Hanoi's Hottest Hotel: La Passion's Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
La Passion Hanoi: Where Luxury Tries to Woo You (and Mostly Succeeds) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to give you the lowdown, dirty secrets, and occasional squeee! moments of my stay at La Passion Hanoi. "Unforgettable Luxury Awaits," they promised. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say my credit card is still recovering, but so am I from the sheer… experience.
SEO & Metadata (because I'm told I have to!):
- Keywords: Hanoi Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel Hanoi, La Passion Hanoi, Accessible Hotel Hanoi, Spa Hanoi, Hanoi Restaurant, Hanoi Best Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Hanoi, Free Wi-Fi Hanoi, Pool with View Hanoi, La Passion Review
- Categories: Hotels & Resorts, Luxury Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Spa Hotels, Hanoi Hotels, Vietnam Hotels
First Impressions (and a small existential crisis about baggage fees):
Arrival was… well, it was arrival. I'd booked the airport transfer, which was a godsend after a 14-hour flight. The driver, bless his heart, navigated Hanoi traffic like a caffeinated ninja. (Getting around: Airport transfer). The (Accessibility: Elevator) to the lobby was smooth, thankfully, because lugging my suitcase up stairs after that flight was a hard no. The lobby? Swanky. Think polished marble, mood lighting, and enough staff hovering to make you feel both coddled and slightly judged for your travel attire. (Services and conveniences: Front desk [24-hour], Doorman, Concierge). The check-in? (Services and conveniences: Contactless check-in/out). Easy peasy, lemony squeezy. Thankfully.
Rooms - My Sweet, Sweet Sanctuary (with a view, naturally):
My room? The "Executive Suite," because apparently I like to live dangerously (and/or someone at La Passion read my credit card statement). (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, Alarm Clock). Let's break it down, shall we?
- The Bed: Heaven on a fluffy cloud. Seriously, I almost didn't leave. (Available in all rooms: Extra long bed) The sheets? Silky. The pillows? Like a hug from a cloud. I'm considering writing a strongly worded letter to my landlord demanding the same in my apartment.
- The View: Breathtaking. I swear, seeing the city wake up from that height with a cup of complimentary tea in hand… (Available in all rooms: Complimentary tea) it was almost worth the jet lag.
- The Bathroom: Double sinks and a separate shower and tub situation? (Available in all rooms: Separate shower/bathtub) My inner diva squealed with delight. The toiletries were top-notch, and the fluffy bathrobes… oh, the bathrobes… (Available in all rooms: Bathrobes) I may have spent an unhealthy amount of time wearing one.
- The Wi-Fi: Spotty in my room until someone fixed it. (Available in all rooms: Internet access – wireless) But the speed wasn't blazing fast, I was able to stream netflix.
- The Imperfection (and it’s important!): I'm gonna be a bit controversial here. They gave me a room that seemed perfect. But then the maid came in the next day and didn't restock a few things, like coffee. I was so annoyed I could write a novel. But then the front desk apologized and they gave me a free spa treatment. So, all's well that ends well.
- Accessibility: The suite was (Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible), and the layout comfortable and a good design for accessibility with (Accessibility: Facilities for disabled guests).
Food, Glorious Food (and a cautionary tale about over-ordering):
Let's talk food. The (Dining, drinking, and snacking: Restaurants) at La Passion are a highlight – but proceed with caution, my friends.
- Breakfast: A buffet bonanza! (Dining, drinking, and snacking: Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). Everything from fresh fruit to pho to pancakes that could rival my grandma's. (Dining, drinking, and snacking: Breakfast [buffet]) Highly recommend the fresh juice. I spent so long at breakfast I almost missed my spa appointment.
- Lunch/Dinner at the main restaurant: International and Vietnamese cuisine. (Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant). The food was delicious but pricy. I ordered the spring rolls and the fish. They were incredible!
Spa Bliss (and a potential addiction):
The spa. Oh, the spa. (Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool) This deserves its own chapter. I opted for the "Signature Massage" (because, you know, self-care). I emerged feeling like a limp noodle, but a very happy limp noodle. The pool with a view was lovely, and the sauna and steam room were a welcome respite from the Hanoi bustle. (Ways to relax: Pool with view, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool).
Here’s a messy anecdote and a slight rant: The spa staff were beyond amazing, but the first time I went, everyone was friendly except for one girl. She acted like she hated her life. I considered complaining but I decided to take a chill pill. Later, she lightened up and seemed to enjoy her job.
