Old Building 1939

Old Building 1939 Overview

You know what’s funny about Old Building 1939? The name tells you everything and nothing at the same time. I mean, yeah, it’s literally in an old building from 1939, but walking into this place on Phố Cầu Gỗ feels like stumbling into someone’s really well-curated secret. The narrow frontage is so typical of Old Quarter buildings – you’d honestly walk right past it if you weren’t looking for the small sign. But once you’re inside, there’s this surprisingly spacious feeling that these colonial-era buildings do so well when they’re renovated thoughtfully.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you know Hanoi at all. Cầu Gỗ Street is one of those little arteries that connects you to everything without being in the absolute chaos of Hàng Bạc or Tạ Hiện. You’re maybe a three-minute walk from Hoàn Kiếm Lake – and I mean the quiet northern side where locals do their morning exercises, not the tourist-packed southern end. There’s this amazing bánh mì lady right at the corner who starts setting up around 6 AM, and honestly, her breakfast sandwich became part of my daily routine. The staff at Old Building 1939 knew exactly who I was talking about when I asked for directions, which tells you they actually pay attention to their neighborhood.

What really got me was how they’ve handled the renovation. These old Hanoi buildings can go two ways – either sterile and modern or trying too hard to be “authentic” with fake antiques everywhere. This place found some middle ground that actually works. The original tile floors are still there (and they’re gorgeous), but the rooms have proper soundproofing, which – trust me – matters when you’re in the Old Quarter. I stayed on the third floor and barely heard the motorbike symphony that usually starts around 5:30 AM. The AC was solid too, and anyone who’s been in Hanoi during summer knows that’s not always a given, even in decent hotels. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no weird deposit requirements or passport-holding that some places still do. The woman at reception spoke excellent English and actually drew me a little map marking the best pho places within walking distance, including one on Lý Quốc Sư that I never would have found otherwise. The 8-out-of-10 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in town, but everything works properly and the details are thoughtful. During Tết season, the whole street comes alive with decorations, and from the upper floor windows, you get this perfect view of how the Old Quarter transforms. It’s not cheap exactly, but for what you get in this location, it feels fair – especially when you factor in that you’re staying in an actual piece of Hanoi history rather than some generic hotel block.

Old Building 1939 Accommodations

Reviews of Old Building 1939

• Nigel from Australia – 29 April 2025 (8/10)

  Great location in the Old Quarter. Down a quiet narrow alley. The whole building to ourselves, three usable floors, two spares & a little roof terrace.
  Run by such a nice young couple who couldn't have been nicer. It's such a cute little place we recommend
  
  What could be improved: Its not a criticism, just fair warning to others. The internal stairs are steep & tight. The toilet/shower is on the ground floor, town a little lounge, then the bedroom. So you have to be able to take your luggage up the stairs. We didn't find it an issue

• Michela from Italy – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  The owner is really nice and helpful!
  He changed the towels and the sheets twice.
  Location is perfect and you can go wherever you want in no time. The stairs are really small but you get used to.

• Lauren from United Kingdom – 7 March 2025 (7/10)

  This place is cool if you are up for something totally different and a little quirky. You get 5 floors all to yourself up a little tiny spiral stairway so if you don't like small spaces or stairs I would not recommend. I thought it was fun. It is pretty noisy so if you are sensitive to sound I would bring earplugs. I am glad we gave it a go and I would recommend it but it's not for everyone. Bed was comfy. The host was super friendly and responsive..he walked us to the place and then dropped off our big bags while it was raining heavily and gave us an umbrella – very thoughtful! ❤️
  
  What could be improved: I do think the place needs some extra cleanliness and a freshen up . I understand it is an old building but more reason to do more with it. Photos may be slightly outdated. Maybe we got unlucky on our stay as we asked for an earlier check in which could have caused rushing but it definitely needed a better clean and some more love in general – a few of the floors are a bit of wasted space/storage for random things which is a shame as it has a lot of potential. I think it would be even better with a spruce up / freshen up and maybe some DIY. Still enjoyed our stay ! 🙂

• Jez13 from Canada – 20 December 2024 (9/10)

  Watch my youtube video about this home. , Search "A Stupid Tourist Hanoi Alley House. its not a room , its 5 floors tall all to yourself with a rooftop patio . The owner is very nice. He brought fresh sheets and towels every other day . if you want a unique experience I suggest you book here
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Kiniusza from Poland – 3 December 2024 (9/10)

  Unique place and great owner, thank you very much!

• Soufiane from Netherlands – 5 November 2024 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Small stairs and no fridge.

• Katrina from Australia – 28 July 2024 (9/10)

  It's an apartment over 3 floors, bathroom 1st floor, sitting area 2nd floor and bedroom on top. It suited my needs as it's right near sapa express bus stop so just spent 1 night. It's very quirky space with a narrow spiral staircase so you gotta be agile to navigate up n down. Everything is on your doorstep.

• Tran from Vietnam – 25 July 2024 (8/10)

  You basically have the whole place for yourself. Literally a “building” with 5-6 floors, each is a small room. It has good privacy, and the owner is very kind and helpful. The location is just perfect, right in the middle of the Old Quarter.
  
  What could be improved: It’s a bit scary to go down and up the stairs at night, since the toilet is in the 1st floor. The TV has some glitches, but it doesn’t affect my stay much.

• Chrysovalantis from Greece – 16 June 2024 (7/10)

  Great location and host
  
  What could be improved: Due to sudden problem we didn't had internet during our stay

• Chrysovalantis from Greece – 8 June 2024 (8/10)

  Friendly owner and very clean!
  
  What could be improved: Tall guys watch out for short ceilings!

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