional as it was praised: breakfast 8/10

-unfortunately it was a bit noisy at times, in the night either a baby or cat (yes they do sound alike sometimes) was very loud in the neighborhood. Also there were renovations at the hotel somewhere so there were drilling and hammering noises (at day not at night though): comfort 7/10 -compared to other hotels and the standard we saw I would say it was a bit overpriced, we booked because it was on “sale” 240€ instead of 800€ - I don’t need to mention that 800€ is not a reasonable price at all in general for this kind of hotel, but also 300€ was still a bit too much: price 6/10

Room was clean and nice Reception staff was friendly and helpful

Breakfast wasn’t so good, some food were too long on display, tables were dirty Do not recommend SPA, masseur was all the time interrupting massage to take new guests or to talk with other staff, leaving door open when I was mostly naked. Head massage wasn’t gentle so it felt like she was pulling my hair. and after massage she asked for tips and after I gave some tips I didn’t even wanted to leave, she told that is not enough. So don’t go to SPA here.

Location, staff, amenities..

The room we had was small and didn’t have an area to get changed in. It’s ok if you don’t need privacy as a single or a couple but for friends or us who was mother and son, it was a bit inconvenient to get changed in the shower or toilet. Only one key was given per room.. but you can always ask to be led in the room. Need the key to activate power.. this is how to keep their costs down so understandable. Breakfast wasn’t the greatest.. stayed 4 nights and only tried the breakfast once.. I think it’s because we went in Summer and the room was stifling so we didn’t feel like eating the little that was on offer.