Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Evergreen Hotel - Your Dream Vietnam Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, chaotic, and utterly captivating world of Hanoi's Evergreen Hotel. This ain't your sterile, corporate-cookie-cutter review. This is the REAL deal. I'm talking warts and all, a love letter sprinkled with a healthy dose of "well, that was interesting." Let's get messy!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Evergreen Hotel - Your Dream Vietnam Stay Awaits! (Spoiler Alert: It Mostly Does!)
First off, let's get the SEO junk out of the way. Because, let's face it, you're here for the Google juice, aren't you?
Accessibility: Accessibility, On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, Wheelchair accessible Okay, so I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see signs. And honestly, the elevators seemed pretty decent. More importantly, the vibe? Relaxed. Not stuffy. You get the sense they try. They really do.
Internet & Tech-y Stuff: Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events THE WIFI. Let's talk about the WIFI. It's… there. Mostly functional. Look, you're in Vietnam. Don't expect lightning-fast fiber optic. Sometimes it was snappy, sometimes it was like watching paint dry. But hey, it was free in the rooms, and I could mostly scroll through endless cat videos, so I can't complain too much. Maybe you shouldn't plan on streaming Netflix in 4K from your room. Just saying. LAN? Haven’t used that since the dial-up days. Still, options are good.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Oh, the Relaxation!) Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] Okay, THIS is where the Evergreen Hotel shines. I mean, if you're a relax-and-recharge type like me, you're in heaven. The pool with a view? ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Seriously, I spent hours just floating, staring at the city, and feeling my worries just… poof… disappear. The spa? Oh. My. Goodness. The best massage I've had in YEARS. The masseuse was skilled, the room was dimly lit, and I think I actually drooled a little. Don't judge me! The gym? Well, it had the basics. Treadmills, weights, the usual. I used it once. Don't tell anyone.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, Priorities!) Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment Okay, so I am a total germaphobe. I mean, I carry hand sanitizer for a reason, people! But I was genuinely impressed by the Evergreen's commitment to cleanliness. The place sparkled. They were serious about Covid protocols - staff wearing masks, hand sanitizer everywhere, you name it. They even have the Dr./Nurse on call. (Thank goodness, because, let's be honest, I did overdo it on the street food once.) And the individually-wrapped food? Genius. Total peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fuel Up!) A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant The food… varied. The breakfast buffet was pretty darn good. They had the usual suspects (eggs, bacon, pastries), but also some delicious Vietnamese options. But the real winner? The poolside bar. Sipping a frosty cocktail while soaking up the sun? Pure bliss. The other restaurants? Okay, the Happy Hour was fantastic! The food quality was okay, a bit inconsistent sometimes. Some dishes were divine, other things… not so much. But hey, you're in Hanoi! The street food is legendary.
Services and Conveniences (Making Life Easier) Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center The services! The convenience! I swear, they thought of everything. The concierge was amazing, always ready with a smile and helpful advice. The daily housekeeping? My room was fresh and clean every time I returned. Currency exchange? Easy peasy. And the doorman! So friendly and helpful. I particularly appreciated the coffee shop, because, again, I needed caffeine. The lack of a late-night convenience store was a minor inconvenience, but nothing devastating.
Rooms (Your Home Away From Home, But with a Few Quirks!) Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens The rooms themselves? Okay, they were good. Clean. Comfortable. The beds were comfy, the blackout curtains really did their job, and the air conditioning worked. But, and this is a big but, the decor? Let's just say it was… eclectic. Think a blend of modern and “what-my-grandma-would-like, plus the occasional random ornament. You could tell the style was not designed by a single person with a design plan. Not a deal-breaker, but definitely a talking point. Also, be ready for the occasional… unexpected sound. The plumbing wasn’t always the quietest. One night I was sure someone was taking a bath in my room, and it was just a neighbor flushing the toilet. But! The free bottled water was a lifesaver, and again, the wifi was FREE! Bonus points for the comfy bathrobes.
