
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: 2BR Old Quarter Haven (Xuan's House)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic beauty that is Xuan's House, Hanoi's Hidden Gem: 2BR Old Quarter Haven. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews. I'm here to spill the beans, the pho broth, and everything in between. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a love letter, a rant, and a survival guide all rolled into one.
First Impressions (and the Panic Attack That Followed)
Finding Xuan's House felt like a treasure hunt. Navigating the Old Quarter is a sensory overload – motorbikes weaving through crowds, the aroma of street food assaulting your nostrils (in the best way), and a symphony of honking that could rival a Metallica concert. My first thought? "Dear God, I'm going to die in a motorbike accident." But then, BAM! There it was, nestled down a tiny alleyway, a haven of calm amid the chaos. I actually exhaled.
Accessibility? Okay, Let's Talk About This (and My Bad Knee)
Okay, let's be brutally honest. Hanoi, in general, isn't exactly designed for those with mobility issues. Xuan's House, while charming, isn't a palace of ramps and elevators. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I'm not sure what that encompasses. I didn't see any obvious ramps, so if you're heavily reliant on a wheelchair, double-check with them before you book. My own dodgy knee managed the stairs, but it wasn’t a graceful affair. The elevator is a lifesaver though!
The Room: My Sanctuary (and My Temporary Office)
The 2BR was spacious, a welcome relief from the shoebox hotel rooms I'm used to. Air conditioning was a godsend. I'm talking, "thank the heavens I'm not melting" level of relief. The Internet access – wireless (free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was blazing fast! I was able to work, video call, and stream my favorite shows. Internet access – LAN is also available which is a nice touch if you are a digital nomad. There's a Laptop workspace, which I appreciated. A desk was provided, too. The Bathroom was clean, and the shower had great water pressure. I'm a sucker for a good shower. Additional toilet was great for sharing with the group.
Cleaning and COVID-19: Did I Actually Feel Safe?
Okay, let's get real. Traveling during a pandemic is stressful. Xuan's House, however, took it seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. They even had individually-wrapped food options. I wouldn't say I was completely stress-free, but I felt like they were doing everything they could. I will say, I appreciated the room sanitization opt-out available option.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
No on-site accessible restaurants / lounges. But, you're in the Old Quarter! Street food is your oyster (or your banh mi, rather). They offered breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast, which was good. I had an Asian cuisine in restaurant one morning, and it was fantastic. Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver in the morning. There are so many restaurants, bars and coffee shops near by. Room service [24-hour] is available, which is perfect for those late-night pho cravings.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Basics
The staff were incredibly helpful. Concierge was great for recommendations. They helped me with currency exchange, a life saver when you first arrive. Daily housekeeping kept the place spotless. The laundry service was a godsend after a week of sweaty sightseeing. The luggage storage was handy for my early check in. The doorman were always friendly.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Did I Actually Chill Out?
Okay, the spa and fitness center are not available. However, the Old Quarter is the spa. Just wander around, get lost, and soak it all in. The vibrant atmosphere is enough to relax.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, or Not?
Family/child friendly is listed. They do offer a babysitting service.
Getting Around: The Great Mobility Maze
The location is perfect. You're right in the heart of the action. Airport transfer is offered, which I highly recommend (especially after the motorbike gauntlet). Taxi service is readily available.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Stuff They Don't Tell You
- The alleyway leading to the hotel can be a bit…dark at night. Bring a flashlight (or use your phone).
- Soundproofing? Pretty good, but you will hear the motorbikes. Embrace the noise! It's part of the experience.
- The breakfast buffet, while good, wasn't exactly Michelin-star quality. But hey, it's free and it's fuel!
My Emotional Reaction (Good and Bad): The Verdict
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the minor imperfections, Xuan's House is a gem. It's not a luxury resort, but it's a comfortable, clean, and well-located base for exploring Hanoi. It's got character, charm, and a staff that genuinely cares. I felt like I was staying in a friend's house, not a sterile hotel room.
The Offer: Xuan's House - Your Hanoi Adventure Starts Here!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Craving an authentic Hanoi experience?
Then ditch the boring and book your stay at Xuan's House!
Here's what you get:
- Prime Old Quarter Location: Step outside and be instantly immersed in the vibrant heart of Hanoi.
- Spacious 2BR Haven: Plenty of room to relax and recharge after a day of exploring.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your amazing adventures with the world.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Rest easy knowing they're taking hygiene seriously.
- Friendly Faces: The staff will make you feel like family.
- [Insert Limited-Time Offer, e.g., Free Airport Transfer or Discounted Breakfast]: Because who doesn't love a deal?
Don't miss out on this hidden gem! Book your stay at Xuan's House today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Click here to book now and experience the real Hanoi! (Insert Booking Link Here)
This offer is only available for a limited time, so don't delay!
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: OYO 93859 Saffa 27 Guest House Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this is my potential Hanoi trip, based on staying at Xuan's place in the Old Quarter. Prepare for a rollercoaster of excitement, caffeine jitters, and the inevitable existential dread of being a tourist.
Xuan's House - Private Rooms in OLD QUARTER - 2br Hanoi Vietnam: The "Hope This Works Out" Itinerary
(Note: This is all highly subject to change based on mood, weather, and how many delicious things I can cram into my face.)
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (aka, "Help, I'm in Vietnam!")
- Morning (or whenever the flight actually lands):
- 7:00 AM (ish) - Wake up. Or try to. International flights are a cruel mistress. Pray the coffee on the plane isn't that brown water they serve.
