Hanoi's Hidden Gem: FELIZ Homestay Hang Ngang - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just stumbled out of the time machine (a.k.a. FELIZ Homestay Hang Ngang) in Hanoi, and I’ve got STORIES. Forget sanitized reviews. This is the real deal. And let me tell you, this place…it’s something else. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: FELIZ Homestay Hang Ngang - An Unforgettable Stay! (Really, Though)
First off, SEO folks, listen up! This place needs to be found. Keyword alert: Hanoi hotels, Hanoi homestay, Old Quarter Hanoi, best Hanoi accommodation, budget Hanoi hotel, Hanoi family friendly, Hanoi spa, Hanoi romantic getaway, Hanoi accessible hotel, Hanoi free wifi, Hanoi breakfast, Hanoi rooftop pool. Got it? Good. Now, onto the nitty-gritty…my stay (and the delightful chaos that ensued).
Accessibility: Mixed Bag but Promising
Okay, so full disclosure: I wasn't testing the accessibility specifically. But the Elevator was a godsend because, whew, those Hanoi streets are a workout. The Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and the staff seemed genuinely helpful. I saw a few things that might be a challenge for someone in a wheelchair, but I'd really recommend contacting them beforehand for specifics. This isn't always the easiest thing in Vietnam, but the staff are definitely trying to be accommodating.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuringly Obsessive
Look, the thought of travel in a post-pandemic world? It's terrifying. But FELIZ gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol…the list goes on. They even have room sanitization opt-out available, which, let's be real, is a nice touch. The Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. I felt…surprisingly safe. And the Room sanitization between stays? That's gold! They're going above and beyond.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (and a Hangover!)
Alright, foodies, listen up! This is where FELIZ truly shines.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yeah, you got your standard stuff. But the Asian breakfast options? Chef's kiss. The pho was life-giving after a night of…well, let's just say I explored the Happy hour situation thoroughly.
- Restaurants: They've got a few options! And the Poolside bar is an absolute must. Imagine this: rooftop pool overlooking the chaotic beauty of Hanoi, Happy hour drinks, and the sun setting. Pure bliss. Oh, and the Coffee shop? Fuel for exploration. I may have become overly reliant on their iced coffee…
- Room service [24-hour]: This is crucial, folks. Especially after a night out. Trust me. I may or may not have ordered pho at 3 am. It was glorious.
- A la carte in restaurant: Don't skip this, the menu is filled with wonderful options.
The "Pool with View" Experience…and My Near-Drowning Incident (Kidding! Mostly.)
Let's be real, the Swimming pool [outdoor] is THE highlight. It's perched on the rooftop, offering insane views of the Old Quarter. It's stunning. I mean, stunning. Picture this: You're floating in the pool, sipping a cocktail from the Poolside bar, the sun setting over the terracotta rooftops of Hanoi. Pure. Magical.
Ways to Relax: Spa Shenanigans and Sauna Sanctuaries
Okay, so I wasn't at the spa specifically for a treatment, I got a Body scrub and Massage. It was heavenly and I needed it after all that walking.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: They were incredibly helpful. Seriously, they booked tours, got me a taxi, and even gave me some local tips.
- Currency exchange: Super convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every day.
- Laundry service: Essential. Especially after a few sweaty days of exploring.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Works like a charm (crucial for posting those Instagram stories!).
- Airport transfer: Genius! Saves you the hassle of haggling with taxi drivers.
For the Kids: Making Memories
I didn't bring kids, but I can see this place being great for families. They have Babysitting service listed, and the staff is super friendly and patient, very Family/child friendly.
Available in All Rooms: Comfort & Tech? Got It Covered
- Air conditioning: Thank GOD.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Can’t stress this enough.
- Wake-up service: For those early morning adventures.
- Mini bar: For late-night cravings.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: For the workaholics.
The "Almost-Perfect" Imperfections (Because Nothing's REALLY Perfect)
- The walls aren't completely soundproof. I could occasionally hear the boisterous laughter (and late-night karaoke) of my neighbors. Let's call it "authentic Hanoi charm".
- Getting around the area is fine, but finding the homestay is a bit tricky, because Hanoi does that on purpose.
The Offer: Book Your Hanoi Adventure NOW!
STOP scrolling and BOOK!
Why FELIZ?
