Sep 19, 2019, 6:48 am
JW Hanoi [Master Thread]
May 3, 2017, 10:20 pm
#61
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: SkyTeam Elite, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 262
Overall I have a lovely stay at this property despite sometimes the situation at the lounge is a little out of control. The staff have been really helpful and caring during my last day . I think it is very important to find one associate that you can communicate well during your stay , because each associate displaying different ways of service and personality. It's like making a friend, in a new place you should find one or two that you get along with well. I did so in the restaurant and executive lounge to introduce myself and sharing how I felt. My experience turned out to be much better than the first day.
I am planing another trip in June for two of the newest Marriott premier properties in Thailand and Singapore.
Having sharing and participating at many major travel forum for years including Marriott's own , never met the experience at FT here like yesterday. Sure, in the world of internet, it is easily to hear different voice, , some people agree with you, some people may not . But most importantly is to remain civilized even when you do not agree with someone, and focusing on the topic instead of the people .There is nothing wrong with making jokes or being sarcastic occasionally, but do not cross the line. Even if I don't agree with someone , normally I would not keep going after him/her just because I don't like him/her. I think most normal person would understand this.
I certainly will not come back here in FT again to share or posting any future pic and stay review and believe it or not, I do in other forums. And my new posting in SPG forum about Amex and Plat might also being reported as a useless and incorrect topic because it is posted by me.
This will be my last here.
I am planing another trip in June for two of the newest Marriott premier properties in Thailand and Singapore.
Having sharing and participating at many major travel forum for years including Marriott's own , never met the experience at FT here like yesterday. Sure, in the world of internet, it is easily to hear different voice, , some people agree with you, some people may not . But most importantly is to remain civilized even when you do not agree with someone, and focusing on the topic instead of the people .There is nothing wrong with making jokes or being sarcastic occasionally, but do not cross the line. Even if I don't agree with someone , normally I would not keep going after him/her just because I don't like him/her. I think most normal person would understand this.
I certainly will not come back here in FT again to share or posting any future pic and stay review and believe it or not, I do in other forums. And my new posting in SPG forum about Amex and Plat might also being reported as a useless and incorrect topic because it is posted by me.
This will be my last here.
I will say, you should not label FT as being unfriendly because one person wasn't nice. There are something like 100k+ people on this site.
Also I read your review, and that was the room I was supposed to get! It was on my app and then disappeared a day or two before checking in and I got downgraded. The room was still great, but that suite was beautiful!
May 20, 2017, 1:40 pm
#62
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
I am wondering if I should consider using my cert from my travel package at this property. I am marriott gold and I would be heading to Hanoi in the second half of June. I would be staying only four nights not the 7 on the cert (good at cats 1-5). Other parts of SE asia I would be visiting are rest of vietnam, BKK, Philippines (cebu city/Bohol), SIN. I would be in BKK for three nights so that seems like a waste of a cert and I am trying to decide if its worth using for six nights in Cebu City or if I would be better off just staying in Bohol. Every other location I visit will only be for two nights or less.
My concerns about this property are mainly location. How difficult is it to get to and from the city center? I had been looking at the Hilton Opera on a paid stay which would cost me $85 a night and I have gold status with Hilton as well. I will be arriving on an evening flight. Does the hotel offer airport transport or do they charge an arm and a leg for it?
My concerns about this property are mainly location. How difficult is it to get to and from the city center? I had been looking at the Hilton Opera on a paid stay which would cost me $85 a night and I have gold status with Hilton as well. I will be arriving on an evening flight. Does the hotel offer airport transport or do they charge an arm and a leg for it?
May 20, 2017, 7:44 pm
#63
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Maine
Programs: UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 706
My concerns about this property are mainly location. How difficult is it to get to and from the city center? I had been looking at the Hilton Opera on a paid stay which would cost me $85 a night and I have gold status with Hilton as well. I will be arriving on an evening flight. Does the hotel offer airport transport or do they charge an arm and a leg for it?
