Hanoi Travel Part 1: Review of Old Town Hotel and Golden Orchid Hotel, Old Quarter

For this Hanoi trip, I was looking forward to explore the Old Quarter as I was especially interested in the the 36 old streets which dated back to the 13th century. I've read and seen photos of this place and it looked interesting alright. So what a better way to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi than to stay in the Old Quarter itself! It may not be the right location for those seeking serenity or quiet getaways though, as this place is famous for being noisy, chaotic, dusty and a little crazy.  

Gia Bao Grand Hotel, Lo Su Street

There are many hotels to choose from in this part of town and most are very affordable. Because properties here are taxed based on the street frontage, most are long, tall but very narrow. 

I actually stayed in two different hotels. The first was Golden Orchid Hotel at Hang Tre Street. (Pic above: It's the 5 storey hotel on the far left)

It was previously known as Asia Paradise Hotel. Even though the name has been changed, the sign board has not.

The Deluxe Room we checked into was surprisingly spacious. The furnishing is simple and the fittings modest.

It is clean and comes with these facilities: air-cond., TV, mini-bar, free Wifi, and water heater in the washroom.

Our room has a balcony overlooking Hang Tre Street.

View of Hang Tre Street from our room.

The washroom has a separate shower cubicle, and basic toilet amenities were provided.

Picture of the hallway on the first floor. 
The lift is very tiny and has a capacity of not more than 6.

Except for a dining room, the hotel offers few other facilities.

Our room came with breakfast. There were only 3 choices in the menu and one of them was the English breakfast.
Overall our stay here was pleasant.
The manager and staffs were very friendly and helpful. The place is modest but clean and comfortable. It is 2 min walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, and near major tourist attractions. (about 2 to 3 km away) 
We stayed only one night here. After our return from a Halong Bay tour, we checked into another hotel.

The second hotel we stayed in is also located in the Old Quarters. Old Town Hotel, at Hang Chieu Street seemed a little more busy than Golden Orchid Hotel. It is also narrow and tall.

It has a rather inconspicuous entrance, sandwiched between two neighboring shops.

After the entrance, there is a winding stairways that leads to the hotel lobby.

This is the hotel lobby and reception. The hotel offers many tour packages and were actively promoting them to hotel guests.

We stayed on the 4th floor, Room 401.

It is a deluxe room with city view and a balcony.

The setting is different from the earlier hotel but the facilities are similar.

This is the lovely balcony outside our room and it overlooks the busy Hang Chieu Street.

View from my room.

There is a water heater in the washroom but it took some time to heat up.

The toiletries provided: comb, toothbrushes,soaps and shampoo.

Facilities in the lobby area includes an internet corner. Wifi is available in the rooms and it is complimentary.

There is a restaurant on the topmost floor. Our room came with breakfast. There was a choice of three menus, and for beverages it was coffee, tea or fruit juice. 

American Breakfast

Pho Ga

English Breakfast.

The staffs were friendly and the location, great. 
2 min walk to Dong Xuan Market, 10 minutes to Hoan Kiem Lake, 1 minute to weekend night market, food available at every corners, quite near major tourist attractions.


Related Posts:
2.Tourist Attractions Of Hanoi - Save Money By Walking
3. Hoan Kiem Lake Photo Gallery
4.Temple Of Literature Photo Gallery
5. The Tastes Of Hanoi
6. Savouring The Aroma Of Vietnam Coffee
7. Dong Xuan Market
8. The Street Peddlers Of Hanoi
9. Exploring The Streets Of Old Quarter, Hanoi
10. Shopping In Old Quarter, Hanoi

11. My 2D1N Halong Bay Cruise Travelogue

12. Hang Sung Sot Photo Gallery

13. Halong Bay Photo Gallery
14. An Unforgettable Boat Ride Through Trang An Grottoes
15. Bai Dinh Pagoda Photo Gallery