- Location, Location, Location: Right in the heart of the Old Quarter, close to everything. You can literally stumble out the door and be in the middle of the action.
- Stunning Rooftop Pool: Seriously, the photos don't do it justice.
- Delicious Food and Drinks: From the breakfast buffet to the poolside bar, you'll be well-fed and hydrated.
- Impeccable Cleanliness & Safety: Feel safe and relaxed, knowing the team are taking everything seriously.
- Incredibly Helpful Staff: They'll bend over backwards to make your stay unforgettable.
The Offer:
- Special Offer: Book now and get a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival.
- Bonus: Mention this review and receive a 10% discount on your first spa treatment.
Don’t wait! This place books up fast. Go ahead and book your stay at Hanoi's Hidden Gem: FELIZ Homestay Hang Ngang. You won't regret it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go back and start planning my return trip… and learn some Vietnamese!
Escape to Poland's Hidden Gem: Rozany Kepno Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, the raw, unfiltered, potentially-slightly-chaotic blueprint of my Hanoi adventure, based at the oh-so-charming FELIZ Homestay on Hang Ngang Street. Get ready for a wild ride…
Hanoi: A Messy, Magnificent, and Possibly Over-Caffeinated Adventure (aka My "Itinerary")
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (aka "When Did Hanoi Become So Loud?")
Morning (Before Noon):
- Land at Noi Bai International Airport. Expect to be momentarily bewildered by the organized chaos of the immigration line. Breathe. Try to look like you know what you're doing. Fail spectacularly.
- The Taxi Tango: Negotiate a taxi. I mean, BARGAIN. Don't pay what they initially ask. My strategy? Look sad, say "Too much!", and then offer a slightly less insane number. Works-ish.
- The Taxi Ride: Buckle up (maybe). Close your eyes (sometimes). Witness the motorbike ballet that is Hanoi traffic. It's like a choreographed dance… of impending doom.
- FELIZ Homestay Check-in: Finally! That sweet, sweet air conditioning. The staff at FELIZ is ridiculously nice. They’ll smile, offer you welcome juice (probably guava), and your brain will feel a little bit less… scrambled. Settle in. Embrace the cozy, slightly-worn charm.
Afternoon (Post-Guava Juice):
- Wander Hang Ngang: Okay, deep breath. Step outside. Now, the street vendors. The motorbikes. The smells (good and… less good). It’s a symphony of sensory overload. This is Hanoi. Embrace it.
- First Impression: My first thought? "Is everyone constantly honking?" Followed closely by, "Wow, this street is so narrow, I'm pretty sure a bus would have trouble getting through it." But then something clicked. You slowly start to get it.
- Lunch at Bún Chả Hương Liên (74 P. Đ. Đặc), just a short taxi ride, or 15min by walking, this is where Obama had bun cha. I'm not a huge fan of celebrity worship, but… I mean, Obama ate there. It’s a must-do. The bun cha is incredible, the atmosphere buzzy. Eat it with a local beer. Pretend you're a cool, worldly traveler.
- The Coffee Crawl Begins: Hanoi has a coffee obsession. And I, clearly, have an addiction to coffee. So… it's time for a research mission. First stop: a ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) at a tiny, hidden cafe. Prepare for caffeine bliss. Expect to be buzzing for the next 8 hours.
- Wander Hang Ngang: Okay, deep breath. Step outside. Now, the street vendors. The motorbikes. The smells (good and… less good). It’s a symphony of sensory overload. This is Hanoi. Embrace it.
Evening:
- Hoa Kiem Lake & Hoan Kiem Lake walk wander around the lake. People watching. Getting a sense of the city rhythm.
- Dinner at "Unknown Place". Stumble upon a local eatery, point at something on the menu that looks good, and hope for the best. It's part of the adventure! (Pray for no mystery meat.)
- Night Market Exploration: If you have the energy (and a strong sense of direction), hit the night market. Prepare to be overwhelmed with souvenirs, street food, and potential for haggling. My haggling skills? Remain to be seen.
- Bedtime: Crash. You will be exhausted.
Day 2: Culture, Chaos, and Coffee (Again!)
Morning:
- The Temple of Literature: Get your dose of culture. Beautiful, serene, a welcome respite from the street chaos. Take photos, pretend to be thoughtful.