Let's Talk Cleanliness, Because, You Know, Health:
La Passion takes cleanliness seriously. (Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individual-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment). Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and the general vibe was "we're taking this seriously."
Oh, and That Pool with a View? Divine.
(Ways to relax: Swimming pool [outdoor]) Yes. Just yes. Take a dip, order a cocktail from the (Dining, drinking, and snacking: Poolside bar), and soak in the city views. It's perfection.
Now the Minor Details (because I'm thorough):
- Internet: (Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) Pretty solid Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. (Internet [LAN]) I was able to easily connect my laptop when I needed to.
- Services and Conveniences: The concierge was super helpful with suggestions and bookings. (Services and conveniences: Concierge, Currency exchange, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes)
- For the Kids: Didn't have any, but seemed very (For the kids: Family/child friendly) with a babysitting service available. (For the kids: Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities).
The Verdict?
La Passion is a luxurious, well-oiled machine. It's not perfect (nothing ever is!), but it’s close. The service is impeccable, the amenities are top-notch, and that spa… swoon. Yes, it's expensive, but if you're looking for a splurge-worthy hotel, this is it. Would I go back? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already fantasizing about that robe, and the fluffy cloud bed. Just, you know, maybe I'll pack some extra coffee pods this time.
Escape to Paradise: Riu Montego Bay Adults-Only All-Inclusive Luxury
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because my "La Passion Hanoi Hotel & Spa" adventure? It wasn't all perfectly-pressed silk pajamas and serene smiles. Let's get real, shall we? This is less "Lonely Planet Guide" and more "Therapy Session Disguised as a Travel Log":
Day 1: HANOI! OH, HANOI! (And a Near-Death Experience with a Cyclo)
- 6:00 AM - Ugh. Flight. I swear, the pre-dawn wake-up call should be considered a war crime. But hey, Vietnam! Coffee better be worth it.
- 10:00 AM - ARRIVAL! Tan Son Nhat Airport… or, as I now affectionately call it, "The Sweatbox of Dreams." Seriously, the humidity hits you like a warm, sticky hug you didn't ask for. Immigration was surprisingly smooth, which lulled me into a false sense of security.
- 11:00 AM - The Taxi Debacle. Okay, so the pre-booked airport transfer? MIA. Cue a frantic negotiation with a cab driver who spoke about as much English as my cat does Mandarin. "La Passion Hotel… good, yes? You good price?" He mumbled. "Good price" translated to "possibly gouging the vulnerable tourist." But I was tired, and the hotel was, hopefully, my escape.
- 12:00 PM - La Passion, At Last! The hotel is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. That lobby! All dark wood and flickering lanterns. The air conditioning was a blessed relief after the taxi. Check-in was smooth, and that first sip of iced Vietnamese coffee? Pure. Ambrosia.
- 1:00 PM - The Cyclo of Doom. Right, so I thought a cyclo ride would be charming. Wrong. Utterly, terrifyingly wrong. Picture this: me, perched precariously on a tiny seat, weaving through a chaotic ballet of motorbikes, cars, and street vendors. The cyclo driver? He seemed to think the Hanoi traffic rules were merely suggestions. I was pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes… twice. My heart was hammering like a frantic drummer. That was an experience. Never again.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch, Finally. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place near Hoan Kiem Lake. Pho, obviously. And it was magnificent. The broth! The herbs! The chili! I think I licked the bowl clean.
- 3:00 PM - Tourist Mode Engaged. Wandered around Hoan Kiem Lake, gawking at Ngoc Son Temple. It was beautiful, sure, but I was also still replaying the cyclo experience in my head. Maybe I needed a strong drink. Or ten.
- 6:00 PM - Spa Time! The La Passion Spa. Yes. YES. A deep tissue massage after all that chaos. Pure. Bliss. I could feel my muscles unclench, the fear from that cyclo finally dissipating. This is what I came for, the luxury!
- 8:00 PM - Dinner and the Great Ban Off. A fancy restaurant, "Green Tangerine," that supposedly served amazing French-Vietnamese fusion. But I was too tired to truly appreciate it. I ended up getting a terrible steak that was like chewing on a boot. The staff was nice, but I felt a bit out of place. Back to bed.
Day 2: CULTURE, CHAOS, and COFFEE OVERDOSE.
- 7:00 AM - Breakie Bliss. Breakfast at the hotel. They have pho! And fresh fruit! And excellent coffee to help wash down the pain of the previous day.
