Queenie Hotel Haiphong: Your Luxurious Vietnamese Escape Awaits!
Queenie Hotel Haiphong: My (Mostly) Glorious Vietnamese Getaway! - The Honest Review You Need!
Okay, so let's be real. Planning a trip, especially to a new country like Vietnam, is a process. Hours of scrolling, comparison shopping…and then you stumble upon Queenie Hotel Haiphong. "Luxurious escape awaits!" they promised. And, well, they weren't exactly lying. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this review's going to be as messy and opinionated as my packing skills.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Getting In (and Around) with Ease
Right off the bat, I gotta say, the location is pretty darn good. Haiphong isn't exactly Hanoi, but it's got its own charm. And the Queen's location, especially for a first-timer like me, was perfect. It's close enough to the action without feeling chaotic.
Now, for the important stuff: Accessibility. This is where Queenie shines. They're clearly trying, and that matters. Elevators? Yep. Facilities for disabled guests? Yup. I didn't need them personally, but I did see thoughtful touches like ramps and what looked like accessible rooms. Seriously, points for effort, Queenie! The public areas were pretty spacious, making getting around easy. I saw a few different people navigating with canes or wheelchairs, and it seemed to be manageable. Score!
Making Yourself at Home (and Staying Connected):
Internet Access? Glorious! Free Wi-Fi in the rooms. Yes, please! Actually, it was pretty darn reliable, which is a lifesaver when you're trying to post Instagram stories about your delicious pho. There’s also Internet [LAN]. Just in case. I did a couple of Zoom calls for work – crucial for not getting fired while traveling, and it worked perfectly. Internet services, overall, were solid. They even had Wi-Fi in public areas, which is a nice touch for those awkward moments when your phone's about to die and you need to find a charger.
The Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly!)
Okay, the rooms… let's talk rooms. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Absolute necessity! I'm a terrible sleeper, so those babies were a godsend. Free bottled water? Always appreciated. Coffee/tea maker? Essential for my sanity. I was in the room with the extra long bed which was great and also had a seating area which was nice.
The little things, the things that can make or break a trip, were pretty good. The daily housekeeping was on point; my room was always sparkling clean. Bathrobes? YES! Slippers? Double yes! Like, hotel slippers are a small luxury that I'm always on board with. Soundproofing? Pretty decent, although I did hear a faint rooster crowing one morning. Maybe it was the Vietnamese equivalent of a wake-up call?
Honestly, the rooms were really well thought-out. I was in rooms that had all the Available in all rooms features. 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, etc.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food! (And Drinks!)
Okay, the food. This is where Queenie really delivered. I was blown away. Breakfast, included in my room rate, was a triumph. They had the usual suspects – Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast [buffet]. But the real magic happened with the A la carte in restaurant, the Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and the Vegetarian restaurant options. Oh, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant. Seriously delicious. The pho was legit. The spring rolls were addictive. And the coffee? I swear it was the strongest, most delicious coffee I've ever tasted. (I mean, I'm probably exaggerating, but it was really good). They've got a Bar, a Poolside bar, and a Snack bar. The Happy hour specials were a bonus, too! The Desserts in restaurant were great.
They do Breakfast takeaway service (crucial for early excursions!). Also, they had a Room service [24-hour]. You know, for those late-night cravings when you have to have a club sandwich. I didn't get a chance to try it myself, but I saw a few people ordering.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: Spa Day Bliss!
Alright, time for the real indulgence. The Spa/sauna was… amazing. I'm not even a big spa person, but I tried a Body scrub, a Body wrap, and a Massage. My favorite: massage. Oh my god, the massage. I was walking around with a serious knot in my shoulder that was gone. And they totally did a Foot bath. The Pool with view was stunning. Steamroom was great as was the Sauna. I loved the Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Fitness center was actually really well-equipped. I attempted a workout or two (let's be honest, more like one), and it was definitely a step up from my usual routine of “walk to the bar.”
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Hand Sanitizer!)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was a big one for me. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Double check! They had a Doctor/nurse on call which is a reassuring detail. The Health hygiene certification was in place. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available, although I didn’t take it because I think it is a great feature. The room itself was always spotless. The Rooms sanitized between stays. They also had Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I felt safe, which allowed me to relax and enjoy my trip.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make a Difference
The Concierge was super helpful with recommendations and making arrangements. The Daily housekeeping was on point. The Laundry service was really good too. They also had Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, and an Elevator. I did see a convenience store near the lobby. The Car park [free of charge], as well as Car park [on-site], were available.
