Joy Homestay

Joy Homestay Overview

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked down Ngõ 26 off Hàng Bài Street, I almost missed Joy Homestay completely. It’s tucked into one of those narrow alleys that make Hanoi’s Old Quarter so wonderfully maze-like, but once you find it, you realize you’ve stumbled onto something pretty special. The entrance is understated in that way Vietnamese family-run places often are – no flashy signs, just a quiet confidence that says they know what they’re doing.

What struck me immediately was how the owners actually live this hospitality thing, you know? Mrs. Linh (I think that was her name) greeted me like I was visiting a relative’s place, and honestly, that vibe never really left during my stay. The rooms are clean and comfortable – nothing fancy, but everything works and there’s this attention to detail that you don’t always get at bigger hotels. The air conditioning actually cools the room properly (crucial in Hanoi’s summer humidity), and I appreciated that they’d thought to include a decent-sized desk since I needed to catch up on some work. The Wi-Fi was surprisingly solid too, which isn’t always a given in these older buildings.

But here’s what really makes this place work – the location is absolutely perfect if you want to experience real Hanoi without being stuck in the tourist bubble. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Hàng Bài Street’s morning market, where locals actually shop for their groceries, and the smell of fresh bánh mì drifts up from the street vendor right at the alley entrance most mornings around 7 AM. I mean, there’s your breakfast sorted right there. You can walk to Hoàn Kiếm Lake in about eight minutes, but more importantly, you’re close enough to all the Old Quarter action while being just removed enough that you’re not dealing with the constant motorbike noise that hits some of the main drag hotels. The family running the place knows the neighborhood inside and out – they pointed me toward this incredible bún bò Huế spot on nearby Hàng Cót that I never would have found otherwise, and it ended up being one of my best meals in the city. The 8.4 rating makes total sense to me because this isn’t trying to be a luxury experience, but it absolutely nails what it is – a genuine, well-run homestay where you feel like you’re staying with people who actually care about your experience in their city.

Joy Homestay Accommodations

Reviews of Joy Homestay

• Denise from Philippines – 25 May 2025 (8/10)

  We love that it has everything and that our hosts are very gracious and responsive. No extra charges for extra pillow. They gave us laundry detergent too. The unit has everything you want in your own house like stove, microwave, fridge and even washing machine. Also comes complete with towels. Aircon is cool!

• Kendall from Canada – 13 May 2025 (9/10)

  Spacious and comfortable room. Full sized fridge, wardrobe, and washing machine were a bonus. Lots of surfaces and hooks to hang stuff to dry. While the stay was not staffed, someone met us to help with check in and the lady who runs it was easy to communicate with, accommodating and friendly. Located a short walk from the busy streets of old quarter, which we really enjoyed.
  
  What could be improved: Some surfaces could have been a bit cleaner. The stay is right beside a school so was a bit noisy in the morning if you wanted to sleep in.

• Stephen from United Kingdom – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Fully equipped studio in a quiet and convenient location. The host is very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Although the bed was very comfortable cotton rather than nylon bedsheets would be a great improvement.

• Simon from France – 8 April 2025 (8/10)

  A good place to stay in Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem lake, everything to visit is close by foot maximum 30 min otherwise grab is perfectly working
  The owner is nice, available and helpful through WhatsApp
  Ac and hot water good working
  Not directly facing the street noise, just some morning songs when the city wakes up, but hard to avoid in Hanoi anyway

• Aas from Estonia – 18 February 2025 (9/10)

  Very good location. Can walk everywhere in the center of Hanoi. Big closet to put your staff, hot water and big bed.

• Jye from Singapore – 5 October 2024 (8/10)

  The location is off the main road in an alley and around 10 mins walk to the heart of Old Quarters. Its quiet allowing a good night rest after a day of chaotic streets. Room is fully equiped with electric hob, cooking utensils of pots and pan if you do wish to cook a meal instead of eating pho. There is also a washing machine in the room to do your laundry, super convenient. Room and bath room was very clean.
  
  I had arrived earlier than expected and the owner was very helpful in getting someone to assist with the check-in.
  
  Nearby has lots of coffee shops if you need a lot of caffine. Also eateries which is popular with the locals.
  
  My 3 nights stay was really wonderful.
  
  What could be improved: The kettle needs scaling. Couldn't find a place to dry the laundry. Would be lovely to have a small table instead of a coffee table. Small matters though, not a deal breaker.

• Amrendra from India – 9 May 2024 (9/10)

  I really like Apartment owner couple they are so polite and very generous.
  
  What could be improved: There are nothing like that to dislike.

• Gregory from United Kingdom – 6 April 2024 (8/10)

  It’s location was excellent and the facilities unexpectedly included washing machine and stove
  
  What could be improved: One of the air conditioners was temperamental but that is life anyway there was a large fan

• Anh from Poland – 2 April 2024 (9/10)

  Host was friendly and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Everything what didnt work at beginning was solved by the host.

• James from Vietnam – 8 September 2023 (8/10)

  Location

Surroundings

Facilities