Lets start with the basics. Flamingo Rerort Cat Ba cannot be considered as a 5-star hotel. Yes, its built at an ideal location and some of its facilities look amazing but there are several issues to be resolved in order for it to be considered a top notch resort. From a 5-star hotel visitors can usually expect:
- Provisions such as laundry bags, cold water and perhaps different drinks options in the fridge (especially at a tropical desitnation), an iron and an iron board
- A place (bar, market) where you can buy things (food, drinks, other necessities)
- A business centre or at least some quiet corners with desks where people that need to work can set their laptops
- Prices that are more expensive than outside the resort but not a rip - off
- English speaking customer supprt and reception agents and managers
- Reliable and fast problem solving
Well, you guessed it right....Flamingo Resort Cat Ba doesnt provide any of the above!!! And many other things that might escape my memory now after a disappointing 2-day stay there.
The worst part of our stay was using the laundry service. After calling the reception using the room phone device three times to request a pick up (there were no laundry bags in the room), i had to go to the reception myself. They returned the clothes the next day with oil stains. Upon complaining to the reception they promised a resolution. Which never came. I had to use Trip.com customer support to get some compensation because you guessed it right: THEY FORCED ME TO PAY FOR LAUNDRY TO LET ME LEAVE EVEN AFTER TWO ITEMS OF CLOTHES WERE DESTROYED BY OIL STAINS.
In summary...Flamingo Resort Cat Ba is built in an amazing location and has access to three nice beaches. However, they are not exclusive and they are open to public. it means they can get very busy. If you dream about relaxing on a sunbed drinking something, that aint gonna happen either. Tehre is no bar or service people to get you even water. You need to go to reception (which is 10-15 min walk from 2 of the three beaches) to get a bottle of water or a beer.
Dont let the photos deceive you. The place isnt the heaven it promises. It offers basic services and amenities that you pay 2x or 3x than other similar resorts in the area. I would recommend you avoid it if you are looking for a luxury resort