Sonia's profile
Sonia's Posts
16 reviews or comments posted; 4 questions asked; 4 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (16) see all
David (from Italy) and his staff impressed me on my one visit (so far!). The food and wine was excellent, and on a busy night, the service was quite good.
Breakfast is served from 6:30, there's an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, a rooftop patio, free delivery and catering/special event service. Personally, I'd go for the pizza-- one of the best in Hanoi-- and in my humble opinion there are quite a few decent places in town.
Nice ambiance and great location W of HK Lake in the Old Quarter.
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Brand new upscale cafe opened in the Old Quarter. Extensive coffee selection, assorted pastries, western and Vietnamese breakfasts, light meals and snacks available from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (or later). Good selection of wines and full bar. Cafe eBOSS is run by Duong Bich Lien, a single mother who opened eBOSS with assistance from International organizations. Comfortable interior (soft lights and music!); delicious fresh food; free wifi
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Simply put, my favorite place in Hanoi. A bit like Cheers, with great music, a friendly and open crowd, good service, and Jay. Whenever I come here, I feel a little lighter (well, not in the literal sense after the quesadilla or nachos, among the limited but excellent vegetarian options; but lighter in spirit).
Live music performances, open mic, a pool table and chill upstairs. I can't add much to what others have said, but register my *****
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Not a review so much as a warning. Under the same management, three hotels on the same street (#7, 17, 27 ) have a serious problem. I left the former for the afternoon for lunch, my room was burglarized. I had specifically requested from the maid personally, as well as the front desk, that my room not be cleaned, but instead not only was it cleaned, but cleaned out! Seemed like an inside job based on the not only unhelpful and defensive, but also threatening reaction of management and staff. When I reported it to the front desk, they were belligerent and unprofessional. They made nonsensical and contradictory statements, blaming me for leaving any valuables while saying “no one could possibly have gone in” (room cleaned itself?). They asked me to leave, at one point forced entry into my room and began rummaging through my belongings until I took out my camera to record them. They deserve a negative rating, but at least I can put out a warning to avoid these places at all costs.
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Not a review so much as a warning. Under the same management/name, three(or more?) hotels on the same street (#7, 17, 27 ) have a serious problem. I left the former for the afternoon for lunch, my room was burglarized. I had specifically requested from the maid personally, as well as the front desk, that my room not be cleaned, but instead not only was it cleaned, but cleaned out! Seemed like an inside job based on the not only unhelpful and defensive, but also threatening reaction of management and staff. When I reported it to the front desk, they were belligerent and unprofessional. They made nonsensical and contradictory statements, blaming me for leaving any valuables while saying “no one could possibly have gone in” (room cleaned itself?). They asked me to leave, at one point forced entry into my room and began rummaging through my belongings until I took out my camera to record them. They deserve a negative rating, but at least I can put out a warning to avoid these places at all costs!
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Questions (4)
I've had 2 cell phones stolen in Vietnam (within a week!) and I wonder what is the cheapest place to get a new one. . . (should I decide to!) tell me where and what model and how much, please!!
Any other NEW ORLEANIANS out there?? Mardi Gras is Feb 5 this year, in the midst of Tet.
Are there any places having Mardi Gras festivities? Anyone want to? (Party at my place?)
Today (Sat, Jan 26), I caught a parade starting by the Horison Hotel, heading down Giang Vo, about 3:00. It was quite the sight, with cyclos, giant puppets, and some huge dragons and marching bands. Does anyone know if this (or something similar) will happen again?! When and where would be most appreciated. I'd love to bring my camera!
In the event of theft, what should one do here in Hanoi? What is the best way to document it so there is a record? After being burglarized at my hotel, I doubt anyone will investigate or that I'll see any money again, but I am interested in any suggestions about appropriate actions that might help prevent others from having the same thing happen. Is there a tourist police? Do the police have someone who speaks English?
Answers (4)
Posted Friday January 18th, 2008.
Thanks!
I paid about D750,000 for my last one (with D100,00 + 50,000 "free")-- not a bad deal . . . had it remained in my pack! at half that, I'd consider another!! Your info is greatly appreciated!! Thanks y'all! Peace!
In response to the question: I've had 2 cell phones stolen in Vietnam (within a week!) and I wonder what is the cheapest place to get a new one. . . (should I decide to!) tell me...
Posted Friday January 18th, 2008.
I've been offered/recieved $15-20/hr. In Korea, I generally got $10/page. . . (though generally pay is higher there), but I'd raise or lower that depending on how much editing was needed. When I edited for colleagues (University Profs who wanted to publish in scholarly journals) who just needed a few comma corrections, maybe they'd take me to dinner (god knows I abused them when I needed help with Korean); if I basically had to translate, say for a professor in another department, I'd shift to hourly.
Bottom line, if everyone is happy, it's all good.
In response to the question: What is a fair price to ask for editing work. I have a teacher in my university who insists on paying me for my help with her translation (for a tele...
Posted Monday February 11th, 2008.
Hi! I am Austrian-American, would love to practice German but I am leaving soon. Anyway, there's the Goethe Institute at 58 Nguyen Thai Hoc in
Ba Dinh district, with a Cafe on the grounds. You can meet a lot of people interested in German, as well as native speakers!
Peace!
In response to the question: I am looking for some people to "hang out with" ...I am female, German, 33 and new in Hanoi, but not new to Vietnam. Would be nice to meet some G...
Posted Tuesday February 12th, 2008.
Yes, can't agree enough that you have to be vigilent 24/7 in this town and even that is sometimes not enough:(
You have to report to the police station for any given area, but my theft occurred on Cua Dong (NW of HK Lake) and I went to the police station at 18 Nguyen Quang Bich. I am guessing very little will actually be done, but reporting it made me feel better, as it almost had to be an inside job, and several reports might trigger a response. In any event, I was very surprised at the courteous, helpful and professional demeanor and actions of the local police. I was initially met by Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hai (115-083). I used the computer translator and had written a brief statement in English. He pulled the file on the hotel, called in a transator and another policeman. The asked a few basic questions and took my info. All of this was during the Tet Holidays, making it even more surprising to me. Of course, I am not sure how much will really be done (they asked me what I wanted them to do, which kind of caught me off guard. . . I suggested investigating? at least making a report or written record!) but they certainly took their time and (I didn't understand much) seemingly took it seriously.
In response to the question: In the event of theft, what should one do here in Hanoi? What is the best way to document it so there is a record? After being burglarized at my hotel...
outdoorsy, active, peace-loving vegetarian rock-climbing kinda person. lived in asia the better part of the last decade.
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Sonia
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New Hanoian Member SinceWednesday January 9th, 2008