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Land in Hanoi. Breathe. Okay, deep breath. The humidity hits you like a warm, damp hug. Or a smothering blanket. Jury's still out.
- 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM - The airport shuffle. Immigration? Pray I filled out all the forms correctly. Seriously, I'm terrible at paperwork. Find the pre-booked taxi. Hope they speak at least a little English. Or mime well. Mime is a universal language, right?
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Taxi ride to Xuan's. This is where the real adventure begins. Hold on tight. Scooters. Everywhere. Honking. Non-stop. It's a symphony of chaos, and I'm utterly terrified and completely thrilled.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Arrive at Xuan's. Pray the place looks as good in person as it did in the photos. Pray the AC works. Pray the bed isn't too hard. Pray… just pray. Check in. Settle in. Take a deep breath and try to remember where I am.
- Afternoon: Food Glorious Food (and Mild Panic)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Unpack. Or don't. Maybe just throw the suitcase in a corner. Priorities, people!
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Lunch! First stop: Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles). I've seen the Anthony Bourdain episode. I have to. It's mandatory. Find a place with a buzzing crowd. If it's packed, it must be good, right? Order. Pray I don't accidentally order a whole pig.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Wander the Old Quarter. Get lost. It's part of the experience. It's also a surefire way to realize I have absolutely no sense of direction. Buy a conical hat. Feel ridiculously touristy. Embrace it.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Coffee break. Vietnamese coffee. Strong. Sweet. Possibly capable of causing heart palpitations. Worth it. Find a tiny stool on the sidewalk. Watch the world go by. Try to decipher the incomprehensible sounds around me.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Explore Hoan Kiem Lake. See the Temple of the Jade Mountain. Try not to fall in. Take a cheesy tourist photo.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Relax, get a shower, and prepare for dinner.
- Evening: Dinner, Drinks, and the Ghosts of French Colonialism
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner at a restaurant in the Old Quarter. Maybe phở (noodle soup). Or spring rolls. Or both. I'm hungry!
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Drinks. Bia Hoi on the street. Cheap beer. Tiny plastic stools. More people-watching. Try to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. Fail miserably.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Wander around the Old Quarter at night. The atmosphere is electric, buzzing with energy. Check out St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Feel slightly overwhelmed.
- 10:00 PM - Bedtime: Head back to Xuan's. Collapse. Try to sleep. The noise might be a challenge. Earplugs are my new best friend.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Culinary Adventures
- Morning:
- 8:00 AM - Wake up. Or drag myself out of bed. That jet lag is a killer.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Breakfast. Try to find some bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette). It's my quest.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Visit the Temple of Literature. Pretend to be cultured. Actually, it's pretty cool. Try to understand some of the history. Fail, but enjoy the beautiful architecture.
- Afternoon: A Deep Dive Into Food (and My Stomach's Limits)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch! Another new food adventure, time to explore.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Cooking class! This is a must. I want to learn to make some of these amazing dishes myself. Pray I don't burn anything down. Or myself.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Explore the shops, the markets, and the hidden alleyways. Look for souvenirs. Probably buy too much stuff.
- Evening:
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner. Try something I learned in the cooking class. Hope it's edible.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Water Puppet Show. So cheesy. So touristy. But I'm doing it. I'm embracing the cheese.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Drinks. Maybe a rooftop bar with a view. More people-watching. Reflect on the day. Wonder how much longer I can keep eating.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Back to Xuan's. Sleep. Repeat.
Day 3: The Longing to do more, the desire to stay in bed
- Morning:
- 8:00 AM - Wake up. Or, again, try.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Walk around the lake again, now I know the way and can't get lost.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Maybe a massage? I need it. All this walking is making me ache. Or maybe just stay in bed and order room service?
- Afternoon: A Day of Exploration and Inner Turmoil
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch. Decide I'm going to try a new restaurant.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Take a bus or a taxi to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Feel a sense of history. Be amazed by the crowds and the formality. Try not to yawn.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Visit the Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton). Feel sad. Reflect on the horrors of war.
- Evening:
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner. Maybe try a banh xeo (sizzling pancake).
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Shop for souvenirs, haggle, and be amused by my ineptitude.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Back to Xuan's. Pack (or at least start to pack). Maybe order one last Vietnamese coffee.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable sadness)
- Morning:
- 7:00 AM - Wake up. Sigh. It's already time to go.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast. One last bánh mì for the road.
- 9:00 AM - Check out of Xuan's. Say goodbye to the lovely people. Thank them for their hospitality.
- 10:00 AM - Taxi to the airport. Reflect on the whirlwind of the past few days.
- 12:00 PM - Fly home. Already planning my return.
Important Notes and Ramblings:
- **Food is

Hanoi's "Hidden Gem": Xuan's House - The Real Deal (Maybe?) - FAQs That Don't Sugarcoat Anything!
Okay, so "Hidden Gem." Is it ACTUALLY a gem, or just… *a place*?
The 2BR part… is it spacious? Because my partner and I… well, we like space.
What about the kitchen? Can I cook? I’m picturing Pho, Pho everywhere!
Is it clean? I'm a bit of a germaphobe. (Don't judge!)
The location, you said it was good? Like, *really* good?
Is there AC? Because humidity and I… we don't get along.
Okay, let's talk about the host, Xuan. Is she… helpful? Friendly? Or just a key handover?
The Balcony. You mentioned a balcony. Tell me everything!