For the Kids (Family-Friendly Fun!) Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal I don’t have kids, so I can't give you a personal review of this section. BUT I saw plenty of families there, and they seemed happy. They have a babysitting service! That's a HUGE plus for parents. And the kids meal options? Nice touch! So if you’re traveling with little ones, this place seems like a winner.
Getting Around (Navigating Hanoi) Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking The Evergreen offers airport transfers, which is an absolute MUST after a long flight. The taxi service was reliable, and the staff were always happy to help with arranging transportation. The free parking is a nice bonus if you have your own wheels.
Safety/Security Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms I felt safe, which is a huge deal in a foreign city. The security was visible but not intrusive. The 24
**Jinjiang Inn Xuzhou: Unbeatable Dongshan Rd. Deal! (Jinshanqiao)**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-curated, Instagram-ready Hanoi itinerary. This is the messy, sweaty, "did I really just eat a mystery organ?" version. We're starting at the Evergreen Hotel, in Hanoi. And it's gonna be… well, something.
Hanoi: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (Evergreen Hotel as Base Camp)
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (AKA "Where Did My Brain Go?!")
- Morning (or "Whenever I Drag Myself Out of Bed"): Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Honestly, the airport was fine. Efficient, even. But stepping outside… whoa. The heat. The humidity. The noise. It's like every scooter in Vietnam decided to hold a rally simultaneously. I have been a global traveler before and I can easily get lost from the get-go, I asked the hotel to offer a pick-up and, thank God, a slightly sweaty driver holding a sign with my name on it! (I've made some bad naming decisions in the past. Like, really bad).
- Evergreen Hotel Check-In: The hotel is… charming. In the way that your grandma’s slightly outdated floral wallpaper is charming. The staff are lovely, though, and after the chaos outside, the air conditioning in the lobby is a GIFT FROM THE GODS. Quickly to the room. The "city view" is… rooftops. And a lot of satellite dishes. But hey, it’s clean, and there's a mini-fridge, which is crucial because I need a beer. Now.
- Afternoon: The Old Quarter Debacle: Okay, so the Old Quarter. I had grand plans of being all "cultured traveler." Instead, I got totally lost in the insane, glorious, beautiful chaos. It's like a giant, throbbing human artery, spewing out everything from silk scarves to live chickens.
- Wandering Lost, Eating Everything: I just started walking. Didn’t really look at a map. Just followed the smells. Pho. Banh Mi. Sticky rice. I ate it all. Probably questionable street food from a stall that looked like it hadn’t been updated since the French left. But delicious. And the people-watching? GOLD. Little old ladies selling fruit wearing conical hats, motorbikes overflowing with goods, and that one guy who somehow was juggling three pineapples while weaving through traffic. It was truly the most beautiful chaos.
- The Dreaded "Haggle of Shame": Okay, so I tried to buy a silk scarf. I failed miserably at the haggling game. Ended up paying way too much. The vendor clearly saw me coming. I think I blushed and paid her.
- Evening: Water Puppet Theatre & Beer Heaven: Okay, the water puppet show. It was… charming! Dragons spewing water, puppets dancing, a live band… fascinating, a little… weird. But absolutely worth it.
- Vietnamese beer-: Then came the best part of the day. The beer. A local beer. A small plastic table on a street corner. Watching Hanoi life go by. Bliss. I ordered a second one. And a third. Okay, maybe a fourth. Don’t judge me. It was hot!
Day 2: Temple Tranquility & My Failed Cooking Class
- Morning: Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: So, I actually managed to get up early! Yay me! Found the lake. Beautiful. The Temple… peaceful. I almost felt… zen. Keyword, almost. It lasted until I saw the hordes of tourists snapping selfies.
- The Turtle Myth: I swear, I saw a massive turtle. Like, Loch Ness Monster-sized. No, it was probably a regular-sized turtle. But in my mind, it was ancient and wise. And probably plotting the next global takeover.
