Hanoi Traveller House

I’ve been in Hanoi for 11 weeks, nearly three months, and this is easily the best hostel I’ve stayed at. There are several bathrooms and showers, so I never had to wait. The showers were the best I’ve had in Vietnam, with strong pressure and hot water the whole time, even right after someone else and even when I took a long shower. Wi-Fi was great. My dorm was huge and mostly quiet, the AC was just right and wasn’t switched off for 12 hours or set colder than outside, like at half the hostels here. There’s a quiet, lovely roof on floor 9, and an elevator up to 8. The lockers are huge and have keys. The staff are friendly and don’t try to rip you off. Water prices are listed, so there’s no making up a price and pocketing the difference, which happens constantly even in small grocery stores. I had a problem with my second booking running longer than my visa, and they adjusted it and refunded me. I’d offered to let them keep the extra because of my mistake, but they refused. They also offer to change your sheets regularly during long stays. I’m so glad I found this place, I can’t say enough good things about it.

The bed felt like a brick, probably the most uncomfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on. The AC was weak, so the room felt like a hot box most of the time and it was a struggle to sleep. There were loads of little ants in both the room and bathroom, and I could constantly feel them on me. It was also incredibly noisy, from staff having loud conversations right outside the door early in the morning and from other guests. The best thing about this hostel is its prime location in Hanoi’s old quarter, with clubs, restaurants, and shops right outside.

The room noise was my one regret. There was music from the bar until 11pm, exactly when it stopped, but people getting up and moving around in bed was harder to deal with. I wish I’d paid the extra 60,000 VND for a 10- or 4-bed dorm; fewer people would have meant less of that noise. Everything else made this a place I’d gladly return to. The lounge was comfortable, the facilities and breakfast were great, the internet was fast, and green tea and coffee were available all day and night. It’s also right in the Old Quarter, close to shops, entertainment, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and lots of bus routes. I’d stay here again next time I’m in town.

The location is lively, especially on weekends, and there are Indian restaurants within walking distance. The room, washrooms, and general cleanliness were okay, and most of the staff were nice and helped us with our luggage. The breakfast selection was very limited, basically an omelette and some fruit. The cook at the counter was a bit rude and didn’t communicate well. We stayed two nights, but our arrival was difficult. We got there around 6-7 AM with four adults and a child, and they wouldn’t offer early check-in even though we were willing to pay extra. They kept saying there were no rooms, despite visible checkouts. Waiting in the lobby from 6 AM until 2 PM was hectic, so we went to another hotel for a few hours and had to pay for a full day there. It’s a simple, decent place, but that wait was rough.