Paddy House Hanoi: Vietnam's BEST Hidden Gem? You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Paddy House Hanoi. Forget those sterile, polished hotel reviews – you're getting the real deal. Think less brochure, more drunken diary entry after downing a Banh Mi and a coconut. "Vietnam's BEST Hidden Gem? You HAVE to See This!"… well, let's find out, shall we?
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Getting There, the First Hurdle (And How They Handle It):
Okay, first things first. Accessibility is a HUGE deal, especially as someone who sometimes… well, let's just say I value a good elevator. Finding a truly wheelchair accessible place in Vietnam can be a quest worthy of Indiana Jones. Here's where Paddy House starts to shine. They say they're accessible. I'm not going to lie, I didn't personally test this (feet still work, thankfully!), but I saw a couple of reviews mentioning good ramps and elevators. This is a HUGE plus. It could make it a game-changer for travelers in wheelchairs, which deserve a lot more respect when planning a holiday.
I'm not going to lie, I didn't get the airport transfer. I went cheap and grabbed a Grab (basically Uber). But the fact they offer airport transfer is a massive convenience. After a long flight, the idea of haggling for a taxi feels like medieval torture.
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The Internet: Your Digital Lifeline (And My Personal Nightmare):
Right, let's talk internet. Because, let’s be honest, we’re all internet junkies. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yessssss! That’s always a good start. And they apparently have Wi-Fi in public areas. I used it plenty! The Internet [LAN] is available too, for those who like a wired connection (which is not me, I'm too lazy to plug something in). Internet services are good – I managed to stream Netflix without too many hiccups, though, on one occasion I had to go and get a coffee to get the internet back up. Oh yeah, I had to get the coffee on the terrace, which leads me to…
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The Terrace, the Coffee, and My Existential Dread:
Their terrace is pure bliss. Seriously, it's where I had my nightly coffee, and had some of my most important moments, and it's where I managed to escape from the internet problems. I'm pretty sure I almost had a spiritual awakening while sipping that Vietnamese coffee and watching the sunset. It's also an outdoor venue for special events, so if you’re planning a proposal…well, worth considering.
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Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Overeating):
Okay, so, food. My favorite topic. Paddy House has a restaurant, or rather, Restaurants. Plural! They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. There's a bar (of course!), a coffee shop, a snack bar, and even a poolside bar. I may or may not have spent a significant amount of time at the poolside bar, particularly during happy hour. Just saying…
They also have breakfast [buffet] and breakfast service. I'm a sucker for a buffet, and this one didn't disappoint. The fruit was fresh, the pho was on point, and I could fuel up for a day of exploring. Also, they have desserts in restaurant, which is important information.
The food's good, but it's important to emphasize it's not fine dining, but, this place certainly is a great place to start your day.
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Relaxation Nation: Spa, Pool, and Inner Peace (Maybe):
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Spa/sauna. Yes, please. And the swimming pool? Beautiful! The pool with view? Even better! I didn't have a Body scrub or Body wrap (too much lounging!), but the option is there. They also have a gym/fitness so you can work off the buffet. I didn't go, okay? Don't judge.
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Cleanliness and Safety: Because No One Wants the Hanoi Belly:
This is where Paddy House gets SERIOUS points. Cleanliness and safety are paramount, especially in a country like Vietnam. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They offer Hand sanitizer everywhere. They even have Sterilizing equipment. I'm not a germaphobe, but this level of attention put my mind at ease. I didn’t spend the whole time waiting for the Hanoi belly to get me (but, more on my, ahem, "adventures" later). They also have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit. They even use professional-grade sanitizing services. Impressive!
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The Rooms: My Personal Oasis (and Sometimes a Bit of a Mess):
The rooms. Ah, the rooms. They are generally fantastic. I was lucky enough to get one with a view, and it was a nice touch. I had air conditioning, which is essential. Blackout curtains for sleeping in (thank the travel gods!). The complimentary tea and free bottled water were a nice touch. The bed was comfy. Honestly? I have no complaints.
Okay, maybe one small complaint. I’m a messy person. The option for room sanitization opt-out available makes it a win for those who hate people touching their stuff.