- Afternoon: Back to the Old Quarter & Cooking Class Fail:
- Cooking Class…Epic Fail: I signed up for a cooking class. Thinking I'd be the next Vietnamese Iron Chef. Nope. I’m pretty sure my attempt at spring rolls looked like… well, let's just say it’s a good thing I had no audience, I was definitely the least talented in the class. I burnt the noodles. I spilled fish sauce. I think I almost set my apron on fire. In my mind, I probably was the worst cook to ever try learning how to cook, but maybe it was the most fun.
- Bonus: The instructor and the other classmates were all so nice and helped out a lot, but the chaos of the lesson made it that much funnier! We all ended up leaving the class extremely happy.
- Evening: Dinner & (More) Beer:
- Dinner: Went to a restaurant. The food was okay. Forgettable, honestly.
- Beer, Round Two: Back to the street corner. Same spot. Same beer. I may have made friends with a local. He spoke no English. I spoke no Vietnamese. We laughed anyway. I think we understood each other perfectly.
Day 3: The Train Street & Departure (With a Side of Existential Dread)
- Morning: Train Street & Heart-Stopping Moments: Okay, this was the highlight. Train Street. Those photos, they are real! You walk along the railway tracks where the houses are built incredibly close to the train tracks. The train comes, and you scramble back, and the train’s noise goes into your veins.
- Near-Death Experience (Almost): I was a little too close to the tracks. Not really a near-death experience, but the train thundered past REALLY close. My heart was in my throat.
- Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping & Last-Minute Panic: Trying to shop. Needed to buy gifts. Again, a total failure. I ended up buying some random trinkets for my friends.
- The "I Didn't Pack Enough" Meltdown: Right before leaving, I realized I'd forgotten to buy something for myself. So, back to shops. All the shops look the same. Everything is overpriced. And now I'm really panicking about overpacking.
- Evening: Departure (and a Promise to Return, Eventually): Back to the airport. Goodbye, Hanoi. Goodbye, chaos. Goodbye, delicious, maybe-questionable street food. I already miss it. I still have a lot to learn. I'll come back because there's a whole lot more to experience. Even the hotel in Hanoi. So long, Hanoi! Until next time!
Final Thoughts:
Hanoi isn’t perfect. It’s hot, it’s loud, it can be overwhelming. But it’s also vibrant, beautiful, and full of life. And the food? Oh, the food. Just go. Don’t overthink it. Get lost. Embrace the mess. And bring a lot of deodorant.
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Hanoi's Evergreen Hotel: You've Got Questions, I've Got (Mostly) Honest Answers!
1. Okay, spill! Is the Evergreen Hotel actually... good? Everyone's raving!
Alright, alright, settle down! Good? That depends on your definition of "good" and how much you're willing to forgive. Let's be real, Hanoi is a sensory overload – glorious chaos, the most amazing street food, and sometimes: questionable plumbing. The Evergreen? It's... a solid contender. It's not the Four Seasons, folks. You're not going to find a Michelin-starred chef in the breakfast buffet (though the pho WILL make you weep with joy). But it *is* clean (mostly – more on that later!), the staff are genuinely lovely, and the location? Golden.
2. Location, Location, Location! Where *is* this magical place? And is it actually *in* the Old Quarter like everyone says?
YES! It's in the thick of it! Right smack-dab in the heart of the Old Quarter, which means... get ready for the motorbike symphony that never sleeps. Seriously, the soundproofing isn't *perfect*. (Bring earplugs! Trust me.) But being there means you can stumble out the door and be instantly engulfed in the glorious pandemonium of Hanoi. Street food vendors yelling, the smell of pho wafting through the air, vendors trying to sell you… well, everything. It's pure, unadulterated Hanoi. You're practically tripping over temples and tiny cafes. It's... invigorating. Exhausting. But invigorating.
