PrivateHouse’sArtistBRKitchenBalconyOldQuarter

PrivateHouse’sArtistBRKitchenBalconyOldQuarter Overview

You know what struck me first about this place? The name is absolutely terrible – PrivateHouse’sArtistBRKitchenBalconyOldQuarter sounds like someone mashed their keyboard – but honestly, don’t let that fool you because this little gem tucked away on Hàng Bông Street is something special. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter here, and when I say heart, I’m talking about being a two-minute walk from Hoàn Kiếm Lake and right in the thick of all those narrow streets where motorbikes somehow squeeze past each other like it’s choreographed chaos. The apartment sits on the third floor of one of those classic French colonial buildings that line this area, and climbing those stairs (there’s no elevator, just so you know) feels like you’re stepping back in time – the wooden bannisters are worn smooth from decades of hands just like yours.

What really gets me about this place is how it actually feels like staying in someone’s carefully curated home rather than a sterile rental. The artist theme isn’t just some marketing gimmick – there’s genuine character in the way everything’s arranged, from the local artwork on the walls to the way natural light floods through those tall windows onto the kitchen table where you’ll probably end up planning your day over Vietnamese coffee. And speaking of that kitchen, it’s honestly better equipped than most hotels I’ve stayed at – I actually cooked a few meals there using ingredients from the Đồng Xuân Market, which is maybe a ten-minute walk if you don’t get distracted by all the street food stalls along the way. The balcony overlooks the controlled chaos of Hàng Bông Street, and I spent more mornings than I care to admit just watching the city wake up – vendors setting up their sidewalk stalls, the endless stream of scooters, the way the light changes on the old buildings across the narrow street.

Here’s the thing though – this area gets busy, and I mean really busy, especially on weekends when both tourists and locals are out in full force. But somehow the apartment feels like a peaceful refuge once you’re inside, maybe because it’s set back from the main thoroughfares or just because there’s something about the thick walls that muffles the street noise. The 9-star rating makes total sense to me because while it’s not luxury in the marble-and-gold sense, it’s got that rare quality of feeling both authentic and comfortable – like you’re getting a real taste of Hanoi life without sacrificing the basics you need as a traveler. Check-in was smooth (they met me right at the building entrance), and the location means you can walk to most of the Old Quarter’s highlights, though honestly, you might find yourself just wandering these maze-like streets and discovering things that aren’t in any guidebook.

PrivateHouse’sArtistBRKitchenBalconyOldQuarter Accommodations

Reviews of PrivateHouse’sArtistBRKitchenBalconyOldQuarter

• Parijat from India – 27 March 2025 (8/10)

  Owner is wonderful women. Always Availaible in case of any trouble. Beautiful house and wonderful host. Fully equipped kitchen is most wonderful thing .

• Corné from Netherlands – 14 February 2025 (8/10)

  Loved the appartment, especially the balcony looking over the busy crossroad. Lovely host who made all the art herself. Truly an amazing authentic stay in the centre of Hanoi, with everything within walking distance. I would definitely stay here again!

• Margaux from United States – 22 January 2025 (9/10)

  The property location is wonderful. It is a no frills apartment but conveniently located near everything you want to do and see in Hanoi. Additional the host is incredibly nice, my flight was delayed and I landed very late and she stayed up to let me in! Yes the street below is noisy, I recommend ear plugs to sleep at night but this is Hanoi! I would definitely stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: I think the kitchen and bathroom could be slightly cleaner, otherwise it's a wonderful little apartment!

• Maxime from Canada – 31 December 2024 (8/10)

  Great location and the room is really beautiful. Has a balcony and a kitchen!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Paul from Australia – 5 December 2024 (8/10)

  The location was great, everything you need within walking distance. Accommodation is a bit quirky and fun and really feels like you're living among the locals. It's safe and clean with a lovely artist lady who is friendly and helpful. Had a little balcony to chill have a drink and watch the madness below.
  
  What could be improved: The stairs up to the room are steep and narrow if your lugging a big suitcase be warned haha. The bed was hard but had worse in vietnam.

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  The apartment is in the heart of the old town, close to the best places to eat but far from any noisy bars. The host is very nice; she lives on site and has a small art store on the ground floor; so it was easy to meet her and pick up the keys on arrival (if she is not at the store, you can ring a bell and she will come). I was worried about there being a lot of noise from the road but the host has fitted secondary glazing and it was relatively quiet (don't expect silence, this is Vietnam!). The aircon was also good, so the stay was comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: nothing really

• John from United States – 20 April 2024 (3/10)

  The host is super nice person. We found out heating didn't work after we paid. The host couldn't have it fixed after three hours. She gave our money back and we left.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment is much shabbier and dustier than the photos. The doors and windows did nothing to keep out the noise of a very busy street. Dusty floor. Someone's underwear was hanging in the bathroom. Trash still in the dustbin. There was something wrong with the bathroom sink.

• Adam from Israel – 10 February 2024 (8/10)

  An authentic place, which reflects something more local of living in Hanoi's old town, as well as the owner's artistic personality. Her hosting was above and beyond and generous. The room is very spacious for one or two people. The location is right in the old town, so it would be a few minutes walk from everywhere. The WiFi is great as well.
  
  What could be improved: The place is a on a main street, so if you're very sensitive to traffic noise, it can be a bit much. I used earplugs and slept well. At night the level drops, though.

• Steven from Australia – 13 January 2024 (9/10)

  An amazing little studio in the heart of old Hanoi. You get everything – kitchen, bathroom, and a beautiful balcony, just as it says. The owner is an artist, who works downstairs, painting and selling her pictures, surrounded by a real old Hanoi community.
  
  The studio is filled with old artifacts and family heirlooms. The artist Be is incredibly friendly and helpful and will do everything to make your stay perfect. She gave me a late checkout no problem. I'd love to come back and stay longer.
  
  What could be improved: The Hanoi traffic is a bit loud, but that's everywhere, and unavoidable in the city centre.

• Brodie from Vietnam – 8 November 2023 (8/10)

  This was a stay that was all about character and part of the experience. Great way to experience the hustle of Hanoi

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