Unbelievable Hoi An Stay: Green View Homestay's Hidden Paradise!
Unbelievable Hoi An Stay: Green View Homestay's Hidden Paradise! - My Messy, Honest Review (and Why You Should Book Now!)
Okay, people, prepare to dive deep into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and utterly charming world of Green View Homestay in Hoi An. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place? It's a vibe. And I'm here to spill all the tea, the good, the slightly-less-good (because, let’s be honest, perfection is boring), and the absolutely amazing.
First, the Basics (and the Really Important Stuff):
- Accessibility: Let's be clear, I don't use a wheelchair, but I did notice how thoughtfully the place is designed. There's an elevator (a HUGE plus!), and while I didn't personally test every nook and cranny, I saw ramps and wider doorways. It felt accessible, but I'd recommend contacting them directly if you have specific needs. (Important note: Contact them!)
- Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where Green View shines. In these post-pandemic times, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. But trust me, I felt safe here. Everything was spotless! They obviously take hygiene seriously. From hand sanitizers strategically placed everywhere (a real comfort!) to the daily disinfection of common areas, I felt like I was in a bubble of cleanliness. They also have (thank god!) anti-viral cleaning products, and the staff are clearly trained to give you space and keep things safe.
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi everywhere! Okay, it wasn’t always lightning fast (hey, Vietnam!), but it was reliable enough for work, streaming, and all my social media needs. They even had LAN in the rooms if you're a real techie.
- Rooms: Ok, now we're talking. The rooms are gorgeous. I was in a non-smoking room (thank heavens, because I hate that smell!), and it was spotless, with air conditioning that actually worked! They had blackout curtains (game-changer for sleeping in!), a comfy bed, and a lovely little seating area. There were even things like an umbrella, a safety deposit box, and complimentary tea and bottled water. It felt like a home away from home, only with daily housekeeping, which is the dream.
The Good Stuff (And Where Green View Really Shines):
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax: This is where Green View really kicks into high gear. Forget just a room; it's an experience.
- The Pool: The outdoor pool? Absolutely stunning. Seriously, the view from it? You could spend hours just gazing at it. The pool is outdoor and a great outdoor venue.
- Spa/Sauna: They have a beautiful spa! I may have gotten a massage. In fact, I definitely got a massage. And it was divine. They have a sauna and steamroom too, but I was so busy relaxing, that I didn’t get to use them.
- Poolside Bar: I am happy to drink in the beautiful poolside bar.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- Breakfast: Okay, the breakfast. Don't even get me started. I'm a big Asian breakfast fan, and Green View knocked it out the park! The buffet was a sight to behold, with a huge array of options. But the highlight? The Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup). Oh. My. God. I ate it every single day (and sometimes twice!).
- Restaurants: They have multiple restaurants, featuring international and asian cuisine. With a la carte menus in the restaurant offering many options.
- Food & Drink: They have a bar and coffee shop.
Okay, the Slightly Less-Good Stuff (Because, You Know, Real Life):
- Getting Around: While they do offer Airport transfer and taxi service, I chose to walk, and it’s a bit outside the main hustle and bustle of Hoi An. This is either a huge plus (peace and quiet!) or a slight minus (longer walks). For me, it was a plus. The free car park and bicycle parking are also really good options.
- Room for Some… Improvement: The elevators are great for the disabled, but during peak times it can take a while.
The OMG Moment: My Pho-Filled Revelation.
Okay, I need to circle back to that Pho. Seriously. I've eaten a lot of pho in my life. I love pho. But this pho… something about the broth, the fresh herbs, the tender beef… it was transcendent.
On day three, I skipped my scheduled excursion (gasp!), and instead, I spent the entire morning by the pool, reading in the sun, and plotting my next pho run. The staff, seeing my utter devotion, started anticipating my order. They'd practically have the bowl ready before I even sat down! It was a beautiful, slightly embarrassing, but ultimately, glorious experience. I even tried to learn the recipe! (Spoiler alert: I failed miserably).
This single-minded pursuit of pho became a microcosm of my entire stay. It was about the simple pleasures, the attentive staff, and the overall sense of ease Green View fosters.
Services and Conveniences: They have everything you could want.
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Concierge: They actually helped me find the best tailor in Hoi An.
- Laundry service: Essential if you're traveling light like me.
- Daily housekeeping: Bless them.
For the Kids: I don’t have any kids but the facilities seemed great.
Cleanliness and Safety:
- Staff Trained in Protocol: They are great and keep things clean.
- Anti-viral cleaning products These make me breath easier.
- Hygiene Certification:
- Rooms sanitized between stays
Getting a room is also amazing:
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Coffee/tea maker
- Desk
Overall, would I recommend Green View Homestay? Absolutely. Without hesitation.
Now, for the Pitch - and Why You NEED to Book NOW!
Listen up, because this is important. If you're looking for a hotel that's more than just a place to crash, if you want an experience, if you want to be pampered, and if you love pho… book Green View Homestay.
Here's why you should book RIGHT NOW:
- Unparalleled Relaxation: The pool, the spa, the serene atmosphere – it's pure bliss. Escape the daily grind and find your zen.
- Impeccable Service: The staff? They are truly amazing, friendly, helpful, and genuinely want you to have the best stay possible. They’ll remember your name, your food preferences, and your pho habit!