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
I didn't have kids with me, but I did see a few families. They have Family/child friendly options, and there was a Babysitting service option, too. The Kids meal options looked decent. They're definitely trying to cater to families, which is great if you're traveling with little ones.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy!
They have a Airport transfer, which is always the best after a long flight. Taxi service was readily available.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and The Verdict
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect! There were a few minor hiccups. The English of some staff members could be hit or miss. There was also a bit of noise from the street sometimes, but overall, nothing major.
What Really Stuck With Me:
The friendliness of the staff! The genuine warmth and helpfulness. Seriously, go for the people. The whole hotel had an air of "we care" that you don’t get everywhere.
So, the Bottom Line?
Would I recommend Queenie Hotel Haiphong? Absolutely, a HUGE YES. It's a great place for a luxurious, relaxing escape. The rooms are fantastic, the food is delicious, the spa is divine, the accessibility is a real plus, and the staff are wonderful. And let me tell you that massage. That massage.
You can't go wrong. Just go. Book your room. Get the massage. Thank me later.
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Queenie Hotel, Haiphong: A Messy, Marvelous Muddle of a Trip
Alright, here we go. The Queenie Hotel. Haiphong. Vietnam. Supposedly, it's all… luxury? More like a luxurious adventure waiting to happen, I think. I'm terrible at itineraries, so this is more of a… "vague framework with a lot of room for error" kind of schedule. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival and a Questionable Pho Adventure
- Morning (ish) - 8:00 AM (But Realistically Closer to 10 AM): Land in Cat Bi International Airport (HPH). Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Immediately forget all the polite smiles and quiet efficiency I was planning on. Probably grumble about the humidity. Search desperately for the airport wifi password while simultaneously sweating through my pristine travel shirt.
- Late Morning - 11:00 AM (Maybe?): Taxi to the Queenie Hotel. Crossing my fingers it's actually near the city center, because, you know, walking for miles in this heat with a massive backpack is not my idea of a good time. I'm expecting something sleek and modern. I'm secretly hoping for a pool.
- Lunch - 12:30 PM (Or Whenever I Stop Feeling Like a Zombie): Pho hunt! This is the most important part of the day. I've got a mental map downloaded of supposed "best pho in Haiphong" joints, but honestly, I'll probably wander aimlessly and end up somewhere completely random. That's where the best stories are, right? I’m prepped to ask for extra chili – gotta feel that burn! Though, I could get it wrong, and end up with something so spicy, I'll be crying into my noodles. Wouldn't be the first time.
- Afternoon - 2:30 PM - Check-in, Unpack, Contemplate Life: Okay, the hotel better be as good as the pictures. I need a comfortable bed after this. I'm not a backpacker, I'm a… "comfort-seeking adventurer." Settle in. Probably change. Consider napping but resist the urge. (Famous last words.)
- Evening - 6:00 PM (Adjusted for Nap-Induced Delays): Explore the neighborhood. Find a decent street food place for dinner. Maybe stumble upon a bar with cheap Bia Hoi. Definitely get lost. Embrace the chaos. Write in my journal, even if it’s just complaints about the humidity and my aching feet.
Day 2: Duong Market Daze and the "Lost in Translation" Struggle
- Morning - 9:00 AM (If I Managed to Wake Up): Duong Market. The plan: immerse myself in the vibrant chaos. The reality: probably overwhelmed by the smells, sounds, and sheer number of people. Attempt to buy some fruit. Failing spectacularly at bargaining. End up paying too much for a mango that's probably delicious anyway. The struggle is real.
- Late Morning - 11:00 AM (Or Whenever I Recover): Find myself a coffee. Vietnamese coffee is the bomb. This is a non-negotiable requirement. I’m anticipating the strong, sweet, caffeinated nectar of the gods. Spend a solid hour people-watching, judging the locals, and trying to decipher Vietnamese conversations. (Spoiler alert: mostly failing.)
- Lunch - 1:00 PM (The Pho Redemption): If the first pho experience was a flop, I try again. Different place, different strategy. This time I vow to practice my "xin chao" (hello) and "cam on" (thank you). This will get people happy.