Unless you insist on a chain though I would consider some of the local hotels in the Old Quarter area that can be had for less. The Hilton is well located, though I haven't stayed their myself.
May 20, 2017, 9:18 pm
#64
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
The JW is fine as a luxury hotel, but as noted by others the location just isn't good if you're here as a tourist and want to spend time in the awesome Old Quarter area. It's a good 20+ minute taxi ride away. There's a huge benefit to being able to hop in and out of the hotel throughout the day and having so much at your doorstep.
Unless you insist on a chain though I would consider some of the local hotels in the Old Quarter area that can be had for less. The Hilton is well located, though I haven't stayed their myself.
Unless you insist on a chain though I would consider some of the local hotels in the Old Quarter area that can be had for less. The Hilton is well located, though I haven't stayed their myself.
May 21, 2017, 6:19 am
#65
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
The Hilton is better located, $85 is a good rate, absolutely stay there over the JW. The HGI is also well located and usually less expensive. The Sofitel Legend Metropole is a phenomenal hotel and is better located than either properties, but much more expensive. These three properties are within walking distance of most of what you will want to see. The JW is an over 30 minute drive.
May 21, 2017, 8:05 am
#66
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YYZish
Posts: 300
I am wondering if I should consider using my cert from my travel package at this property. I am marriott gold and I would be heading to Hanoi in the second half of June. I would be staying only four nights not the 7 on the cert (good at cats 1-5). Other parts of SE asia I would be visiting are rest of vietnam, BKK, Philippines (cebu city/Bohol), SIN. I would be in BKK for three nights so that seems like a waste of a cert and I am trying to decide if its worth using for six nights in Cebu City or if I would be better off just staying in Bohol. Every other location I visit will only be for two nights or less.
My concerns about this property are mainly location. How difficult is it to get to and from the city center? I had been looking at the Hilton Opera on a paid stay which would cost me $85 a night and I have gold status with Hilton as well. I will be arriving on an evening flight. Does the hotel offer airport transport or do they charge an arm and a leg for it?
My concerns about this property are mainly location. How difficult is it to get to and from the city center? I had been looking at the Hilton Opera on a paid stay which would cost me $85 a night and I have gold status with Hilton as well. I will be arriving on an evening flight. Does the hotel offer airport transport or do they charge an arm and a leg for it?
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.
Last edited by bdschobel; May 21, 2017 at 9:10 am Reason: removed offer to buy certificate
May 21, 2017, 11:36 am
#67
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,410
Or (Blasphemous) --- Book a Local Hanoi Hotel
Pre-merger with Starwood, my DH and I stayed at a local hotel (in the old quarter) in Hanoi: http://www.hanoilasiestahotel.com/
Free laundry, free minibar, breakfast included, step outside and you're in the old quarter (on a quiet side street) --- a busy main street is less than a half-block away.
Friendly staff, great concierge group who booked street food tours, a cooking class in the hotel, and helped us go to a snake restaurant.
Didn't earn points, but it was a very enjoyable stay.
Free laundry, free minibar, breakfast included, step outside and you're in the old quarter (on a quiet side street) --- a busy main street is less than a half-block away.
Friendly staff, great concierge group who booked street food tours, a cooking class in the hotel, and helped us go to a snake restaurant.
Didn't earn points, but it was a very enjoyable stay.
May 21, 2017, 1:00 pm
#68
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
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.
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.
In terms of the Sheraton that sounds like a good idea, but I burned all my starpoints and marriott points to purchase the Marriott package. I did it mainly for the 120k Alaska miles which I am using for my flight out and then for a future trip most likely. I looked at the spg website and the prices on the sheraton for my dates were like $149 a night, so I'm unlikely to shell out that kind of money given the other options. I am also considering the HGI now. I only have 11k Hilton points which does not go very far at all but I would be able to get a night on points in the HGI and pay like $58 for the other four nights or so. I'm probably going to use my marriott cert for six nights in cebu city philippines and just make day trips to bohol and other locations and if I find somewhere that I want to spend the night I will just get a cheap accommodation to stay over.