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For the Families & The Love Birds:
They are definitely family/child friendly with babysitting service and kids facilities.
And if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, they have couple's room and even a place for a proposal spot.
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Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions (The Honest Stuff):
Okay, here's where I go off-script (because that's what I do).
- The Staff: The staff. They are amazing. They are friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care. This is the kind of place where they remember your name.
- The Location: The location is great! It's close to the Old Quarter, but it is in a side street and quiet enough to be not noisy.
- My Hanoi Belly Fears: Okay, yes. I was a little anxious about "it" and after an incident with some street food (my fault, not theirs!), and I needed a doctor (thankfully, they had one on call!). I felt pretty bad, and I have to praise their assistance.
- The Imperfections: There are always imperfections. One day, the hairdryer didn't work. Things happen. They fixed it quickly. It’s not the Ritz; it's real.
- The Vibe: Paddy House has a relaxed but luxurious vibe. It's not stuffy. It's comfortable. It's a place where you can actually relax.
The Verdict: Is Paddy House Hanoi a Hidden Gem?
Yes, absolutely. For the price point, the location, the cleanliness, the amenities, and most of all, the staff – Paddy House Hanoi is an absolute winner. It’s not flawless, but that's what makes it so charming. It's a place that feels like home, even if home is a hectic, vibrant city.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Pho Bowls (would be 5 if the coffee never ran out)
Paddy House Hanoi: Vietnam's BEST Hidden Gem? YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS! Book Now & Get:
A Special Offer Crafted for You:
- Exclusive Early Bird Discount: Book your stay at Paddy House Hanoi at least 30 days in advance and receive a 15% discount on your room rate.
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. We're talking Hanoi. We're talking Paddy House. And we're talking chaos, beauty, and probably a good cry or two. Prepare yourself.
Paddy House Hanoi: A Messy, Glorious Itinerary (Or, How I Learned to Love the Chaos)
Day 1: Landing and the Great Pho Fiasco
- 07:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): Oh god, the humidity. It hits you like a warm, wet hug. Or maybe a slightly suffocating wet blanket. Either way, I’m sweating before I even clear customs. Finding a cab is already a test of wills. The guy with the shifty eyes and the "I'll-give-you-a-deal-you-can't-refuse" grin? Avoid. Just… avoid. The official taxi queue is your friend. Trust me.
- 08:30 AM: Check-in at Paddy House: Okay, the photos online? They lied. (Just kidding! Mostly.) It's charmingly… rustic. Which is a nice way of saying the paint is peeling and the AC sounds like a dying walrus. But hey, the staff are smiley, the location is prime, and for the price? I'm in. After a short walk there, I want to go back to rest a bit due to exhaustion.
- 09:30 AM: Unpacking and Mental Reset: Okay, time to actually unpack. The backpack is overflowing chaos. And let's be honest, I'm already exhausted from the flight. I take a quick nap to get my strength back.
- 11:00 AM: The Great Pho Fiasco: Right. First mission: Pho. I read online that Pho Thin is the place to be. I venture out, armed with Google Maps and a naive sense of adventure. The street is a symphony of scooters, honking horns, and the tantalizing smell of… everything. I get lost. Repeatedly. I dodge a rogue motorbike with the grace of a newborn giraffe. Finally, I find Pho Thin. It's teeming with locals. Good sign, right? I order (pointing frantically at a picture) and wait. And wait. And wait.
- The Verdict: Worth the wait? Absolutely. The broth is a flavour explosion. The noodles are perfect. Even the chopsticks seem to have some sort of magic. I devour the whole bowl, feeling reborn. Next, is walking to Hoan Kiem Lake to get a taste of the Vietnamese culture.
- 1:30 PM: Exploring Hoan Kiem Lake: It's beautiful! The water, the turtles, the red bridge. It’s crowded, but in a good way, a lively buzz that’s infectious. I walk around, people-watching, and trying to resist the urge to buy a ridiculously oversized conical hat. (I fail.)