- Anecdote: I wandered through the temple, feeling all cultured, then managed to trip over a small, unassuming stone. Almost ate the dust. Humiliating. But the temple? Still gorgeous.
- More Coffee! Time to find another coffee spot. This time, try a "egg coffee" (ca phe trung). Sounds weird, is weird, but it's also amazing. Find a place with a view and let your brain melt.
- The Temple of Literature: Get your dose of culture. Beautiful, serene, a welcome respite from the street chaos. Take photos, pretend to be thoughtful.
Afternoon:
- Water Puppet Theatre: This is a touristy thing, I know. But it's also strangely charming. The puppets are cute, the music is… well, it's a cultural experience. Don’t go expecting Shakespeare. Go expecting entertainment.
- The Old Quarter Exploration: Get lost (on purpose!). Wander the narrow streets, take photos of everything, and bask in the organized mess of it all. Find a hidden gem shop, try on a hat you'll never wear again, and buy a bag you'll probably regret.
Evening:
- Cooking Class. This is always a good idea. Especially if you love food like me. I'm hoping to learn to make pho. Wish me luck. This is where I aim to redeem myself from my disastrous curry making in Thailand.
- Dinner (Hopefully What I Learned): If the cooking class results in edible food, celebrate! If not, well, there’s always street food. More street food. (Please no mystery meat, universe.)
- Early Night: You’ll need the extra sleep.
Day 3: A Day Trip Disaster… and Recovery?
Morning:
- Day Trip to Ha Long Bay (Maybe): Okay, here’s where it gets tricky. The plan is (was) to go to Ha Long Bay. But there can be weather problems, so if the weather turns sour, expect a plan B.
- Anecdote. My friend warned me about the "tourist traps" and the "overcrowding" and all that. But the photos look amazing. I am very torn. Regardless, I'll book a tour. Hope for the best, expect the worst!
- Day Trip to Ha Long Bay (Maybe): Okay, here’s where it gets tricky. The plan is (was) to go to Ha Long Bay. But there can be weather problems, so if the weather turns sour, expect a plan B.
Afternoon:
- If Ha Long Bay happened: Boat trip, kayaking (maybe), spectacular scenery. Try not to fall out of the kayak. You'll need a wet suit and maybe a bit of anti-anxiety medicine as well.
- Rambling on Ha Long Bay: Okay, here’s the thing: everyone told me how beautiful it is. But… it's also a massive tourist thing. Will the crowds ruin the magic? Will I feel like I'm on a theme park ride instead of experiencing something real? Or, will it be truly breathtaking and worth the hype?
- If Ha Long Bay failed: Relax. Visit a museum. Get a massage. Eat more coffee.
- If Ha Long Bay happened: Boat trip, kayaking (maybe), spectacular scenery. Try not to fall out of the kayak. You'll need a wet suit and maybe a bit of anti-anxiety medicine as well.
Evening:
- Farewell Dinner: Find a restaurant near the homestay, eat some pho, and plan to return to this exciting city in the future.
- Packing + Reflecting: Pack your bag. Reflect on all the things you did (and didn't) do. Realize you'll need at least a week longer to truly explore the city.
Day 4: Departure (aka The "Oh No, I Don't Want To Leave!" Day)
- Morning:
- Last Minute Coffee: One last ca phe sua da. Savor it.
- FELIZ Goodbye: Thank the wonderful staff. Promise to come back. (And mean it.)
- Airport Run: Another taxi ride, another motorbike near-death experience. Pray for no traffic.
- Departure: Fly home, slightly overwhelmed, completely captivated, and already planning your next adventure.
Important Notes:
- Food Safety: Eat street food with caution. Look for places with lots of customers. Trust your gut. (And carry Immodium.)
- Bargaining: Bargain. Always. It's part of the fun (…and the frustration.)
- Motorbikes: Be careful crossing the street. Look both ways (and then look again.)
- Coffee: Embrace the coffee culture. It's the best part.
- Flexibility: This is a loose plan. Change it based on your mood, the weather, and how much coffee you've had.
- Have Fun! That's the most important thing.
This "itinerary" might be more chaotic than a Hanoi street, but it's my Hanoi experience. And hopefully, it'll be a damn good one. Now, wish me luck! I’m off to get lost (and caffeinated) again.
Escape to Paradise: Comfort Inn & Suites Barnesville (Near Frackville, New Boston & Morea)!