May 21, 2017, 2:43 pm
#70
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
May 21, 2017, 4:34 pm
#71
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YYZish
Posts: 300
I agree with you that JW Marriott Phu Quoc would be a strong redemption, but this is my first time in Vietnam (I only have 11 days there) and I am travelling on my own and have been told that property isn't really great if you are alone since its more of a resort experience with not a whole lot on the island. This would probably be better for someone who was with someone, had more time or had been to vietnam before and seen most of the mainland attractions. $500-$600 is steep for this property IMO. I understand its a fancy resort, but it is also SE Asia and these are rates that match up with the Park Hyatt in Tokyo where I am staying on my trip. That is rather absurd and I think the real value of the room is $200-$300 with the exception of maybe the high season. Still it would be a strong redemption no matter how you cut it as a cat 5.
In terms of the Sheraton that sounds like a good idea, but I burned all my starpoints and marriott points to purchase the Marriott package. I did it mainly for the 120k Alaska miles which I am using for my flight out and then for a future trip most likely. I looked at the spg website and the prices on the sheraton for my dates were like $149 a night, so I'm unlikely to shell out that kind of money given the other options. I am also considering the HGI now. I only have 11k Hilton points which does not go very far at all but I would be able to get a night on points in the HGI and pay like $58 for the other four nights or so. I'm probably going to use my marriott cert for six nights in cebu city philippines and just make day trips to bohol and other locations and if I find somewhere that I want to spend the night I will just get a cheap accommodation to stay over.
In terms of the Sheraton that sounds like a good idea, but I burned all my starpoints and marriott points to purchase the Marriott package. I did it mainly for the 120k Alaska miles which I am using for my flight out and then for a future trip most likely. I looked at the spg website and the prices on the sheraton for my dates were like $149 a night, so I'm unlikely to shell out that kind of money given the other options. I am also considering the HGI now. I only have 11k Hilton points which does not go very far at all but I would be able to get a night on points in the HGI and pay like $58 for the other four nights or so. I'm probably going to use my marriott cert for six nights in cebu city philippines and just make day trips to bohol and other locations and if I find somewhere that I want to spend the night I will just get a cheap accommodation to stay over.
I got my seven night certs for Alaska Miles as well. Five Biz seats on JAL Boston to Hanoi with a free stopover in Tokyo. Very excited for this trip.
May 21, 2017, 4:47 pm
#72
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: HH-D; MR-P/LTP; SPG-P
Posts: 849
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.
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.
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.
May 22, 2017, 2:32 pm
#73
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,410
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...ant-Hanoi.html
I was a little apprehensive about the whole concept, but it was actually quite fun (and tasty).
I was a little apprehensive about the whole concept, but it was actually quite fun (and tasty).
Dec 28, 2017, 9:49 am
#74
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVP; UA Gold; DL Gold; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 156
JW Marriott Hanoi, late Dec 2017 stay
Just finishing up a 3 night say at the JW Marriott Hanoi. As most have said, the JW Hanoi is about 30-40 mins via taxi or Uber from the Old Quarter of Hanoi. While that could be inconvenient, we found Uber to be an excellent and inexpensive way of transferring from hotel to tourist areas. We opted to have the amenities of the JW in the evening, and the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter during the daytime.
One of the bellmen had a list of Gold and Platinum customers still pending checkin when we arrived from the airport, and when we verified our names, he immediately escorted us to the Exec Lounge for checkin. The staff at 8pm in the lounge were very friendly and chatty as they brought us watermelon juice and checked us in. We booked the lowest level Deluxe room (I'm a Marriott Platinum) and were upgraded to an Executive Suite with a lake view, which is absolutely amazing. At about 960sq/ft, it's almost the size of our flat in Germany. The upgrade was an incredible boon to our stay and, truth be told, has put a smile on our faces throughout our stay. So even if the Exec Lounge breakfast was a little busy, we were still enjoying ourselves. As for the lounge, it's huge, and the staff is very friendly. The fruit is fresh, even though, some people seem to be tearing the station up in the morning. There are made to order eggs as well as waffles, beef noodle soup and a few other dishes in addition to breads, cereal, pastries, and a few side hot dishes. Tea time didn't have scones but did have sandwiches and some fruit.