- Unforgettable Dining: From the breakfast buffet to the amazing Pho, you'll eat like a king (or queen!).
- Perfect Location: Close enough to the action, but far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet.
Special Offer (because I'm biased and want you to be as happy as I was!):
- Book in the next 48 hours using the code "PHOLOVER" and get a free bottle of their finest Vietnamese wine (to enjoy on your balcony!) and an extra massage on your first spa visit.
Don't wait! Seriously, what are you waiting for? This isn't just a hotel; it's a little slice of paradise. Book your stay at Green View Homestay now and prepare to be… well, unbelievable. I can't wait to go back and say hello to my pho-loving friends!
Escape to Albany, GA: Unwind at the Luxurious Country Inn & Suites!Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your sanitized, Pinterest-perfect travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, stumbling through Hoi An with a camera (and probably a rapidly diminishing supply of insect repellent) and trying not to look like a complete idiot. My base camp: the lovely (and hopefully mosquito-free) Hoi An Green View Homestay. Consider this "Unfiltered Hoi An: A Messy Traveler’s Guide."
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Noodles of Destiny
Morning (9:00 AM): Landed in Da Nang. AirAsia, predictably, delayed. Already sweating. Found a taxi (negotiation was a hilarious disaster, I think I paid triple what I should have). The drive to Hoi An was… wild. Scooters everywhere! I'm pretty sure my internal organs rearranged themselves a few times.
Mid-morning (10:30 AM): Finally, the glorious, slightly-charming chaos of Hoi An! Found the Green View Homestay. It’s… lovely. The room is clean, the aircon WORKS (praise the sun god), and they gave me a welcome drink that tasted suspiciously like a mango and happiness.
Lunch (12:00 PM): Walked into town. Immediately overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tailored clothing shops. I'm a tourist cliché, I know, but I need a new shirt, probably. Settled for a banh mi from a street vendor. It was heavenly. Seriously. Best banh mi of my LIFE. Ate it so fast, I almost choked. Slightly embarrassing.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Tried to wander the ancient town. Got lost. Found myself in a quiet alleyway lined with laundry. Took a photo of a particularly vibrant string of bras. (Don’t judge.) Ended up at the Japanese Covered Bridge. Touristy, yes, but actually quite beautiful. Almost got run over by a bicycle driven by a woman with a small child on the back. Cue mild panic attack.
Late afternoon (5:00 PM): Back at the homestay, exhausted and slightly sunburnt. The heat. Oh, the HEAT. Needed a nap. Slept through my alarm.
Dinner (7:00 PM): My stomach was rumbling like a volcano. Went to a restaurant recommended by the homestay staff. Ordered something called "Cao Lau." It was… interesting. Noodles, pork, herbs, and something crunchy. Still not sure what it was, but I ate it. And then, the power went out. (This, apparently, is a thing.) Ended up eating instant noodles in the dark with a flashlight. The "noodles of destiny," I call them. They tasted surprisingly good.
Evening (8:00 PM onward): Tried to write in my journal. Mosquito attack commenced. Gave up. Watched the ceiling fan go round and round, marveling at the fact it still worked. Feeling utterly defeated, yet kind of blissful.
Day 2: Tailoring Troubles & Boat Ride Bliss
Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up slightly less exhausted than yesterday. Ate eggs for breakfast at the homestay. Eggs were good. Contemplating the day ahead, I feel like I haven't seen any shops with my size, I'm not gonna be able to get any shirts.
Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Brave the tailoring shops. Walked into a shop advertising "Best Tailor in Hoi An." The woman was lovely, so friendly! Measured me up, talked me into ordering a suit. I'll be getting the suit, I can already feel it. (Hope my "Asian Fit" doesn't turn out looking like a clown.)
Lunch (12:00 PM): Tried a different street food stall. This time, it was Banh Xeo (crispy pancake). Glorious. And cheap! I could get used to this.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Determined to be cultured. Visited the old houses in Hoi An. They're beautiful, but all the tourists are… a lot. The heat made it hard to focus, I was so happy that my bottle of water was still cold.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM -6:00 PM): The highlight of the trip so far: a boat ride on the Thu Bon River. Now, this was magic. The sun setting, the water shimmering, the gentle sway of the boat… absolute peace and quiet. Except for the persistent mosquito buzzing in my ear! (I’m starting to think these little critters are specifically targeting me.)
Dinner (7:00 PM): Ate at a restaurant beside the river. Ordered a fish and a cocktail. The fish was bland. The cocktail packed a punch. Watched the lanterns being released into the sky. It was beautiful, but a little bit… manufactured.
Evening (8:00 PM onward): Back at the homestay. Packing my bag. This is the end of my stay, I'm gonna go back home tomorrow.
Day 3: Departure, and an Overwhelming Feeling of… Contentment?
Morning (8:00 AM): Last breakfast at the homestay. I'll miss the eggs, I'll miss the view, I'll even miss the mosquitoes (kinda). Checking out. Said goodbye to the staff - they were great.
Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Uber to the airport. Waiting for my flight. Reflected on Hoi An.
Overall Feeling: Hoi An… it's a mess. It's hot. It's crowded. It's occasionally frustrating. But it's also beautiful, charming, and full of surprises. I got lost. I ate questionable food. I almost got run over. And you know what? I loved it. I'm already planning my return. (Just need to invest in some industrial-strength mosquito repellent.)