Avis : Draha Halong Hotel - Serenity, Charm & Nature

When we arrived the check in process was easy and the staff were really helpful and nice. We got into the room and were immediately greeted by a putrid smell of sewage or fish. We had just got in from a 9hr long bus journey so really wanted a shower however, the towels were dirty. The door would not lock and we had no hand soap either. We went down to reception to ask for a new room, which we were given straight away. The new room was much better although still no hand soap and the door did not lock. Food wise, the hotel only serves breakfast and lunch, which is very limited. Apart from this there is one hotpot place on the corner by the hotel but no other food places around for a good 30 minutes walk. We went on a day trip to Bai Chay beach which was around a 15 minute drive away, and it was completely empty- not another soul in sight for the whole 5 hours we were there and again with no food around. If staying in Halong I recommend staying on the Bai Chay side of the bridge instead of Hong Gai as it is very out the way of most things. The area is lovely and very well built, just the lack of places to eat made it difficult. The staff were lovely and extremely helpful.