The gym is excellent if not small. The male locker room has a steam room, sauna, whirlpool (not hot enough for my taste), and there is a covered co-ed lap pool that is heated. The pool was great. All and all, the facilities were top notch.
As mentioned, we used Uber to get to and from downtown. When waiting for our ride, the staff continually asked if we wanted them to call the driver to confirm their arrival. Seems even if Uber gives the address for the JW Hanoi, some drivers are confused by the lower restaurant/meeting room entrance, and the main hotel entrance. Our first day, we had them call, and the driver was sort of waiting at the street unsure of what to do. After the staff's call (they used their phone, not mine--nice of them), our driver was up here in about 30 secs.
Room service was nice as well. Mostly just a club sandwich after a long day, but the delivery was prompt and the food was fresh.
Other than being far from the Old Quarter and most tourist spots, the JW Marriott Hanoi is a great location. We just come from the JW Marriott Hong Kong, and, shockingly, the Hanoi property has been leaps and bounds better than the Hong Kong one. Maybe it's because the Hong Kong lounge was closed for maintenance, so moving to a restaurant has thrown them off their stride. That was our second JW Marriott Hong Kong stay, and the first one was amazing. This time was lacking, so JW Marriott Hanoi has been a great way to end this holiday. You really can't beat the price either.
Happy Travels!
One of the bellmen had a list of Gold and Platinum customers still pending checkin when we arrived from the airport, and when we verified our names, he immediately escorted us to the Exec Lounge for checkin. The staff at 8pm in the lounge were very friendly and chatty as they brought us watermelon juice and checked us in. We booked the lowest level Deluxe room (I'm a Marriott Platinum) and were upgraded to an Executive Suite with a lake view, which is absolutely amazing. At about 960sq/ft, it's almost the size of our flat in Germany. The upgrade was an incredible boon to our stay and, truth be told, has put a smile on our faces throughout our stay. So even if the Exec Lounge breakfast was a little busy, we were still enjoying ourselves. As for the lounge, it's huge, and the staff is very friendly. The fruit is fresh, even though, some people seem to be tearing the station up in the morning. There are made to order eggs as well as waffles, beef noodle soup and a few other dishes in addition to breads, cereal, pastries, and a few side hot dishes. Tea time didn't have scones but did have sandwiches and some fruit.
The gym is excellent if not small. The male locker room has a steam room, sauna, whirlpool (not hot enough for my taste), and there is a covered co-ed lap pool that is heated. The pool was great. All and all, the facilities were top notch.
As mentioned, we used Uber to get to and from downtown. When waiting for our ride, the staff continually asked if we wanted them to call the driver to confirm their arrival. Seems even if Uber gives the address for the JW Hanoi, some drivers are confused by the lower restaurant/meeting room entrance, and the main hotel entrance. Our first day, we had them call, and the driver was sort of waiting at the street unsure of what to do. After the staff's call (they used their phone, not mine--nice of them), our driver was up here in about 30 secs.
Room service was nice as well. Mostly just a club sandwich after a long day, but the delivery was prompt and the food was fresh.
Other than being far from the Old Quarter and most tourist spots, the JW Marriott Hanoi is a great location. We just come from the JW Marriott Hong Kong, and, shockingly, the Hanoi property has been leaps and bounds better than the Hong Kong one. Maybe it's because the Hong Kong lounge was closed for maintenance, so moving to a restaurant has thrown them off their stride. That was our second JW Marriott Hong Kong stay, and the first one was amazing. This time was lacking, so JW Marriott Hanoi has been a great way to end this holiday. You really can't beat the price either.
Happy Travels!