Somerset West Point Hanoi: Hanoi's Most Luxurious Hotel Awaits You!
Somerset West Point Hanoi: My Luxurious Tango with Hanoi (and a Few Hiccups Along the Way)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash my true feelings about Somerset West Point Hanoi. Forget the glossy brochures; I'm going to give you the real deal, the messy, the glorious, and yes, the occasionally frustrating truth, unfiltered. This review is gonna be long because, let's be honest, a hotel like this practically begs for a deep dive.
First Impressions (and a Slightly Awkward Entrance)
Somerset West Point paints a picture of luxury before you even step inside. Located in the heart of Hanoi, it promises a sanctuary. And the lobby? Oh, the lobby is stunning. Think gleaming marble, elegant furniture, and a sense of hushed sophistication. Hushed being the operative word, because honestly, trying to find the right entrance was a little awkward. Signage could be clearer, guys. But hey, once you're in, you're in.
Accessibility: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
The accessibility is a solid win. (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator) Ramps are readily available, elevators are spacious, and the staff seemed genuinely eager to assist. Crucially, I saw accessible rooms being advertised, which is fantastic, and a major plus in my book. This is something I really appreciate. It's not always a guarantee, and it makes a huge difference when you're looking for comfort and ease of movement. The focus on accessibility really does make it easier to enjoy all the other perks.
The Room: My Personal Fortress of Comfort (and Minor Annoyances)
My room… oh, my room! (Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, 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, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, 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) It was spacious, tastefully decorated, and boasted a seriously comfy bed. The blackout curtains were a godsend for battling jet lag, and the complimentary tea and water were a thoughtful touch. The bathroom? Luxurious, complete with a deep soaking tub (which I, admittedly, spent a good chunk of time in). I mean, bathrobes! Come on! It’s the little things.
Now, the minor annoyances. The Internet seemed a little… spotty at times. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) I'd be in the middle of streaming a movie (because, obviously) and bam – buffering. Seriously? And while I appreciate the "green" initiatives, having to switch from the light to the electric points really bugged me. Petty, I know. But it got to me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag of Delights and Misses
Alright, let's talk food (Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). The breakfast buffet? Epic. Seriously, the spread was incredible. Fresh fruit, pastries that practically melted in your mouth, and a made-to-order noodle station! Heaven. The Asian breakfast options were a definite winner, I’m a convert to Pho now.
The pool-side bar (Poolside bar) was a great spot to unwind in the evening, but the cocktails were a little… underwhelming. A bit watered down. Bummer. I did enjoy the ambiance. The main restaurant (Restaurants), on the other hand, was amazing. The international cuisine was well-executed, and the service was impeccable.
Now, here’s where it gets a little messy. Room service (Room service [24-hour])? Fantastic. 24/7, and the food was just as good as in the restaurant. I ordered a late-night pizza one night, and it arrived perfectly hot and crispy. Score! But, the snack bar (Snack bar)? Kind of disappointing. Limited choices, and the quality wasn't consistent.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and My Spa Day (It Wasn't All Sunshine and Rainbows)
Okay, I'm going to confess something. I'm a spa junkie. So, I was pumped for my spa experience. (Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) The pool with a view? Stunning. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice. The outdoor pool? Gorgeous. The fitness center looked well-equipped, although I'm horrified to admit I didn’t use it. (I was on vacation! Leave me alone!).
Now, about the spa (Spa, Spa/sauna, Massage). I opted for a body scrub and massage. The scrub itself was wonderful, really refreshing. The massage, however? It was okay. It wasn't bad, exactly. But it wasn't the mind-blowing, stress-melting experience I was hoping for. Maybe it was the therapist? Maybe I had too high expectations? I'm not sure. I mean, I didn't get the warm and fuzzies. Still, the facilities were lovely, and the sauna and steamroom were a nice bonus!
