Hotel Name: Bluebell Hotel.
Address: 41 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
I stayed at Bluebell Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam. I booked online at the rate of 400,000 VND per night ($16.50 USD) and I booked it for its price and location in Hanoi. The Bluebell Hotel is in the alleys near the Hanoi Cathedral, which is a popular area for backpackers. This is one of the best areas to stay in Hanoi if you are a visitor.
The Bluebell Hotel is off one of the main backpacker streets in Hanoi (Ngo Huyen). This area is a quieter backpacker area compared to the Old Quarter area near the Beer Street. This is a good spot to be able to walk around the city. I also like that you can hear the bonging of the church bells from here.
[Map of Bluebell Hotel in Hanoi.]
The hotel is clearly marked, but I’m not sure if it qualifies as a hotel. It’s more like a guesthouse, though in reality it’s more like some rooms that are rented above a motorbike rental shop. The reception doubled as the bike shop and it was an informal checking in experience.
I was checked in and shown to my room. I was given help carrying my bag as my room was on the 5th floor. The floors are counted in the British/Australian style, so that would be the 6th floor for US renters. Either way, I got a workout every time I went back to my room.
The room was as spartan as you would expect a budget room to be.
My main issue with budget rooms in Hanoi has been old and mouldy rooms. I always try and book rooms with a window, especially when are hotels in little alleys. All the rooms here faced the alley, and my high floor meant I got plenty of light.
I liked that they used local photos to decorate the wall. It is surprising how many cheap hotels use photos of other cities on their walls.
The bathroom was in ok order, but the shower was plumbed to the tap on the sink. This was just an annoying way to install a shower. The hot water system was a little tank instead of the usual instant hot water systems that are found in guesthouses.
When I arrived at my room I was delighted to find that the wifi box was next to my door. Despite this, my wifi kept dropping out. I ended up being given another login of a neighbouring property, which wasn’t the strongest.
I was here during a cold autumn week so I didn’t need air-con, and the room was comfortable during my stay.
Overall this place is suitable for backpackers who want to upgrade to a private room. Check the Bluebell Hotel online, or search for more hotels in Hanoi.
