Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort

It’s just a three-minute walk from the city center, so restaurants and bars are easy to get to, while the hotel itself is quieter. The staff were really friendly and eager to help. The rooms feel a bit tired, and the breakfast buffet was only okay, but it’s a decent place in a great location.

We only stayed one night, but it was a good option in Ninh Bin. The property has a garden, pool, spa, and gym, and restaurants, bars, and shops are only a short walk away. Our large, clean room had the usual amenities and a nice view of Ninh Binh. The complimentary breakfast was more than enough, with local and a few continental choices. The toiletries could be better, and the shower is inside the bathtub, where the design lets some water leak out.

There are lots of Vietnamese and Western options at breakfast, and the location is handy for eateries and the Tam Coc sampan boat activity. The room could use some refurbishment, though. The tap made a loud noise when the shower was on, the tissue holder wasn’t secured properly so the roll kept slipping off, and the sliding door between the room and bathroom sometimes stuck and needed a hard pull to close.

We had to cancel because of a serious medical emergency, my wife needed urgent hospitalization. We contacted the hotel, explained what had happened, and sent the official hospital letter they requested. Even with that, they refused to cancel and charged us the full amount. I found the experience humiliating and felt there was no compassion or basic decency. It seemed like a conscious choice to put money ahead of people, not a technical mistake. When you’re dealing with a medical crisis, the last thing you need is to fight with a hotel over this. I don’t recommend it. Here, you feel like a credit card number instead of a guest.