3. Let's talk rooms. Are they actually as pretty as the pictures? And are they clean, or... you know... HANOI-clean?
Okay, the pictures? They're… embellished. Let's be honest. But the rooms are definitely *nice*. Expect charming decor (lots of wood!), decent-sized beds, and, generally, a feeling of calm amidst the chaos. Now, about the cleanliness… Hanoi-clean is a spectrum. I'm talking, sometimes you catch a stray hair, or a slightly questionable stain. But hey, it's Vietnam! Things get dusty. Overall, they *do* a good job. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I survived. Just don't go expecting surgical-suite pristine. And, and this is a big one, *check the AC*. Mine was blasting arctic air one minute, then spewing hot, humid air the next. A minor meltdown was had before the staff magically fixed it.
4. The breakfast! Is it worth getting out of bed for? I'm a breakfast fiend.
YES! Absolutely. Come hungry. Forget everything you know about continental breakfasts. They *do* have the usual suspects – toast, fruit, cereal – but the real star is the Vietnamese food. The pho? To. Die. For. Seriously, I could eat it every single morning. There's also fresh spring rolls, amazing coffee (Vietnamese coffee, people!), and usually some other delicious, mysterious dish I couldn’t identify but happily devoured. The food... it's a highlight, seriously.
5. The staff! Are they as helpful as everyone says? I’m a nervous traveler.
The staff are angels. Truly. They are incredibly friendly, patient, and genuinely want you to have a good time. I got hopelessly lost one afternoon (thanks, Google Maps!), and they helped me find my way back. They organized tours, booked transportation, and even gave me advice on where to find the *best* banh mi in the city. They speak decent English. They’re the main reason, even with small imperfections, the Evergreen shines. Seriously, don’t underestimate how important it is to feel safe and supported in a new place. They do that.
6. Okay, so, the BIGGEST question... the Wi-Fi. Is it reliable? Because I'm working remotely... and stress is a real thing.
Listen, I understand the remote worker struggle. The Wi-Fi? It's... *okay*. Let's put it this way: it's good enough for basic browsing and emails. I wouldn't try to stream a Hollywood blockbuster. There were occasional dropouts, but generally, it held up. I wouldn't plan on doing any heavy-duty video conferencing. It's Vietnam, remember? Sometimes the digital gods frown upon you. Prepare to embrace the occasional lag. Maybe have a backup plan, like a SIM card.
7. The elevator? Is there one? Because carrying luggage up stairs is NOT my idea of a good vacation.
Yes! There is indeed an elevator. Thank goodness! My luggage, and my aging knees, were eternally grateful. Though, I remember one morning... the elevator was out of service. And, being me, my room, of course, was on the top floor. Five flights of stairs. It wasn't the end of the world, but it was a stark reminder that EVERYTHING doesn't always go smoothly in Hanoi. And, honestly? Totally worth it when you get to relax in a nice room with air conditioning.
8. What about noise? I’m a light sleeper! Motorbikes and all…
Brace yourself, my friend. Hanoi is a city that never sleeps, and neither (potentially) will you. The Old Quarter is LOUD. Motorbikes are a constant soundtrack. The Evergreen, being *in* the Old Quarter, doesn’t escape this. They do have decent windows, but you'll still hear *something*. Earplugs are your best friend. Really, packing a good pair is vital. Beyond the motorbikes, you might also hear some other loud noises – street vendors shouting (part of the charm!), construction (inevitable!), and maybe even your neighbor's karaoke (okay, that one’s less charming). But the experience? It's so worth it.
9. Okay, the rooftop terrace. Is it as amazing as it looks? And what about the street and the "views?"
The rooftop terrace? It's lovely. It's a welcome oasis of calm amidst the chaos. It's small. The views? They’re… city views. You're looking out at a sea of rooftops, which are charming in their chaotic way, especially at sunset. It is a nice place to have a drink or relax after a day of exploringHotel Search Tips