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuringly Thorough (and Seriously Impressive)
In terms of cleanliness and safety, Somerset West Point Hanoi earns a gold star. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-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) The entire place felt meticulously clean. Hand sanitizers were everywhere, staff wore masks, and I felt completely safe. The fact they offer room sanitization opt-out… that shows commitment! It’s reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Fantastic and “Meh”
The services and conveniences are a bit of a mixed bag. (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center) The concierge was helpful, and the daily housekeeping was impeccable. The option for contactless check-in/out? Brilliant. The convenience store? Okay, but a little overpriced. The gym was great again, but I didn’t use it. The business facilities seemed well-equipped, but because I was on vacation, I didn't take advantage of them.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But…
I didn't have any kids with me, but I did notice the offerings for families. (For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) Babysitting services were available, and I believe there were kids' meals on offer. The overall vibe seemed family-friendly. This would be a good choice if you're traveling with little ones.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy (Especially with the Airport Transfer)
Getting around was easy with their airport transfer service. **(Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Val
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Here's a shot at a Hanoi itinerary from Somerset West Point, laced with all the messy, beautiful, and utterly ridiculous realities of being a traveller. This isn't a polished brochure; it's a diary entry waiting to happen.
Hanoi: Somerset West Point & Head-Scratching Adventures (Expect the Unexpected!)
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory OVERLOAD! (Probably Gonna Get Lost)
- Morning (Like, REALLY morning - jet lag's a MONSTER): Arrived at Noi Bai International Airport. Okay, smooth enough landing. But then… the visa line. Good lord! Did my back suddenly sprout extra vertebrae? Finally through, and wham! The face-stinging humidity. It hits you like a wet, warm brick of pure energy. Found the pre-booked car to Somerset West Point. The drive? Pure chaos. Motorbikes, bicycles, a stray goat, a thousand honks – oh my GOD, the HONKING! Found myself gripping the seat like my life depended on it. Which, honestly, felt accurate at several points.
- Afternoon: Checked into Somerset West Point. (Pretty swish, actually. Thank god for reliable aircon.) Unpacked, wrestled with the mosquito net (I swear, the instruction manual was written in spaghetti code), and decided to venture out. Mistake number one: assuming I could navigate the streets using Google Maps and a valiant spirit. Wandered wide-eyed into the Old Quarter. The smells! Pho broth simmering, incense burning, something indefinably fishy… Heaven and hell wrapped in one delicious, overwhelming package.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Found a tiny, plastic-stool-filled cafe. Ordered bia hoi (local draft beer). It was ridiculously cheap and surprisingly good! Sat there, watching the world go by. A small, elderly woman with a face that could tell a thousand stories offered me a smile and a basket of fruit. Tried to haggle for mangoes, failed miserably, and ended up with the sweetest, juiciest fruit I’ve ever tasted. She just chuckled. Think I'd already earned the "Lost Tourist" badge by then.
- Evening (Things Start to Go Sideways): Dinner at a "recommended" restaurant. The food was fine, but the tiny, wobbly table almost swallowed my pho. Then, disaster struck. I tried to pay with a credit card. Nope. Cash only. Panic set in. Where was the nearest ATM? Would they think I was trying to skip on the bill? Thankfully, a kind waitress pointed me in the right direction. That walk to the ATM felt like an eternity. Back at the restaurant, I paid, then vowed to carry more cash, and only in front pockets!
Day 2: Egg Coffee, Water Puppets, & a Potential Breakdown (Maybe)
- Morning: Slept in… a little. Jet lag is a thief. Needed serious caffeine. Decided to go for the fabled egg coffee. Holy moly. It's like drinking a warm, fluffy cloud of coffee-infused heaven. Found a small cafe, tucked away on a side street. The whole experience was pure magic. Highly recommend.
- Forenoon: Water puppet show! Bought tickets, excited to see this Vietnamese art form. The water puppets, the music, the stories… enchanting! But, the theatre was packed and the acoustics… not so great. A couple of times, I felt like I was just hearing a bunch of vaguely water-based splashing noises. Still, utterly unique.
- Afternoon: Hit up Hoan Kiem Lake, to check out the turtle tower and, of course, the legendary turtle of the lake. But the amount of couples taking wedding photos was overwhelming. The whole place became a picture-taking contest. I have a feeling it lost some of its charm, but hey, I took a few photos anyway.
