The Church Boutique Hotel Hanoi

Imagine our excitement when we touched down in Hanoi. We’d had a brilliant flight and been attended to hand and foot, but a cunning little cottonwool cloud floated over our sunny autumn horizon as we were ripped off at the tourism counter when we ordered a taxi. Charging us an arm and a leg, the very officious clerk even presented us with a receipt!

The little cloud grew darker and more menacing, especially when we saw our thunderous taxi driver. He didn’t utter a rumble and virtually ignored us. English became a foreign language. The drive from the airport to our hotel was quite educational, as it was our first taste of Vietnam. Once in the heart of the city, the mayhem transported us back to the heat, humidity, and chaos of Mumbai. I felt like Dr. Who, dashing in the wrong direction in time and space.

We screeched to a halt outside The Church Boutique Hotel on Hang Gai Street in Hoan Kiem, in the Old Quarter, at midday on a sweltering Saturday afternoon. Here, buildings are packed like sardines in a tin. No wonder the US lost the war; not even a GPS will find the location unless you’re a native or very vigilant.

Note to anyone interested: in the year dot, a tax was imposed on a building's footprint and façade. To avoid paying these taxes, dutiful citizens then came up with a Master Plan. They made the “footprint” as small as possible, and the façades are often only a few feet wide.

We’d hardly stopped when two doormen in livery greeted us with huge smiles. I must be getting old, as I’ve never been escorted by an elbow to safely cross from one pavement to another. He can thank his lucky stars he didn’t pat me on that hand, mind! It was comforting to see the narrow street swarming with scooters, motorbikes, motorcars, pedestrians, and carts.

I almost swooned as the large glass doors swung open, and I floated in on a cloud of white, carried by a cool, gentle breeze! The staff rushed forward to offer us seats and refreshments. We flopped down, soaked to the bone. The deliciously cold limeade tasted like nectar from the gods.
Eventually, once we’d regained our composure, Mrs. Sue, an angelic staff member, floated over to assist us with check-in. She quickly arranged a suite on the ninth floor with a street-facing balcony, ensuring we wouldn't be disturbed by street noise, which made a big difference in our comfort.

A newly renovated establishment, tastefully decorated. Our suite was spacious and well-appointed, and the balcony was adequate, with two chairs and a small cocktail table. Upon our arrival, we were presented with a fruit basket and bottled water. All rooms have stocked refrigerators. The shower room was large, with a modern, good-sized shower, and ticked all the boxes in my book.

Hanoi is known for its magnificent selection of street food, restaurants, and eateries, so one is spoilt for choice. We only went down for breakfast on one occasion. A regular buffet is served, with Western and Asian specialties—a good selection of breads and pastries, fruits, yogurt, fresh fruit juices, etc. I had my usual caffeine kick, but for real Vietnamese coffee, one goes local. Remember, coffee is one of Vietnam’s main exports, and the Vietnamese are expert brewers. The bouquet, choice, and ambience are all happening on the street.

The memory of my stay at the Church Street Boutique Hotel might fade, but the friendly, helpful, and kind staff will stay with me much longer. Nothing was too much trouble; when we had a broken toilet seat, it was promptly fixed. Mrs. Sue helped us with reservations, phone numbers, and taxis; not once did we feel as if we were imposing on her time, nor did she show any impatience with us.

Her mapping skills and directions were flawless, and her suggestions were perfect, even if she had to repeat them umpteen times. We often asked her to direct us to markets, restaurants, or landmarks; she did so with grace, knowledge, and enthusiasm. She is a gem and an asset to her employers.

On our last evening in Hanoi, I wanted to try fresh spring rolls, a Vietnamese specialty. I asked Mrs. Sue if she knew where we could enjoy them; her face lit up when the penny dropped, and she sent us on our way to Quan An Gon, a gastronomic experience like a food court showcasing various Vietnamese specialties and traditional dishes. What I like about the establishment is that it is mainly frequented by locals, with a sprinkling of tourists. This is always my yardstick.

Without ever humming or hahhing, every request we had was graciously granted; nothing was a problem or an inconvenience. For example, we left our luggage in safekeeping during our excursions to Halong Bay and Sa Pa. Upon our return, every effort was made to help us relax and prepare for our flight to Hoi An, leaving us well cared for and at ease.

Tip: If you book a room in a Vietnamese city, insist on a window, a garden view, or a room with a view. Because of the “building restrictions,” one may find oneself in a room without a window or with a very poor view.

I almost forgot to mention the free Wi-Fi. It's available everywhere you go in Hanoi. Ask!

Cảm ơn bạn đã làm cho chúng tôi cảm thấy như gia đình

CONTACT DETAILS:

Hotel: Church Boutique Hotel - Hang Gai,
Church Boutique Hotel - Hang Gai
95 Hang Gai Street, Hoan Kiem
Hanoi, .
Viet Nam
Tel: +84 0439382233
Fax: +84 0439382155
e-mail: [email protected]