Somerset Grand Hanoi

Somerset Grand Hanoi Overview

You know what hit me first walking into Somerset Grand Hanoi? The lobby actually feels Vietnamese – not like those sterile international chains that could be anywhere from Bangkok to Berlin. There’s this subtle blend of colonial elegance and modern Vietnamese design that doesn’t try too hard, if that makes sense. The staff genuinely seemed happy to see us, which honestly surprised me after dealing with some pretty indifferent service at other Hanoi hotels.

The location on Hai Ba Trung is pretty brilliant, actually. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake – I mean, you can see it from some of the higher floors – but you’re just far enough from the Old Quarter chaos that you can actually sleep at night. That’s huge in Hanoi, trust me. The street itself has this nice mix of local coffee shops and decent restaurants, plus there’s a Circle K right around the corner (you’ll appreciate that when you need water at midnight). What I really loved was being able to walk to the Opera House area for dinner, then stumble back without dealing with the motorbike madness around Hang Bac or Ta Hien.

The rooms are well… they’re proper hotel rooms, not cramped boxes masquerading as luxury. Good shower pressure – seriously important in Vietnam – and the air conditioning actually works without sounding like a helicopter landing on your roof. I stayed on the 8th floor and could hear the city humming below, but it wasn’t disruptive. The housekeeping team clearly takes pride in their work; everything felt fresh and well-maintained. The breakfast spread was solid too, with actual Vietnamese options alongside the usual international stuff. I mean, if you’re going to eat pho for breakfast (and you should), at least make it decent pho, right?

What really sets this place apart is how it feels connected to Hanoi without being overwhelmed by it. The concierge actually knows the city – ask them about getting to Temple of Literature or the best banh mi spots and you’ll get real answers, not just the tourist handbook responses. They helped us navigate the weekend night market situation and steered us toward some great local places we never would have found otherwise. The business center and meeting facilities looked impressive too, though I was thankfully on vacation. Check-in was smooth, no weird deposit drama or passport confusion that sometimes happens at smaller places.

Is it perfect? Well, the pool area is nice but not spectacular – more functional than Instagram-worthy. And like most Hanoi hotels, the gym is adequate but nothing special. But honestly, you’re not coming to Vietnam to spend time in a hotel gym anyway. The 8.8 rating feels about right – it’s reliably excellent without being flashy about it. For the location and the genuine service quality, it’s actually pretty good value for a proper five-star experience in central Hanoi. I’d definitely stay here again, which says something because I usually like trying different places.

Somerset Grand Hanoi Accommodations

Reviews of Somerset Grand Hanoi

• Venlub from India – 2 June 2025 (9/10)

  Everything ! The location is just perfect at the old quarter , we had a great time .. breakfast spread is also good , staff and housekeeping courteous.

• Jane from Australia – 31 May 2025 (9/10)

  Modern facilities

• Rachel from Australia – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  I rate his hotel 10/10. The service outstanding!!! The staff couldn't do enough for you. Very professional and VERY polite and attentive. We loved being able to stay in 2 bedroom apartment for family and it served our needs perfectly. All of the facilities were exceptional and the location is great just a short drive outside acient town but still so close to everything. We could walk to train street.We would 100% stay again and recommend to friends and family.
  
  What could be improved: The pool was closed for maintenance each morning until 2pm, but we understood that his was necessary and could not be helped so did not bother us too much

• Amelia from New Zealand – 19 May 2025 (8/10)

  Dated but comfortable apartment style hotel. It is a little far from the action of old town. It is a 15-20 min walk so in the heat it is easier to get a grab.
  
  It is nearby to a nice Indian restaurant, Quán a noon restaurant, and another nice casual place called Cafe 48.
  
  It also has a very expensive super market by the lobby but it is good if you need basic supplies.
  
  The room had a washing machine which was very handy.
  
  The gym is so big and well equipped!
  
  We didn’t eat at the restaurant
  
  The pool is very big and cold although quite cold.
  
  What could be improved: Cold pool

• Aaron from United Kingdom – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location, easily walkable to centre

• Christa from Australia – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  This place has a great location.
  Exceptional staff food was fantastic.
  It was great having a mini mart on the lower level as we had a 3 and 5 year old with us.

• Grant from Australia – 14 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great rooms good pool
  
  What could be improved: Well must be a Vietnam thing cold bacon

• Agnew from Australia – 14 May 2025 (9/10)

  The hotel was well located easy walk to restaurants and attractions such as train Street. The hotel staff were welcoming and very friendly. The rooms were large and spacious with all the amenities needed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Aliceedge from New Zealand – 10 May 2025 (9/10)

  Awesome pool and sauna. We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment. Great to have laundry facilities in the room, and kitchen and living room spaces. Perfect for a family.
  Friendly staff. Good location.

• Grant from Australia – 9 May 2025 (8/10)

  Staff was great thank Kim at breakfast
  
  What could be improved: All good

Surroundings

Facilities