Spent five nights at the Apricot in mid-Dec. 2019 in two separate stays. Our first night was right off the plane from the States. As bleary eyed travelers, check in was easy and accompanied by a refreshing welcoming beverage. The room (Canvas Lake View) was exactly what we booked and was very nice. As others pointed out, you want to avoid an interior room and we were glad to have paid up a little to get a view. It would have been nice to be a floor or two higher, but it would have cost more. All in all we were happy and got what we paid for. When we checked in the second time and initially put in a different room, we asked for our first room again and being that it was available they moved us - no hassle. In addition to the room being very nice and more spacious than expected given the vintage of the hotel, the bathroom and shower were also very comfortable with plenty of hot water and good water pressure. The room was stocked with two complementary water bottles each day with the cleaning service and with two new water bottles with the turn down service. There was a very convenient market less than a block away where we could have easily and cheaply purchased more, but we didn't need it. Breakfast was also included. Based on some of the reviews I read here before our trip, but after we had already booked, I was not anticipating much. What a great surprise. The breakfast was great! Great service, coffee of most any variety, and a ton of food options (both western and local).

This hotel ticks so many of the boxes, well situated on a small city lake, excellent staff, impressive reception and well maintained quality rooms. Breakfast was really good and varied and we found the hotel ideal for walking to almost all our Hanoi destinations - despite the moped and scooter mayhem! The one thing that let the place down a little was the building work next door, where another hotel is being constructed. The noise from the site came through our bedroom wall as we were on that side, not great when trying to catch a nap following the long flight etc. Surely better to keep the rooms on the site side as unoccupied as possible, or at least advise guests that there might be a problem. It took us by surprise, especially as local rules allow construction to start early... Anyway that problem will eventually ease, and the Apricot is to be well recommended in general. And do try the water puppet show across the road, that was fun!

Arrived late in the evening on Oct 30, 2022 with a private car pickup at the airport and drove to the hotel where the staff was waiting to check us in. Check-in was quick and effortless which was welcome due to our long travel day. The lobby of the hotel is gorgeous and lavishly appointed with large crystal chandeliers and comfortable furniture. We had booked a smaller room and were given room #405. It was pretty small and had no view from the window but still had a king bed which was very comfortable. The room was nicely decorated, and the bathroom was done in white marble. The shower was glass on both sides to allow light into the room with a blind you could lower if needed. Once in bed, we immediately fell asleep looking forward to exploring the city the next day. In the morning, we went down to the second floor for the breakfast buffet which is included in your room price. We were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by friendly servers and staff. We were escorted to a nice table and asked if we wanted coffee. Of course we ordered Vietnamese coffees which arrived piping hot a few minutes later. The buffet included a delicious assortment of fresh fruits, salad station, pastries, a hot line of entrees, a dim sum station and Pho station. We sampled a bit of everything and enjoyed it all. After exploring the immediate area around the hotel that morning, we returned to the hotel to check out the roof top pool and terrace. The pool is covered and large and there is lots of deck space for lounging. It appears that the roof top also doubles as a discotheque/club on weekend nights. There is a large DJ booth and full bar up there as well. The Spa is locatedon this level as well but we didn't take advantage of any of the treaments there. The terrace outside opens up to a great view of the lake and cityscape looking east. We stayed three nights here before moving on to Ha Long bay. The staff was on point the whole time. Housekeeping was immaculate and friendly! Front desk was always willing to help with anything you may need including changing $$ to Dong! (Be sure your larger US bills are crisp, with no tears or writing on them). We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Ha Noi and would recommend the Apricot Hotel to anyone passing through.