- 8:00 AM - Temple Tour. "Temple of Literature" -- a beautiful, serene oasis. It felt calming, and it felt like a way to reset after surviving the cyclo. The buildings was so amazing, I loved the history.
- 10:00 AM - Egg Coffee Addiction Begins. This egg coffee! It's like a creamy, foamy, incredibly delicious custard in a cup. I went to Giang Cafe – the alleged birthplace of the stuff -- and ordered three. No regrets (yet).
- 11:00 AM - The Water Puppet Theatre: A Blur of Ducks and Dragons. Okay, it was… cute. The puppets are cool, the music is interesting, but I only grasped maybe 20% of the story. My attention span was short after the coffee.
- 1:00 PM - Street Food Adventure. Back to the Old Quarter, and this time, I'm armed with a local guide. I ate things I can't even pronounce, let alone describe. I loved the Banh Mi, the spring rolls, and the sweet sticky treats. Some stuff was too exotic, but I was so happy to try all of it. My tummy hurt, but in the best possible way.
- 3:00 PM - The Tailor Gambit. Found a tailor shop near the hotel. I ordered a suit and a couple of shirts. The lady seemed nice, but let's be honest, I'm basically handing over my money and crossing my fingers. Will it fit? Will it look hideous? Time will tell.
- 5:00 PM - More Egg Coffee. Because you can't have too much of a good thing, right? Right.
- 6:00 PM - Back to the Spa (Again!). Another massage. Okay, I admit it, I'm addicted. The peace and quiet is perfect.
- 8:00 PM - Drinks on the rooftop. La Passion Hotel has that great rooftop bar with the view of surrounding street. It made me want to buy out entire block. My first time in Vietnam was such a blast, and I can't wait to come back again.
Day 3: GOODBYE, HANOI! (For Now)
- 7:00 AM - Last Breakfast. Pho, obvs. And more egg coffee. Prepare for a caffeine crash later, self.
- 8:00 AM - Souvenir Shopping! Found some lovely silk scarves and a few knick-knacks. Haggling is stressful.
- 9:00 AM - Packing (and the "Is This Everything?" Panic). The suitcase is bulging. Am I forgetting anything? Probably. Passport? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Sanity? Questionable.
- 10:00 AM - Final Walk Around The Old Quarter. The noise, the smells, the vibrant life buzzing all around. I'm going to miss it. And I was so glad I got it.
- 11:00 AM - Hotel Checkout. The staff at La Passion are lovely. So friendly and helpful.
- 12:00 PM - The Airport Round 2. Hoping for a less stressful taxi experience this time. I'm ready to go home. And also, ready to come back again.
Observations and Ramblings:
- The constant horn-honking? It's a symphony of chaos, and yet, somehow, it works.
- The motorbikes are like swarming bees. You have to learn to just… flow with the current.
- The food is incredible, and the prices are ridiculously cheap. My wallet is thanking me. My waistline? Not so much.
- This hotel, La Passion, it's amazing, a true sanctuary in the middle of the madness.
- I need to learn some Vietnamese. "Xin chào" just isn't cutting it.
- Egg coffee is a gift from the gods. I'm seriously considering opening an egg coffee stand when I get home.
- The cyclo? Still traumatized.
- Hanoi? It's a sensory overload, a beautiful mess, and I'm already plotting my return. This is a city that gets under your skin, in the best possible way.
Okay, spill it. Is La Passion *really* as amazing as everyone says? I'm seeing Instagram, but let's be real…
Alright, let's be honest. Instagram is a lie, right? Well… mostly. La Passion? It's… complicated. The pictures? They're gorgeous, yes. The reality? A bit of a rollercoaster. I went there expecting pure, unadulterated luxury and, well, some parts of it hit that mark *hard*. Like, the lobby. Seriously, walk in and you feel like you've accidentally wandered onto a movie set. Gilded everything, tinkling fountains, the whole shebang. My jaw actually dropped. But…
The truth is, on my first visit, the air conditioning in my room was… well, it wasn't. I spent the first night sweating like a pig. This was a major downer after the opulent lobby. I complained, naturally. The staff were apologetic, bless their hearts, and moved me to another room that *did* function. Redemption!
The food! Is the Michelin-starred restaurant worth the hype (and the price tag)?
Okay, *this* is where things get… delicious. That restaurant? The "Aroma of Dreams" (I think that’s the name, something flowery anyway). Honestly? Prepare your wallet. It’s not cheap. But the food…? Holy Hannah. I had the… (searches frantically for the menu…lost it, typical me)...it doesn't matter. It was some kind of perfectly seared duck. Melt-in-your-mouth, with sauces that made me want to lick the plate. Actually, I might have. Don't judge.
