Ancient Lane Hotel

The property is like no where what’s in pictures. The view is of the building and shanties, the property itself is in a by-lane of busy market. The staff is cold and only smile if you buy package or something like a car rental etc from them. Surpiring Vietnam is know for coffee, the hotel wouldn’t even give coffee or sugar sachets upon asking, was simply told we don’t provide.Its not a hostel where it’s not provide but a hotel. We had to buy sugar and coffee for morning breakfast.The coffee warming kettle is placed in a location where the cable can’t be reached we had to shift the table with kettle plate and cup to other location where the plug is reachable and broke a plate in the process, the hotel claimed 200,000 dong for this , which is 8 USD crazy for a 6” ordinary plate. Finally after arguing settled for 100,000 dong. Suggest to not book this terrible property. Further the hotel updated on Agoda we never checked in and cancelled the stay, had to email Agoda with the receipt as proof of stay for cash back.

It makes me sad to write this review. I stayed at the Ancient Lane in 2019 and loved it and reviewed it well. I returned due to the past experience but it was not what it was in 2019. The room we were placed in #603, had a sign on the door "staff only". Clearly this room is usually occupied by staff. Breakfast was offered in 2019 bit is no longer available. When I messaged to ask, I received no response. I believe they were not replying so that I would not cancel and stay elsewhere. We were collected at the airport as requested and this was great. Upon arrival, I was required to pay my 9 nights and pick up in full before even sighting the room. The price is great. Around $35AUD per night. I booked 9 nights with the intention of only being there 6. We had 2 nights on Halong Bay and flew out at 23.40pm so booked these nights as convenience. We ended up booking another overnight tour so paid for 9 nights stayed 5. The room was.. clean enough.. There are stains on the floor that look like dirt. They had left a half used bottle of body wash in the shower from the previous occupant. The roof of the shower has rust/mould stains on it. The mirror is held back with some rolled up paper. The fridge does not feel cold at all. There is a kettle and cups but no tea or coffee. The battery in the safe was low so wouldn't set. (We were provided with a key though). The king sized bed is 2 single mattresses pushed together. There is no topper zipping them together so there is a definite gap. The outdoor area is now dilapidated with broken chairs and staff washing hanging out there. The staff are helpful. We booked an overnight tour through Jessie. She was great. The hotel is priced well but is nowhere near its standard of 2019 which is very sad. I should have read current reviews rather than rebook on nostalgic reasons. The hotel needs a deep clean and general maintenance. I would recommend a hotel with breakfast and great reviews even if it costs a few more dollars.

This is definitely a budget option! If you don’t mind that, it’s a good choice. Location is perfect, staff is super nice but the rooms are very small and not very clean! The Air Con is very bright and loud so you won’t have a good night sleep if you haven’t had a few beers prior