cowism

Stayed here over Christmas. Lounge and service was very underwhelming for a Sofitel as many has pointed out. Breakfast was repetitive over 3 days. Lots to improve.

lehms

Anyone stay here recently. Interested in thoughts given Coronavirus. We are planing on being there end of March

MattEvan

Any recent stays? We loved this hotel in the past, but dismaying to see reports that things may have gone downhill lately.

Enskie

Just checked in today. Booked a one night stay for a Premium Opera Queen through Virtuoso as Accor Gold and was upgraded to a Grand Premium King with club access. We stayed at the Capella a few days before which is in the same street and the Capella is a way better hotel. Would choose the Capella ahain next time.

Desirees

Enskie thank you for your post. I have been going back and forth between Capella and Metropole ( currently booked into Metropole with Virtuoso benefits). Capella Junior suite will be slightly more bit with no virtuoso or FHR benefits but your post just helped me decide I am going to switch. The rooms look beautiful.

Did Capella arrange for airport transfer?

Enskie

We were offered airport transfers from Capella but we just took a taxi as it was so much cheaper. You can try to get you a GHA status through Business Travel - maybe you could get an upgrade at the Capella through that.

These are the transfer prices that were stated in my booking confirmation:Mercedes E250 Car at VND2,750,000++ for one-way transfer. Mercedes S500 Car at VND5,200,000++ for one-way transfer. Limousine DCAR at VND3,500,000++ for one-way transfer.

AA EXP DFW-LON

Based upon this thread, I ended staying at the Capella instead of the Sofitel. The hotel is amazing, the attention to detail in the rooms is exceptional. Breakfast (the Vietnamese fare) was delicious. The staff couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. For a hotel that just opened, it's amazing how good the staff were and how consistently they delivered service. I would not hesitate to stay here over the Sofitel Opera Wing. In fact, my stay was so good that I will actively seek out other Capella properties to visit.

benjinito

We just booked a stay here next month. The hotel agreed to pick us up from the airport in lieu of the $100 F&B credit through Amex FHR, which I gladly took, since I'd prefer to try some local food instead.

They also offered a VIP meet and greet service at an upcharge (not sure how much yet, but will ask)

I've never flown an international flight into HAN before - how much of a pain is it to go through customs? Is this service worthwhile?

sfo

I certainly did not have to have an any special meet and greet. Having flown all over the world, it was pretty much the same as in any other country. Walk off the plane go through Customs and Immigration, show passport and any other needed documents, answered a question or two if asked and move on. Since I don't consider myself a VIP, have never used that sort of service and probably never will.

benjinito

I’ve never done any sort of independent “VIP meet and greet”, but I’ve done fast track business class lane and it does make a difference in terms of wait time. I can see it making a difference if the wait is excruciatingly long (let’s say, zipping through immigration in 10 minutes vs waiting for 2 hours, like in Cabo during a busy weekend). I also recall having a terrible experience at ADD with a lot of pushing/shoving.

Certainly don’t consider myself a VIP of any sort, just want to get a feel of what that airport is like

At any rate, the price quoted is $290 for a group of 3 (there are just 2 of us)

flyingbee

A VIP meet and greet service is not necessary at HAN. The longest I've waited at immigration is around 40 minutes. If you are in business class class or sat at the front of the plane and make a speedy exit and walk fast you can get to the immigration quite quickly.

When I was last there in early April (just after it had reopened) there was a separate check-point just before immigration to show your barcode for completing the health documentation before arrival. If you still have to fill that form in it is worth having the barcode / QR code to hand so you can get through that check quickly before other passengers join the immigration queue. But I have no idea if they are still doing this.

Are you arriving on Vietnam Airlines in business class? If so, there is a separate priority immigration queue on the far left. Otherwise take your luck with joining one of the queues. Unfortunately there are queues for each desk rather than one snaking queue so there is some luck in choosing a fast moving queue. It can be worth a shot taking the queue on the left next to the priority desk in case they call over the odd passenger to the priority desk, making that queue go faster. There will always be an element of luck as to what flights have arrived just before yours. However, Vietnam isn't back up to 2019 levels of international traffic yet so it shouldn't be too bad.

Once you are through immigration it is very quick and easy. Down the stairs to baggage reclaim and then out of the door to find the Metropole rep (drivers and reps wait outside the terminal). From immigration to your car is not far to walk at all. Enjoy your trip!

benjinito

Thanks so much for the super detailed response. We are indeed arriving on Business Class (China Airlines). Sounds like we can save the $290 then Thank you so much!

phant0m

Capella still better than the Metropole?

nufnuf77

I am staying at the Sofitel tomorrow - will let you know. I used a suite night upgrade + ACCOR PLUS 50% on dining so might be tough to beat for the suite price point. On the other hand i love Bill Bensley (we stayed at quite a few of his other properties) --> pity no status at GHA/Capella for us.

phant0m

How was your stay? Looks like Capella doesn’t participate in any FHR, Virtuoso or other similar programs so I’ll just be paying their website promo rates, Stay 3 Pay 2.