I've heard so many good reviews about this buffet restaurant. They say this is the best in the Philippines.
Is it really?
It was my first time to dine at Viking's last Nov 24. I got overwhelmed with the variety of foods. But I immediately noticed that there are too many people. Maybe because I was used to buffet dining at hotels so the atmosphere is so different. It is so noisy. You have to line-up to some sections like the oyster and tempura. By around 2pm, people are lining up in coffee or tea. The drinking station is too tidy. For the grilling station, you have to follow-up twice to deliver your order in the table.
On a brighter side, they served sumptuous dishes. And if it is your birthday, the waiters will sing & dance for you. They do it nicely. Almost all the table have birthday celebrants when dine here.
Just a tip, you have to be early since not everything will be re-filled. Also, you have to get the dessert you wanted as early as 1PM as it quickly runs out especially the ice cream and the mango crepe.
Overall, my Viking's experience is good but not the best of all. I will better book a regular priced buffet in a hotel such as Marriott or Heat (Php1400-1700) than eat here again (Php1250).
Although we have big discount in Sofitel Metropole, we chose Calypso because it is #1 in Tripadvisor website. I trust the website and so we booked here and I'm glad we did.
The hotel is like a 5-star to me. You get the 5-star treatment and the 5-star rooms. I feel we paid lesser than we have to pay for their service. It wasa nice experience and I would definitely recommend this to anyone going to Hanoi. It is very convenient at it is located in the heart of Old Quarter. It is just 2-minutes walk away from Ho Kiem Lake and Water Puppet Theatre. It just 10-15 minutes walk away to Dong Xuan Market.
The rooms were great! Complete with dvd, mini ref, bathub, complimentary water and fruits. They also have wifi in every floor. I tell you it was so fast!!!
They have friendly, accommodating, and nice staff. Tommy is one of their nicest staff. If you have troubles finding your directions, they will give you their own map and tell you how to go to places you want. If you want a taxi, they will call one for you and guide the driver.
The buffet breakfast was also good. You will have to choose from their menu and they will serve it hot and fresh. Aside from the menu, you can get your own cofee, tea, fruits, cereals, breads in their breakfast table.
Now I know why it has so many good reviews. That's why I didn't hesitate to write my own review. 5 stars!!!