- 3:00 PM: Back to Paddy House for a nap. I'm not proud, but jet lag hits hard.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner- The street food adventures begin: I wander the streets, dodging scooters, and embracing the organised chaos. (I decide to sit in a small restaurant beside the road to feel what it's like)
- The Verdict: I ordered a plate of Bún chả, the iconic Hanoi dish of grilled pork and noodles. It's heaven. The grilled pork is smoky, the noodles are light and refreshing, and the dipping sauce is a flavour bomb. I eat the whole plate, feeling utterly and completely happy.
- 8:00 PM: Strolling the Streets: I decide to visit the night market which is in walking distance from the where I had dinner. I stroll through the Hoan Kiem Lake area, mesmerized by the lights and the energy. I buy some souvenirs and have a great time.
- 9:30 PM: Back to the Paddy House: Exhausted but exhilarated, I head back to the Paddy House, ready to crash. This is the life.
Day 2: Egg Coffee and a Scooter Scramble
- 7:00 AM: Wake up! It's time for egg coffee! I can't believe I woke up this early! This is very unlike me. But I'm promised this magical elixir. I dress up and head out, excited.
- 7:30 AM: Egg Coffee Nirvana: I find the legendary Giang Cafe (it's a bit of a trek, but totally worth it!). The egg coffee… it's like a sweet, creamy cloud. I take my first sip, and I’m in love. So good. I almost cry. Maybe I did. Don't judge.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring the Old Quarter: The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, overflowing stalls, and sensory overload. I wander around, getting delightfully lost, and admiring the ancient architecture.
- 11:00 AM: The Scooter Scramble (and the Near-Death Experience): Okay, so I’m slightly tempted to rent a scooter. Everyone does it! (And I mean, everyone.) I take a deep breath, find a rental place, and… learn to drive. (This is where things get dicey.) The traffic is absolutely insane. It's a ballet of scooters, cars, and pedestrians, all moving at breakneck speed. I'm clinging to the handlebars for dear life, narrowly avoiding collisions with a particularly aggressive cyclops. (Okay, maybe he just had a bad eye.) After an hour I quit.
- The Verdict: I make it back alive. I decide to walk.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch: I find a local restaurant.
- 2:00 PM: Visit the Temple of Literature: It's beautiful and peaceful. I wander around, trying to absorb some culture and escape the chaos of the streets.
- 4:00 PM: Cooking Class: I'm a terrible cook, but I'm up for the challenge! I go to a cooking class and learn to make spring rolls. Surprisingly, it was fun and surprisingly good.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: I use my new skills. I eat what I made. It's edible!
- 8:00 PM: Relaxing and making friends at Paddy House: I head back to Paddy House, chatting with fellow travellers.
Day 3: Halong Bay (The Day I Almost Drowned in Beauty)
- 7:00 AM: Wakey wakey! Halong Bay tour time! I'm ridiculously excited.
- 8:00 AM: Travel to Halong Bay: The bus ride is long, but it's worth it for the views.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Halong Bay, Vietnam: The bay… it's breathtaking. The limestone karsts rising out of the emerald water… it’s like something out of a movie.
- 1:00 PM: Cruise and Kayaking: Kayaking through the caves, and cruising with the ship. Absolutely beautiful.
- 3:00 PM: I have some free time, I decide to swim in the water. The water is cool, the scenery is beautiful. I stay there for a short time and go out.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner: I eat on the cruise.
- 6:00 PM: Sleeping in the cruise: I'm so exhausted that I decide to sleep.
- Day 4: Return to Hanoi: Return to Paddy House.
- Evening: Relax and pack.
Day 5: Farewell Hanoi and the Memories (and the Pho Cravings)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast: I'm already scheming about getting another bowl.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping: I frantically buy gifts for friends and family.
- 10:00 AM: The Last Pho: One last, glorious bowl of Pho. I savour every bite. And I cry a little because it's over.
- 11:00 AM: Check out of Paddy House: I say my goodbyes to the friendly staff.
- 12:00 PM: Travel to the Airport: The taxi ride is just as chaotic as when I arrived.
- 1:00 PM: Depart
Final Thoughts:
Hanoi is messy, loud, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable. It will challenge you. It will exhaust you. It will make you fall in love. And it will definitely leave you craving Pho. A lot. So, go. Embrace the chaos. And let Hanoi work its magic. You won't regret it.
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