What's the absolute, honest-to-goodness *point* of doing this thing? (You know, *the thing*.)
Oh boy, where to even *begin*? Okay, so, I keep thinking: Is it really necessary? I'm going out there to "do the thing". Some days I think it's to prove a point, other days it is to prove it to myself. So, I do the thing... for bragging rights, for a good time, but mostly: because if I don't I'll never know. I heard a guy once say, he regrets what he didn't do more than what he did. And boy, that sunk in. The world's full of "what ifs" and I want to have as few as possible. So, yeah, the point? Honestly, it's usually to avoid the creeping dread of inertia and the nagging question of: "What's the worst that could happen?" (Spoiler alert: It's often not as bad as I build it up in my head.)
Okay, so *how* do you even *start*? Like, what's the actual, practical *first step*? I'm terrified.
Oof, the fear. I FEEL it. Before the first step, the best thing I do is just... breathe. Deeply. Really, really deeply. Then, find a tiny, achievable first step. I'm talking *tiny*. Like, I'm writing about *the thing* now! That's already a step! I mean, I'm sitting here typing, and that's still moving forward, right? (I swear, sometimes the hardest thing is simply *deciding* to start.) Seriously, break the thing down into its smallest, most manageable pieces. Then do *one* of those pieces. And then... pat yourself on the back. Celebrate the small wins! That feeling of momentum is what'll keep you going. Also, make a really good playlist. Essential.
I'm worried I'll fail. Like, epically. My inner critic is a *monster*. What do I do?
Oh, honey, the inner critic? Mine's got a PhD in demolition. First of all, acknowledge it. Let that monster roar. It's okay. Then, learn to *talk back*. "Okay, Critic, you're right. I'm scared. But what's the *worst* that could happen? Will I actually die? Or will I learn something? Be better? Be wiser? Be funnier?" (Often, the worst-case scenario is mildly embarrassing, maybe a bit uncomfortable, and *completely survivable*). Failure is just a dress rehearsal for success. And sometimes, even failure is kinda... hilarious. Embrace the messy parts. They make the good stuff so much sweeter.
How do I deal with the inevitable moments of "What have I gotten myself into?!"
The "What have I gotten myself into?!" moments? Oh, they're gonna happen. They're a guarantee, like taxes and hangovers. When it hits, try this: Sit down. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself *why* you started. Remember that little seed of excitement that got you going in the first place? Nurture that. Focus on the next tiny step. And then... embrace the chaos. Because the thing about those moments is, they're often when the *best* stories are made! (I once... well, I'll spare you the specifics, but let's just say I ended up in a situation involving a flock of very determined geese. It was a "What have I done?" moment for the ages – and now it's one of my favorite memories.) And don't be afraid to call a friend. Or eat all the snacks.
So, what if *I* fail? Seriously, what if I'm just not good enough?
Oh, the "not good enough" monster. That one's a classic. First, define "failure." What *actually* constitutes failure in your eyes? Did you give it your best shot? Did you learn something? Did you grow? Then, it's not really a *failure*, is it? It's a learning experience, a stepping stone. I went sky-diving, and let me tell you, I was *terrified*. I was convinced I would mess it up. That I would be the one who falls and is completely gone. It took the entire airplane ride for me to accept that the worst part was the fear. When I jumped, there was a moment of sheer terror, followed by the most incredible sensation of freedom! Yes, I did the thing, but it was how I felt, the memories made, and the courage I found that mattered. Did it work? Yes! Regardless of the outcome, you are more than enough. You are worthy no matter what. And if it was a genuine "failure" whatever that means to YOU, then dust yourself off, learn from it, and try again (or maybe try something totally different!). You are resilient. You are capable. And the world needs your messy, beautiful, imperfect self.
What's the single most important piece of advice you can give?
Ugh. Okay, the *one* thing? This is hard... It's not a step! It's not a tip! It's... *be kind to yourself*. Seriously. This is a journey. You're going to stumble. You're going to make mistakes. You're going to have days where you want to curl up in a ball and pretend the whole thing never happened. That's okay. Give yourself grace. Forgive yourself. And keep going (if you want to). Because, honestly, the biggest enemy is often the voice in your own head. Silence it. Or, at least, tell it to shut up and let you *enjoy* the ride!