- Late Afternoon: Street food crawl! Absolutely devoured. Nem ran (fried spring rolls), banh mi, bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). My stomach felt like it was auditioning for a food-eating competition. Found a tiny vendor selling smoothies. The mango and passionfruit combination? Chef’s kiss. Then, disaster…again. Tried to order a taxi home, but my phone died. (Apparently, between charging and walking around in the humidity, my phone just gave out). Had to flag down a random taxi. Thank god for that helpful dude!
- Evening (Full Meltdown Potential): Decided to go to a cooking class. (This was a horrible mistake. I can't cook.) Chopped vegetables like a drunk, terrified rabbit. Burnt the garlic. Added way too much chili to my spring rolls (my mouth still felt like it was on fire hours later). Managed to create something edible, but barely. Ate it out of obligation. Headed back to Somerset West Point feeling defeated and utterly, utterly exhausted.
Day 3: Temple Hopping, Tailoring, & a (Slightly) Better Outlook
- Morning: Visited the Temple of Literature. Beautiful and serene. The architecture was stunning, and the peaceful atmosphere was a welcome change. Actually felt my blood pressure drop a few notches. Wanderer for a couple hours in the peacefulness. Took a picture with the stone carving.
- Forenoon: Finally, a tailor! Got a suit custom-made. The whole fitting process was an experience in itself. The tailor, a tiny Vietnamese woman who looked like she could move mountains, was incredibly efficient. Negotiated a price (I think I did relatively well). Felt absurdly stylish leaving the shop.
- Afternoon: Wandered around the French Quarter a bit (The architecture is pretty cool, but also…a little pretentious, no?). Found a cool little art gallery selling some amazing paintings. Considered buying one, but the prices… yikes.
- Late Afternoon: Back to the Old Quarter. Just wandered, soaked up the atmosphere. Did a little souvenir shopping. Found some amazing Vietnamese coffee beans. Felt a sense of peace descend.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant. The views were spectacular, the food was good. My face was slightly burnt from the sun earlier, but I don't even care. Looked back at the trip. Did not fall apart.
Day 4: Departure (with a heart full of pho and a story or two)
- Morning: One last egg coffee. One last wander through the Old Quarter. One last moment of pure, unadulterated chaos. Checked out of Somerset West Point, feeling slightly sad to leave.
- Departure: Headed to the airport, slightly bruised but definitely exhilarated. Hanoi, you beautiful, chaotic, overwhelming, and utterly captivating city. I'll be back…one day, after I learn to cook, pack light, and keep my phone charged.
Final Thoughts:
Hanoi is a whirlwind. It’s messy, it’s loud, it's infuriating at times. But it’s also beautiful, kind, delicious, and full of hidden gems. Don’t expect perfection. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the mistakes. Embrace the street food. You'll have a story to tell. And that, my friends, is what it's all about.
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Somerset West Point Hanoi: Ask Me Anything... (Seriously, I Survived!)
So, is Somerset West Point *actually* luxurious, or is it just…fancy wallpaper?
Oof, good question. Because you see things can be tricky. After a disastrous day traversing Hanoi's chaos, I arrived at this supposedly "luxury hotel" with the expectation of a soft landing. And… well, the lobby IS pretty spectacular. Think polished marble, a chandelier that probably costs more than my car, and a lingering scent of… expensive air freshener? Still, the first impression was *powerful*.
The room? Okay, the room was impressive. Seriously, everything was crisp, clean, and HUGE. I've lived in apartments smaller than the bathroom. And the *view*! Sweeping vistas of the city, especially at sunset… breathtaking. My inner cynic kept muttering about "corporate luxury," but honestly? I was kinda sold. The bed? Divine. I'm pretty sure I achieved levels of sleep I haven’t experienced since, oh, I don't know, my toddler-free days. This hotel got to me.
Is the pool as gorgeous as the pictures? Because let’s face it, hotel pools are often misleading.