- Afternoon - 3:00 PM - The Queenie Hotel's Spa (Is That a Thing?): Okay, this is the luxury I've been promised. If they have an actual spa, I need a massage. Desperately. If not, I may pout dramatically. I’m picturing myself floating away on a cloud of aromatic oils. I'm imagining them kneading out the stress of the journey. I have high expectations.
- Evening - 7:00 PM (Post-Spa Bliss, Hopefully): Explore a little more of the city. Find a restaurant with an English menu (because my Vietnamese is… well, nonexistent). Try to order something adventurous. Probably fail. Eat something anyway. Sigh happily. Stare at the lights and contemplate if I'm actually brave, or just stupid. Consider a second order of noodles.
Day 3: Coastal Dreams and a Slightly Embarrassing Boat Trip (Maybe)
- Morning - 8:00 AM (IF I AM AMBITIOUS): Take a day trip to Do Son Beach. The plan: relax on the beach, soak up the sun, maybe even swim. The reality: probably get sunburned, accidentally drink some seawater, and be slightly horrified by the crowds. This is a maybe.
- Late Morning - 10:00 AM (Beach, Beach, BEACH!): If I'm at the beach, then I'm working on my tan. People watching. Avoiding the persistent salespeople that are probably everywhere.
- Lunch - 1:00 PM (Seafood, Please): Seafood on the beach is a must. The fresh-caught fish and shrimp will be awesome. I can taste the deliciousness and feel the sand between my toes.
- Afternoon - 3:00 PM (Back to the Queenie Hotel): Freshen up from the salty water and sand. Find a pool! I hope the hotel has one. If not, consider jumping in the sea, even if it is a little gross with the other beachgoers
- Evening - 7:00 PM (Dinner and Reflection): One last meal in Haiphong. Stroll along a street. Eat a local delicacy. Maybe try a karaoke bar (under extreme duress). Reflect on the glorious, slightly messy trip. Feel the joy of travel coursing through my veins.
Day 4: Farewell, Haiphong (And the Search for Decent Coffee Continues…)
- Morning - 9:00 AM: Final breakfast. Sulk slightly at the thought of leaving. Squeeze in one last Vietnamese coffee. The hunt continues for that perfect brew. Buy some coffee beans to take home (and hopefully learn how to make a decent cup).
- Late Morning - 10:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the Queenie Hotel (hopefully with a smile). Head to the airport.
- Afternoon - 1:00 PM: Depart from Cat Bi International Airport.
- Post-Trip: Spend the next few weeks telling everyone about the amazing, chaotic, and slightly imperfect adventure I had in Haiphong. And dreaming of the next trip.
Important Disclaimers:
- This "itinerary" is subject to change at a moment's notice. My mood, the weather, and the availability of good pho will all play a significant role.
- I am guaranteed to get lost at least once. Probably multiple times.
- Overspending is highly probable.
- Embarrassment will occur. Embrace it.
So, there you have it. My Haiphong adventure, in a nutshell. Or, more accurately, a slightly crumpled, slightly messy, and hopefully amazing nutshell. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll actually learn some Vietnamese. Probably not. Okay, definitely not. But I’ll have fun trying!
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Queenie Hotel Haiphong: Seriously, You Need to Know This Stuff! (And Me?)
Okay, so you're thinking about Queenie Hotel in Haiphong, Vietnam? Smart move. But before you pack ALL the things, let's get real. I've been there. I've survived it. And I'm here to break it down, messy style. You've been warned!
Is Queenie Hotel REALLY as fancy as it looks online?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. The pictures? Yeah, they're good. *Really* good. That perfectly styled lobby, the shimmering pool... You're thinking, "Am I worthy?!" And honestly? Maybe. It *is* fancy. Marble floors, crisp white linens... But here's the dirty secret (and by dirty, I mean... truthful): It's *slightly* less perfect in real life. Like, that shimmering pool? Beautiful. But I swear, the sun hits it JUST right to highlight the… well, let's just say it sometimes needed a good skim. And the "marble floors"? Be careful. I almost did the slip-n-slide of shame trying to rush to breakfast in my socks. Don't worry; I'm still here to tell the tale. It is luxurious, don't get me wrong. Just understand that Instagram filters are your friend.
What's the food like at Queenie Hotel? Because, you know, I *need* to eat.
