Hanoi Backpackers Lodge

The hostel is okay, not too many people, which is a plus. The price isn't like a hotel, which is a downside. A bed costs 1070 Russian rubles. I paid with bonus points; I wouldn't stay here if I had to pay cash. The capsule has shelves that are dusty and clearly haven't been wiped – and again, the price is 1070 rubles, or 334,000 Vietnamese dong if you pay at the reception. The towel is incredibly worn out, and the pillow is rock hard, so I'm sleeping on the blanket instead. The blanket is very warm, but I'm 100% sure the duvet cover isn't changed; they only change the sheet (at best) and the pillowcase. The duvet cover doesn't smell fresh from washing at all; it smells of time and people. In Vietnam, laundry detergents are very fragrant, and they like things to smell strongly. So everything usually smells, but not the duvet 😉. In conclusion: it's fine for one or two nights if you're using bonus points, but it's not worth paying cash for even half a day. There are better and cheaper hostels in the center, costing 550-800 rubles. Otherwise, the location is good; it's a 23-minute walk to the lake and a 10-minute walk to a cafe with good coffee.

It was clean and nice, despite being in the city.

Great atmosphere, highly recommended.

It's about a 10-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The common area is on the first floor, with a small lounge. Nothing particularly special. There's some writing in the stairwell. Each floor has restrooms; the facilities are very good, and overall it's very clean and hygienic. Check-in is at 2 PM, so arriving early allows you to store your luggage in the storage room.