Catba Princes

This large hotel was nearly empty. Lighting was kept off in most areas making for a creepy experience. Our room was on the Main Street and had windows that did not seal so we heard every street noise all night. The door to the room is off a large space which echos with the slightest sounds of guests or staff- so whether it’s street noise or hallway noise, you’re getting it from all angles! And worse, of all the empty rooms they could have given us, they placed us in the room directly under the breakfast room. Every morning around 05:30 we heard the staff walking around, yelling, moving chairs as they set up. We did not sleep for the 3 nights we were there- terrible. But wait, there’s more! No wifi in the hotel, except in a very specific location in the lobby...right next to where the few hotel staff- bored out of their minds- played cards and smoked and streamed off the poor hotel wifi. Check out took some time as they had to confirm we didn’t take anything from the minibar, then find the visa machine with dead battery. Then find the cord to plug in which was too short, so during the transaction it disconnected! Geez! We couldn’t get out of this hotel fast enough! Too bad. Cat Ba is hurting right now with the low season and the decline in tourism due to the Coronavirus. But this hotel could try a little harder. Trying to find something good- Rooms were clean, breakfast was ok. Lots of hot water and the heater in the room worked well on the one chilly night we had. I’m sure there are many better places to stay in Cat Ba town- take a pass on this place.

This is a huge empty hotel with almost no staff working. I think we were possibly the only guests over seven storey maze of rooms. The bedding is stale and stained. The rooms are tired and dirty. There is a creepy atmosphere and we did not feel at ease staying here. The receptionist barely spoke to us and then tried to keep our passports while ushering us to the lift in a hurry. The location is noisy and the “mountain views” are a very loose interpretation. Moreover, I strongly suspect the reviews on the Booking website we used are fabricated by the hotel as they in no way matched our experience. Since my suspicion was aroused I’ve read the “good” trip advisor reviews in detail too and find the writing style to be *very* similar. Just don’t stay here. Get yourself on a cruise around the bays as soon as possible and leave. See also https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g737051-d1174434-Reviews-Prince_Hotel-Cat_Ba.html?m=19905 Same hotel.

Do not get a massage here,this place is definitely a brothel, there are cameras in the rooms. My friend and I went for a massage, were placed in separate rooms, both saw what appeared to be cameras in the wall and ceiling. The "masseuse" were dressed in skimpy clothing, had no idea how to do a massage, continuously hassled my friend for personal information. She ended up having to say she was sick to escape, her masseuse physically stopped her when she tried to get to me and demanded a tip. The doors have windows so you can see through from the hall. Happy to leave alive Would give minus stars if possible