Vietnam
, Hanoi and North 
Min-Jung
The check-in was difficult as the owner of the hotel wasn't able to communicate in English. She used a translator device but it was limited to communicate properly. Especially, when she tried to explain the rule that we are only allowed to use one of the two beds in the superior double room we booked, it was so difficult to understand. In my entire life of travelling more than 30 countries internationally, I have never experienced such a rule (oh, I guess a cheap youth hostel bed in a shared room could be an exception). We asked for a late check-out and were willing to pay for extra four hours. On the day of check-out, we asked for 10-20 minutes more but she refused excusing for other customers coming in. We ended up waiting in the lobby where there is no AC for about 30 minutes to be picked up. It was 36 C. The hotel is also home for the owner's family, which is fine. But most of time, there is no one in the front desk. We also noticed that the owner entered our room without notification.
The neighbourhood where the hotel is located in lacks food options. Most places don't have English menu and we couldn't communicate with the restaurant staff properly. The Ninh Binh is an interesting place to explore but I don't recommend to stay overnight, especially the area and this particular hotel. If you are fluent in Vietnamese and familiar with the food culture, I am sure you wouldn't have problem. The hotel and the owner would be reasonable for you.
The neighbourhood where the hotel is located in lacks food options. Most places don't have English menu and we couldn't communicate with the restaurant staff properly. The Ninh Binh is an interesting place to explore but I don't recommend to stay overnight, especially the area and this particular hotel. If you are fluent in Vietnamese and familiar with the food culture, I am sure you wouldn't have problem. The hotel and the owner would be reasonable for you.
