Anjana Uday
Google
Our Worst Hotel Experience – A Cautionary Tale: Elios Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Our stay at Elios Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam was nothing short of a nightmare. From the moment we arrived, we were met with rude, arrogant, and unwelcoming behavior from the reception staff — particularly MINH TY. Despite greeting them politely during check-in, we received no response — not even a simple smile or acknowledgment. Initially, we assumed it might be a language barrier, but even after using a translator, their attitude remained cold and indifferent. They seemed visibly unhappy and unwilling to help.
The problems escalated once we reached our room. The air conditioner was not working — it only functioned in fan mode even after 45 minutes. When we reported the issue, a technician came but merely switched modes randomly and left without fixing anything. When we returned to reception to request a room change, we were rudely told nothing could be done and were asked to stay in the same suffocating room — which had no windows and no ceiling fan.
Feeling helpless in a foreign country, we only received support after our local tour organizer intervened nearly an hour later, after which we were given a different room. Unfortunately, even the new room was just average and lacked any sense of comfort.
What truly shocked us was the theft of our Nikon DSLR camera, along with two lenses and its carrying bag, from our room on the second evening. Upon informing the receptionist MINH NHAN (HENRY), we were met with complete indifference. He refused to listen, even with a translator, and made no effort to investigate the situation, involve housekeeping, or check CCTV footage.
When we insisted on speaking to the hotel owner or manager, we were told it was "night time" and nobody could be contacted. He refused to provide any contact information and was blatantly uncooperative. His suspicious behavior made us feel that something was being hidden. Only when we mentioned calling the police and demanding CCTV footage, did he start to look nervous — yet he still refused to act.
Finally, with our tour organizer's help, we spoke to the hotel owner. After explaining everything, he assured us that CCTV footage would be reviewed and that he would respond within 90 minutes. Strangely, within just 75 minutes, the receptionist came to our room and returned the missing camera — with no explanation at all.
This clearly indicated that someone from the hotel staff was involved in the attempted theft, and the threat of involving the police forced them to return the camera. It was a deeply disturbing experience that exposed the serious lack of integrity, professionalism, and safety at this hotel.
Important Advice for Future Travelers Considering Elios Hotel:
Do not trust the photos on the booking websites — the rooms look far better online than in reality.
Thoroughly read recent reviews before booking.
Never leave valuables unattended — always lock them in your luggage or carry them with you.
Don’t expect support from the hotel staff — especially the male receptionists who are arrogant and unhelpful.
Be ready to escalate any issues — and don’t hesitate to threaten legal action if necessary.
You’re better off paying slightly more for a safer, more hospitable hotel experience.
Our stay at Elios Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City was extremely disappointing and distressing. We hope this review serves as a serious warning to fellow travelers. Please think twice before booking this hotel.
