Camelia hotel in Hanoi?

Question

There are a few Camelia Hotels in Hanoi. Which is the one that is value for money and close to city? I am on a wheelchair. Is it convenient and safe to visit Hanoi?

Answer 1

dude, i don't know the hotel you mention, but do have some ideas for you about other things.

hanoi is very busy and crossing the street seems like a nightmare, but in all honesty you've just got to start going across and the many motorbikes will ride around you (totally honest).  it's up to you to do 2 things

1. look out for other things like trucks, cars and buses that can't change direction as easily as a motorbike (motor scooter to be more truthful)

2. keep going at a steady pace, coz the people need to judge your speed so they can take proper evasive action.

it'll seem totally crazy, and it is, but after a few goes you'll get the idea.

now, i've been on crutches in Vn and had to hobble all over the place.  my best advice is to make sure your hotel has an elevator, coz many of the budget hotels only have stairs, and many floors, so that'll be kind of bad, yeah.

but apart from this, you'll be having yourself a grand time no doubt, so enjoy it all.  i envy you muchly, as it's been a year since i was last there.

Answer 2

I stayed in one of them in the old quarter. Do not stay there. They only have stairs to get to the room and it will be very hard for you. It is safe to go there but you are going to have to stay in a more expensive place. Try for a 4 star hotel and call them or email them ahead of time to find out if there is wheelchair ability. As far as safe? Yes it is safe as long as you are careful. Convenient, no, you are going to have a hard time geting around because that country does not make things easy for you, curbs everywhere, etc.. Good luck and have fun!Check out www.lonelyplanet.com. They have a good forum called branches that you can ask detailed questions on and get good answers.

Answer 3

There are two Camelia Hotels in Hanoi, #1 and #2, both of which are near the Old Quarter of Hanoi (near Ho Hoan Kiem.)  So both are pretty close to the city (in fact in the middle of it.)  However, these hotels are both 1-star to 2-star at best (daily rate from $10 to $30 a night); both seem what we call "mini hotel", meaning converted from residence into hotels, so they might lack proper access for folks in wheelchair.  For example, there might not be ramps for you to move up and down the stairs/entrance.  If you need these things, it might be better to consider other 3/4/5-star hotels, costing from $60 to over $100 a night.

On your general question about visiting Hanoi, it is a pretty safe city to visit.  There are many things to see in the city as well as outside the city.  There are many inexpensive tours for foreigners to visit the city, many with guides speaking the popular languages (english, french, spanish, etc.)