Oh, the food. Okay, deep breaths. The breakfast buffet *is* impressive. Sushi? Yes. Fruit carving that looks like a freaking art installation? Present. And the pho? Delicious. But... and there's always a but, isn't there? Sometimes the hot food was, shall we say, *less* than scorching. Like, lukewarm eggs. *Sad face*. I swear, I saw someone surreptitiously microwave their bacon. (Don't judge; I totally considered it). The dinner menu in the main restaurant? Solid. A little pricey for Haiphong, but decent. However, I'd advise venturing out. Trust me, Haiphong street food is where it's *really* at. Go explore! Find the little hidden gems. Your taste buds will thank you, and your wallet will too. Oh, and one more thing: The croissants. Get the croissants. Seriously. They were my saving grace.
Is the staff friendly at Queenie Hotel? Because I'm awkward and need all the help I can get.
Okay, this is where Queenie *really* shines. The staff? Generally, they're lovely. Extremely polite, helpful, and genuinely seemed to want to make my stay pleasant. Yes, there were some language barriers, which led to a few comical moments, like when I ordered "a large coffee, please," and ended up with a *literal* bucket. But honestly, those were the best interactions! The smiles, the attempts to understand, the patience... They were all amazing. Oh, and the front desk… I lost my key card. Twice. They were unfazed. Seriously, they must have seen it all. They're definitely professionals, and that says something. So if you happen to be awkward, like me, don't worry. They got you.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it as magical as it looks?
The pool... ah, the *pool*. It's beautiful. Picturesque. An Instagrammer's dream. But again… truth time. Getting a prime spot near the edge, with a sunbed and a cocktail? Forget about it during peak hours. It's a battle! I witnessed some serious sunbed territorialism. Like, towels claiming territory before the sun even thought about rising. It was a Hunger Games of beach towels. Which I totally understand. If your a hardcore pool-lover, then it's definitely something to go for. However, one day it randomly closed due to a storm. It felt like the pool was mocking me with its beauty. Still, when I did get a chance to swim, it was glorious. So, if you go, pack your strategizing hat, your best swimwear, and a whole lot of patience. It's worth it, for the photo ops alone.
How easy is it to get around from Queenie Hotel?
The hotel is (relatively) centrally located, which is a big plus. Taxis are readily available, and honestly, pretty cheap. Grab is your best friend, though. Download the app *before* you go. Seriously. Do it now. I learned that the hard way, stumbling around frantically trying to understand Vietnamese taxi drivers. The hotel can easily help arrange transport, but the Grab app is fantastic for convenience and knowing the price upfront. There's also the option of renting a scooter, if you're brave (and have a license). (I am not brave. Or licensed). Getting around is pretty straightforward. Just remember: traffic in Vietnam is… an experience. Embrace the chaos. And definitely wear a mask; some of the fumes are *intense*.
Are there any hidden fees or things I should know about before I go?
Okay, LISTEN UP! This is important. Check the fine print on ANYTHING. Mini-bar? Expensive. Laundry service? Pricey. They might hit you with some small fees you might not have noted before. Also, be aware that the currency exchange rate fluctuates a bit. Try to get your Vietnamese Dong before you go, and make sure to tip when you love the service. Honestly, that will make you a hero! I'd also recommend confirming airport transfers *before* you arrive. I arrived at some ungodly hour and nearly lost my mind at how to get to the hotel. Double check everything. And always have a backup plan. My backup plan was a LOT of room service and a very large gin and tonic. It worked.
Should I stay at Queenie Hotel? Honestly?
Okay, here's the bottom line. Yes. Probably. Despite the lukewarm eggs and the sometimes-crazy pool situation, I'd recommend Queenie Hotel. It's a solid, luxurious option in Haiphong. It's comfortable, the staff is wonderful, and the overall experience is pretty darn good. However, if you’re a super-fussy, perfection-seeking person *possibly* somewhere else. If you want a truly authentic, rough-and-tumble Vietnamese experience, then try the hostel down the road. But if you want a bit of pampering, a beautiful place to rest your head, and a good starting point for exploring Haiphong... Book the Queenie. And get those croissants. You won't regret it. Just remember to pack your sense of humor, your patience, and maybe a small portable fan for the pool (just kidding... mostly). You'll have a great time. I almost guarantee it. Now, go and enjoy!
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