Recommendations for Vietnam Hotel?
Thinking of spending 3-4 days in Vietnam (my first visit) on an upcoming award trip and would love some suggestions for where to stay.
I have tons of points and status with Starwood (plat), Hyatt (soon-t0-be Diamond), and Hilton (Gold). Willing to spend for an amazing room, but hoping to keep it under $300 a night at most. Ideally will be spending equal time site-seeing and lazing in the sun by a beach or pool.
Recommendations for properties I should consider?
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Heels First is the travels and tribulations of two twenty-something frequent fliers jumping into the world of travel. Join Keri and Jeanne as they tackle mileage runs, elite status, and of course–the perfect travel accessories.
You probably knew this already, but you need to get a visa in advance to get into Vietnam. It may require you mailing in your passport for a few days to their consulate in NY or DC. I’m sure you can expedite using a service as well, but just something to keep in mind.
Assuming you have this sorted out, I’d go to Hanoi over Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). You may not have status with them, but the Sofitel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is pretty amazing and has a great pool which is ideal when it’s hot in Vietnam.
Thank you for the tips! Ho Chi Minh City seems to have better hotels but I’m leaning towards the sites in Hanoi so appreciate knowing about the Sofitel 🙂
I did visa on arrival using myvietnamvisa.com very easy. That’s the way to go. You just pay them to add your name to a list making you eligible to use visa on arrival. There’s some forms you can download and fill out so you don’t have to do it when you get there, then you go to the little visa on arrival window, hand over the fee and your passport, then you wait a while with everybody else waiting until the call your name and give you your passport with the visa added to it. It was very easy to do.
You didn’t say where you are going. I went to Hanoi with some other FTers (one grew up in Hanoi, so that was great.) I stayed at the Hanoi Sheraton. They stayed next door at the IC. The IC was much nicer. I would skip the Sheraton next time. If you are going to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), there’s a PH and nicer Starwood properties I believe. Ho Chi Minh’s tomb was a trip, as was all the horn honking. You’ll see what I mean when you get there.
-David
my pics from Hanoi trip – https://picasaweb.google.com/106681454868280164799/Hanoi?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Thank you! Still deciding where to go — your pictures and Steven’s rec have me leaning towards Hanoi (even though I love Park Hyatts) 🙂
Stayed a night at the Sheraton Hanoi. It was “ok”- nothing spectacular. Was upgraded to a fairly large size room with a nice view of the lake. Breakfast was nothing to rave about including the pho. Didn’t take advantage of the pool, but it looked nice. They had morning yoga/pilates sessions poolside. Hotel is quite a distance from Hoan Kien Lake and Old Town so I would reconsider if you plan on spending some time near that area.
Don’t do the water puppet show! Boring!