The service? Flawless. Almost *too* flawless. I swear, a waiter materialized out of thin air anytime I even *looked* like I might need something. Made me slightly paranoid, but hey, excellent service. Still, I'm thinking it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing unless you hit the lottery.
What about the rooms? Are they actually as luxurious as they look in the photos? And what is the bathroom like?
Okay, the rooms... This is the make-or-break for La Passion. The "Vagrant's Retreat" on Instagram look glamorous. My first room? See above re: air conditioning. Nightmare fuel. But the second room, oh sweet merciful heavens. King-sized bed, softest sheets I've ever encountered, a view of the Old Quarter that made me forget about everything that had ever annoyed me, from the air conditioning to the questionable stain on the chair in the lobby.
And the bathroom… *chef's kiss*. Marble everywhere! A soaking tub big enough to swim in. (I didn't swim, but I considered it). Plush robes, those little tiny bottles of fancy shampoo (I hoard them, don't judge. They're like travel-sized treasure chests). The toilets were… well, even the toilet was fancy! The whole experience had me thinking I’d died and gone to boujee heaven. I will say the lighting was a little dim, though. Hard to apply makeup in the dark, you know?
The Spa – Worth the splurge? Tell me the truth!
Okay, the spa. Here's the deal. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, you could probably get a perfectly decent massage somewhere cheaper. But…(and this is a big but)… the atmosphere. The Zen music, the flickering candles, the scent of ginger and lemongrass… it *works*. I had a massage, and I actually fell asleep. Not the "I'm bored and pretending to enjoy this" kind of sleep. The deep, blissful, "wake me up in a different dimension" kind of sleep.
I will say, the therapist kept talking to me, and I'm not that social. Just let me relax in peace! But the massage itself? Sublime. And frankly? After the chaotic deliciousness of Hanoi, that spa was an absolute godsend. So, splurge? Maybe. But it's a gamble I’d be willing to take again. And again and again. Especially after the air conditioner fiasco.
Is La Passion good for solo travelers, couples, or families?
Alright, this is my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt, but… La Passion feels more like an indulgence for couples or solo travelers who are REALLY treating themselves. It’s romantic, it’s intimate, it’s… well, it's not exactly kid-friendly, unless your kids are tiny supermodels who appreciate art and fine dining.
I saw a family there once. Bless their hearts. The kids looked bored, and the parents looked stressed. It was all very… awkward. Solo travelers? Absolutely! You can luxuriate guilt-free. Couples? Perfect. Romantic date nights galore. Families? I’d probably suggest something a little less… precious. Unless, of course, you have a trust fund and a nanny who can deal with it.
What's the deal with the location? Is it convenient for exploring Hanoi?
Location, location, location, right? La Passion is smack-dab in the heart of the Old Quarter. Which is, in my opinion, the best thing. It's chaotic, it's noisy, it's… Hanoi! You're right on top of the action. Walking distance from Hoan Kiem Lake, street food galore, markets, temples… everything.
But (there's always a but, isn't there?)… It's *noisy*. Be prepared for constant honking, motorbikes whizzing by your window, and the general cacophony of a bustling city. It’s part of the charm, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Or maybe invest in some noise-canceling headphones. Trust me, you’ll need them. And maybe a strong cocktail for good measure.
Any advice for a first-timer at La Passion?
Okay, here's my wisdom, gleaned from my rather bumpy experience:
- **Complain immediately.** Seriously. If something's not right – the air conditioning, the room, whatever – speak up. Politely, of course, but firmly. The staff are genuinely eager to help.
- **Pack a small, portable fan**. Just in case. you never know when you'll be met with a broken AC.
- **Embrace the chaos.** Hanoi is overwhelming in the best way. Lean into it. Get lost in the Old Quarter. Eat all the pho. Don’t be afraid.
- **Budget for the spa and the restaurant.** Because you deserve it. Life's short, splurge a little!.
- **Don't believe everything you see on Instagram.** It's beautiful, but not always real. But mostly, it *is* real, just be prepared for some minor (or major) hiccups.
And most importantly? Have fun! It's beautiful. It's luxurious. It’s got its flaws, but it’s an experience. You'll have stories to tell, even if they're a little… messy. And that's what makes travelling fun, rightDigital Nomad Hotels
