Construction in progress ruined my stay: review JW Marriott Hanoi
Passing through Vietnam I decided to stay one night in the JW Marriott, this is one of the luxury insignia [...]
Vietnam
Marriott
Passing through Vietnam, I decided to stay one night in the JW Marriott, this is one of the U.S. chain's luxury insignia, and this hotel in particular fascinated me especially because it is a historic location.
In this article:
Many dignitaries and presidents from around the world have stayed at this hotel, but surely the most iconic was Donald Trump, who chose to stay at this hotel rather than the U.S. Embassy for his summit with Kim Jong-un.
Reservation
The price of the room, booked of course via the official App, was not cheap at all: just under 200€. Of course I say not cheap for Vietnam, but for a JW it is absolutely a low figure when we think of prices in other parts of the world.
I could also have used points, but the conversion was not convenient at all. Instead, I could have used ACI Blueteam's Exclusive team specifically to get many more benefits, but when I stayed at this hotel I still did not know them.
Location
The JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is located in an area a little outside the city center, precisely in the neighborhood of Nam Tu Liem.
The location may be inconvenient for those who wish to be in the heart of Hanoi, but offers a quieter environment away from urban chaos. The hotel is located near the Vietnam National Convention Center, making it an ideal choice for those attending events. However, for tourists, it may be necessary to arrange transfers to reach the city's main attractions, but with Grab in Asia you can get around easily and inexpensively.
Check-in
I arrived from the airport in the late afternoon, and once I arrived at the reception desk, I was invited to do the paperwork directly in the Executive Lounge.
Short elevator ride and when I arrived, escorted, to the lounge I could appreciate that it was in the middle of the evening happy hour.
For the first time in my many sojourns around the world, I checked in while eating dinner!!!
Upgrade to suite from basic room
As I often say, there is no point in booking a higher room than the base room That 9 times out of 10 is more than enough. I the only thing I look at is the bed: if I'm traveling alone I aim for King, if we're traveling as a family for two Queens. Unless you go to really superior rooms, such as Suites, you often end up in rooms that have just a few more inches of space or a nicer view, but that's not necessarily going to make for a better stay.
This was just the classic example of a botched upgrade that led to a nightmarish awakening.
Absolutely nothing to say about the room, of course some stains and marks, which is normal to have. A real suite with two separate rooms.
There is everything in the suite that is logical to expect from this category of hotel, including the Illy coffee machine.
And in the room, the technology is right and easy to use, including the ability to turn everything off with a single click.
Monumental bathroom, that's putting it mildly, double bathtub in the middle and even a TV to enjoy a well-deserved rest in total relaxation.
Everything was perfect, although in the photos you might have a funeral chapel feeling, in person you did not have that feeling.
For the avoidance of doubt, there was also a second guest bathroom accessible from the parlor.
The problem was the traumatic awakening at 7 a.m., with workers on the terrace intent on resurfacing the outside, right in front of my windows. In the room no communication whatsoever, but mostly a Terrible mistake on the part of the staff to put a guest in a suite knowing that work would resume at 7 a.m. Of the builders. It was a nightmare.
The structure
The structure of the JW Marriott Hanoi is impressive. A true cathedral of glass, steel and concrete. Impossible not to notice the iconic suspended plate on the top floor of the hotel. It is very reminiscent of the structure on the roof of the Lingotto in Turin.
In general, it is a modern building with a very original architectural design.
The exterior dimensions translate into huge spaces inside and truly unique views, certainly there is little of Vietnam. One could be in Singapore as well as in Miami, though the skyline of Vietnam's capital city is nothing like other metropolises.
A suspended pool
The swimming pool at the JW Marriott Hanoi is an oasis of relaxation on the top floor of the hotel. Situated on a sort of suspension bridge stretching toward the skyline, it offers a lovely view of the surroundings.
Of course given the size of the hotel it is unthinkable that there is port for everyone, but it is also true that this is not the reason one chooses to stay at this JW. In any case there are several sunbeds and the possibility of carving out a space away from the chaos is assured.
Also available to guests are a gym and a spa, which I did not take advantage of, however.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the JW Marriott Hanoi is served on the ground floor, which the way the facility is built means we are several meters below that of the reception area.
The hall overlooks a lake that borders the nearby convention center. It really feels like floating on water if you choose the right table in the hall.
We are in Asia and in a 5-star hotel, so the breakfast will not disappoint anyone. Of course being a 5-star there is even more of everything you could want. Kitchens from different areas of the world, good saporti and to top it off in addition to the many desserts there is also ice cream.
In conclusion
Welcome letter, fresh fruit and other greetings. But then you put me in a room where you know full well that the works will not let me sleep, this to me is an unforgivable mistake that erases all the good that this hotel has to offer. When I went to complain from the front desk I was doubly disappointed by the behavior of the attendant, really not up to the status of this hotel and not respectful of the needs of a customer with so much Titanium Elite.
Pro
- The structure
Against
- The wrong room