Okay, THIS is a big one. The pool... yes, it's pretty darn gorgeous. It's an outdoor infinity pool, and the view from it is great. Plus, they have comfy lounge chairs. It’s a perfect place to relax, at least until the sun hits and you’re basically a rotisserie chicken.
The slight imperfection? Because there always is one, isn't there? The pool, while beautiful, gets a bit crowded. And I may or may not have witnessed, let's just say, *questionable* swimming etiquette. (Think: excessive splashing and diving… from adults.) But honestly, it's manageable. And the cocktails from the poolside bar? Worth the slight chaos. Absolutely worth it.
What's the breakfast situation like? Because, honestly, breakfast can make or break a hotel experience.
Breakfast... oh, breakfast. It’s a buffet, obviously. And a *good* one. Like, the kind that makes you question all your life choices and consider staying in the hotel indefinitely just to eat. There's everything you could possibly want. Pho, check. Freshly baked pastries, check. An omelet station manned by someone who looks suspiciously like they could be a Michelin-starred chef (probably not, but still!).
My only tiny, insignificant complaint? The coffee. It wasn't *bad*, but for a hotel touting luxury, I was hoping for something… more. Maybe a little bit of a richer, more authentic Vietnamese coffee. But hey, I’m nitpicking. The breakfast, overall? Stellar. I went back for seconds (and thirds… and maybe a sneaky fourth).
Is it a good location for exploring Hanoi?
See, this is where practicality enters the equation. Somerset West Point is in a fairly central-ish location. It's not *right* in the Old Quarter’s chaotic heart, which can be a blessing if you value your sanity. The Old Quarter is still easily accessible by taxi or even a (brave!) motorbike ride. Same goes for Hoan Kiem Lake, and the main tourist sites aren't too far off.
But I must be honest, the hotel doesn’t have the same charm as being located in the Old Quarter itself. So it's a tradeoff. You get the peace and quiet of a luxury hotel, but it takes a bit of extra effort to get to the action. But honestly? After a day navigating motorbike madness, the peace and quiet was *exactly* what I needed. I was practically vibrating with a cocktail of travel chaos and exhaustion. So, worth it for me.
What was the *one* thing about the hotel that really stuck with you? Something you'll never forget?
Alright, here's the slightly messy but honest answer. I had a terrible flight, the airlines had lost my luggage, and I felt completely and utterly defeated. The staff? They were *amazing*. They went above and beyond to help...not just with my luggage crisis(which they helped so much with), but made me feel better amidst the chaos. I was incredibly grateful to have picked this hotel.
There was one particular staff member, bless her heart, who would see me frazzled in the lobby and immediately bring me a glass of iced Vietnamese coffee. Without asking. She noticed, she cared, and she knew exactly what I needed. It was such a small gesture, but it completely turned around my awful first day in Hanoi. She was simply an angel. That level of attentiveness? That’s what cemented this hotel's place in my memory. That’s the moment that made it truly special. And that's what I'd remember more than the fancy wallpaper.
Are there any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right?
Okay, okay, let's be brutally honest for a second. Luxury comes at a price. It’s not cheap. Buckle up, buttercup. And, though the staff are generally amazing, there were moments where my requests were, shall we say, *slightly* lost in translation (or maybe ignored entirely?). But honestly small potatoes. I had a great time.
But here's the big, and I mean HUGE, thing: traffic. The hotel can be difficult to get to, especially during peak hours. Hanoi traffic is legendary for its sheer, unadulterated, chaotic energy. Prepare for some serious travel time to and from the hotel, especially if you're arriving during rush hour. Be prepared for the chaos.
Would you recommend staying at Somerset West Point?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Assuming your wallet can handle it, of course. (I’m saying it was worth it, but it wasn't cheap.) It’s a luxurious oasis in a vibrant, hectic city. The service is fantastic, the rooms are gorgeous, and the breakfast is a must. It provides a truly great experience.
It's not perfect, nothing is. But if what you’re looking for is the chance to take a deep breath and properly relax while taking in the sights of Hanoi, then book this place! You won't regret it. Your weary travel-addled soul will thank you.
