Can't agree with your logic since you're comparing a beachfront property with an airport/convention property (i.e. and rates/catagory are not going to be equivalent) and may, like here, be inversely priced in terms of catagory vrs cash rates.
Originally Posted by
NotJustDreaming
JW Marriott Hanoi is a Category 3 hotel so it's pretty poor value for Category 1-5 seven night certificate.
The JW Marriott Phu Quoc on Phu Quoc Island is a gorgeous Category 5 hotel that retails for $500 to $600 USD per night. So that would be an excellent value for your certificate... if you could fit it into your time in Vietnam.
With regards to your time in Hanoi, the Sheraton Hanoi is a Category 2 and goes for 3,000 Starpoints on the weekend or 4,000 for a weekday stay. So 9,000 to 12,000 Marriott points via transfer. They also have super cheap cash rates that make the weekday points stays less appealing. It's not the same caliber as the JW Hanoi but is better positioned a 15 minute walk north of the Old Quarter. And it has a free shuttle service to same if you want to avoid crossing the road on foot.
It's not as well positioned as the Hilton properties but it is also an escape from the frenetic pace of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Consistent Trip Advisor reviews that the worn out but elegant Sheraton is a good choice just for the peace.
I'm heading to Vietnam in August as part of a year RTW and have personally opted for the Sheraton in Hanoi. And worked in Phu Quoc for a bit of a rest. We have three kids so I have to stretch my points and cash further since we need two rooms as per hotel policies. Well, and personal sanity I guess.