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Hotel · Hanoi · Ha Noi Municipality

Especen Hotel

A 2-star base in Hoan Kiem, Especen Hotel sits a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the city's most lively streets.

  • 5-minute walk from The Opera Night Club
  • Wi-Fi throughout the property
  • Parking nearby available
7.6 Very good 251 reviews Booking.com 7.6 · 251 reviews

About

Especen Hotel

Especen Hotel sits on Tho Xuong Street in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district, a part of the Old Quarter where craft shops and casual bars line the streets. The property is casual and compact, with a sun terrace, a shared lounge, and a practical set of services that suits travellers who want to be in the middle of things without paying for extras they won't use.

The 2-star setup is straightforward: rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities, and most have a private balcony. The front desk runs around the clock, offers currency exchange, tour assistance, luggage storage, and can arrange an airport shuttle for a fee. For a base in the Old Quarter, the location is the real draw, with the lake, cathedral, and night market all within a short stroll.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out

In brief

What works, what to weigh

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Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Location in the heart of Hoan Kiem — The hotel sits on Tho Xuong Street, a 5-minute walk from The Opera Night Club and close to Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the Old Quarter's night market.
  • Spacious rooms with balconies — Guests often highlight roomy interiors, private balconies (at least in the Family Room), and comfortable beds. The Family Room includes a king-size bed and a balcony; the Twin Room offers two singles and a king.
  • Helpful and accommodating staff — The reception team earns frequent praise for going out of their way — helping with phone issues, storing luggage, arranging airport transfers, and adjusting bookings.
  • Good value for a central base — With a price from £115 and an overall guest rating of 7.6, the hotel represents a practical balance of cost and location for travellers watching their budget.
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Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Facilities score is the weakest point — Guest ratings for facilities sit at 5.6, notably lower than service, rooms, or staff. Expect a modest, no-frills 2-star experience rather than polished amenities.
  • Breakfast and dining receive lukewarm feedback — The dining category scored 7.3, the lowest among the main rating areas after facilities. While one review mentions a wide breakfast range, others were less enthusiastic.
  • Parking is not on-site — Parking is available nearby, but there's no dedicated hotel parking. Valet parking is offered, and the airport shuttle is paid, so plan for added costs if you drive or need transfers.
  • No pets allowed — The hotel has a strict no-pets policy, which could be a drawback for travellers wanting to bring their animals along.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Family Room

  • 1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning

Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds,1 King-size bed
  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Services

  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/out
  • Express check-in/out
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Wake-up service
  • Car hire
  • Paid airport shuttle

Comfort & Technology

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Electric kettle
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer

Outdoor & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Leisure/TV room

Access & Security

  • Key card access
  • Key access
  • Fire extinguishers

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.6
Very good 251 reviews

Guest-rated 7.6/10 from 251 reviews

Booking.com · 7.6 · 251 reviews
7.6Verified guest

“The reception team was helpful, the rooms comfortable with balconies, and the breakfast spread had plenty of choice.”

7.6Verified guest

“A peaceful atmosphere throughout. Nothing was too much trouble, and I'd happily return — the place is genuinely great.”

7.6Verified guest

“It had a family feel. The location was excellent: close to Hoan Kiem Lake, where there's street performance on weekends, and a starting point for the Old Quarter night market and St. Joseph's Cathedral. Long John Silver's was a 10-15 minute walk away, and I ate there a few times.”

7.6Verified guest

“The place was quite clean and the front desk staff were extremely helpful.”

7.6Verified guest

“They offered a private car hire to pick me up from the airport.”

7.6Verified guest

“Very friendly and helpful. One staff member helped us with our phone issues, even letting us put our SIM card in his phone to call home. Centrally located, the AC worked well, and the rooms were spacious.”

04 — Location

Getting around Hanoi

The property sits in Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake: A 5-minute walk away, the lake is the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, with weekend street performances and a starting point for the night market.

St. Joseph's Cathedral: The cathedral is close by, a landmark many guests mention for its striking architecture and central position for exploring.

Old Quarter Night Market: The night market starts near the hotel, offering a lively blend of food stalls, souvenirs, and street life in the evenings.

28 Tho Xuong Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi, Ha Noi Municipality, Vietnam

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 13:00-23:59
Check-out
By 12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
9 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times at Especen Hotel?

Check-in is from 13:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 12:00.

Does Especen Hotel have parking?

Parking is available nearby, and valet parking is also offered. There is no on-site parking at the hotel itself.

Are pets allowed at Especen Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed at the property.

Does Especen Hotel offer airport shuttle service?

Yes, the hotel can arrange a paid airport shuttle, and guests have noted the staff can help book a private car for a reasonable price.

What room types are available at Especen Hotel?

The hotel offers a Family Room with one king-size bed and a balcony, and a Twin Room with two single beds and one king-size bed.

Nearby

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The bottom line

Especen Hotel works best for travellers who want a central Old Quarter location and are willing to trade on-site extras for value. The staff and room comfort are the standouts, while the low facilities score and modest dining keep expectations in check.

7.6A no-frills, well-located stay where the staff and balconies win hearts.

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