Ninh Binh Sona Resort

Our garden view room smelled bad, hadn’t been cleaned properly, and looked nothing like the pictures. It also had several leaks in the bathroom. We asked to move because we didn’t want water dripping on us while using the toilet or brushing our teeth, but were told there wasn’t another room and we’d have to stay. After we pushed for a refund, they moved us to a superior room that did look like the pictures. We were charged a full night for checking in early even though our room was already available. We were tired, so we accepted it. Ngoc Anh was genuinely kind and attentive about our situation, unlike the woman who seemed to be in charge in the mornings. We would have written this on the booking app, but they haven’t let us.

It’s a little way out of the city, but the price feels worth it. They arrange very cheap pick-up and drop-off transport, and bike rentals are nearby. I’d definitely recommend it.

The staff were really friendly, and the rooms were spacious and clean. There’s a pool open all day, and you can order food like rice or noodles. For other restaurants, it’s about 20 minutes on foot to the old town or two minutes by Grab, around 1 euro. They have a few bikes you can borrow for free, plus paid laundry service. We had a lovely stay.

The warm welcome from the girls there was the best part. They suggested places for dinner, sorted out motorbike rental, and arranged a private driver to take us to pu luong. The building is fairly new and very close to the old city. Our room was clean and spacious, there’s a nice pool, and breakfast was excellent.