Catba Green Hotel — Hotel in Hải Phòng

This is a three star review for a two night stay.

Room: Had two queen beds that were incredibly hard and bound in pleather instead of normal mattress material. We know the standard in Vietnam is hard, but this was surprising. The AC in the room works well but takes a very long time to cool the room from its hot summer state. There is a safe in the room but the front desk states they do not have the physical key to give to us. Given this is such an easy fix, we were surprised they did not consider investing in this common feature and having a key made. There is also no do not disturb sign which would would have used to limit entry into a safeless room. Wifi is acceptable (11mbps download when I checked). Fridge in the room and two mini bottles of water per day left in room (recommendation to put them in the fridge in the future). Hair dryer and decent toiletries provided in good quantity. Drawers in room about to fall off wall but has a functioning wardrobe.

Breakfast: highlight of the property with fresh guava and pineapple juice, crepes, toast, bananas, passion fruits, and over easy eggs. Jam may contain traces of fruit. Coffee was just ok with only milk to add (recommendation to serve condensed milk as most local hotels do).

Area: I really cannot recommend Cat Ba to anyone except those taking a cruise. Perhaps we should have only done one night with the second on an overnight cruise (we just did a day). This was the only part we enjoyed. The town is very loud and underdeveloped compared to other parts of Vietnam. Hotel is in a somewhat quieter part which means a small hike up the hill. I recommend skipping the hotel restaurant and instead going to the one decent place we found: Yummy Restaurant 1.

Accessibility: Far up the hill which would require using the open air taxis for those with mobility issues. Elevator that goes up from ground floor but was unable to go back down to ground floor any time we tried. Step into bathroom.

Value: Paid 550K VND and found this high for the quality for Vietnam and at par for Cat Ba.

Not reviewed: tours or...

Our stay at Cat Ba Green Hotel was intended to be a one night, much needed break from the hectic different hostel every night... And then we couldn't leave! The cost (low season) was easily comparable to a decent hostel but the absolutely lovely family that ran it, delicious free breakfasts, polite and genuine conversation, daily room service and central location made it the perfect stay for us. The hotel is so clean, the coffee is strong and the tranquil lobby music is a nice break from the electronica beating away from dawn to dusk everywhere else in Cat Ba. Beers and pops are cheaper than at a restaurant, free bottled water, cheap scooter rental with secure overnight parking, English and French speaking reception. Chinh (sp?) Is the most considerate, helpful reception possibly ever, anywhere - she found a tailor for a broken pant zipper while she was at the market for her own groceries! Tours are presented as a suggestion and there is no pestering. The kitchen is in the lobby and you can see your breakfast being prepared for you in a clean, sanitation-conscious method. Staff is also kind to the dogs hanging around outside - huge for me. Our stay at Cat Ba Green Hotel was absolutely pleasant, we felt like we were truly cared for - I wouldn't hesitate...

The reviews from 2 years ago still hold up. It was an excellent hotel. The receptionist gets 11/10 for customer service. It was busy, but she remembered everyone's names and checked in on them in the morning during breakfast. Breakfast was generous with lots of fruit options and eggs and pancakes. ||||They even offered to make me breakfast to go on my last day when my bus arrived earlier than expected. ||||But what will have me coming back again and recommending to everyone is how my bill was handled. I was overcharged, and I didn't even notice. It was an honest mistake putting 1889 instead of 1189 for the room charges. I was already on the bus heading to Hanoi when the receptionist called saying she just noticed the mistake. The difference wasn't going to break the bank so I thanked her for letting me know but that it's okay. What can you do about it... well, she had the bus guide refund me the amount overcharged! ||||I really loved her honesty and how she handled and resolved the situation. I highly recommend anyone going to Cat Ba to stay here. The rooms are clean and simple. Beds are very hard but that doesn't bother me. The service is the best I've...