Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Luxeden Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This review is gonna be less polished brochure and more "what the actual heck happened on my Hanoi adventure" – all about the Luxeden Hotel. I'm talking the real, messy, beautiful truth. Let's dive into this "Hidden Gem" and see if it sparkles or just…well, tarnishes.
First Impressions (and Possibly a Mild Panic Attack): Accessibility & Arrival
Okay, so Hanoi. Traffic levels that would give Mad Max a run for his money. But finding the Luxeden? Easy peasy. Taxi driver knew exactly where to go. Getting to the actual door? A bit less smooth. (I'm not gonna lie, I'm not a fan of uneven sidewalks - let alone in a new country!) But the hotel guys were ON IT. Instant help getting luggage in and out. Accessibility-wise, I didn't have a full-on wheelchair experience, but there was an elevator, and the lobby seemed pretty open. Definitely ask about specific room accessibility features if you need them, though – don't just assume. They did have "Facilities for disabled guests" listed – so they're thinking about it! (Hopefully, the "Facilities" are actually good facilities).
The Room (and the Battle with the AC): Comfort and Convenience
Alright, the room! First thoughts? "Oh my god, this is nice!" (And then immediately followed by, "Where's the AC remote? …and why is it so complicated??")
- Available in all rooms: This is true, the AC was a beast and it was a total battle to figure out - which is a common thing with those fancy remote controls.
- Air conditioning: Crucial in Hanoi. Absolutely crucial. I'll confess - I wasn't a fan, but the battle ended with the room at a comfy, cool temperature.
- Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!): Oh, thank the internet gods! Worked flawlessly. No buffering during my Netflix binges, which, let's be honest, is a travel essential.
- Internet access – wireless: Yeah, that too! (And the LAN option in case you're a power user).
- Mini bar: stocked with the usual suspects. Water, some snacks, and a price tag that made me double-take.
- Coffee/tea maker: Thank goodness. That first morning? Absolute lifesaver.
- Complimentary tea, Free bottled water: Little things that make a big difference!
- In-room safe box, In-room safe box: Always a plus.
- Refrigerator: for those mid-afternoon beer runs.
- Bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Bathrobes: Pure indulgence, after a day in the dust
- And all the other essentials are covered: Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Mirror, Reading light, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens – (which, let's be real, I barely touched, the AC was reigning supreme.)
- Non-smoking: which is huge for me with my sensitive snoot.
- Closet: with space to hang and all the essentials
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Mostly):
Okay, the food situation at the Luxeden? A mixed bag. I went in with high hopes, and here are some things to keep in mind:
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yep, got my pho fix. Delicious! The buffet itself? Pretty decent.
- Western breakfast: The bacon wasn’t quite bacon, but the pastries were pretty darn good.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Good coffee! (Crucial, did I mention?)
- Breakfast [buffet]: A lifesaver if you're a hungry traveler.
- Restaurants: They had a few.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
- Poolside bar: I didn’t partake. (See below!)
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Bottle of water, Happy hour, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Breakfast takeaway service: All the things you want.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: A good variety!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Definitely a plus.
- Safe dining setup: Made me feel comfortable.
The Absolute Best Part: The Pool with a View (and a Quirky Incident)
This is where the Luxeden truly shone. The pool. Top-floor infinity pool, overlooking the Hanoi skyline. Stunning. I swear I spent half my trip just floating there, sipping on something fruity.
I kid you not, I was chilling in the pool, enjoying the view, when… a bird decided to take a dip. Right. Next. To. Me.
I'm not saying it was intentional, but it's not exactly what you expect from a luxury hotel pool experience, and I was howling with laughter. The staff came running, scooped the poor thing out, and the pool was quickly cleaned. (No, I wasn't traumatized, just… amused). It was memorable, let's say.
Relaxing & Rejuvenating (Sort Of): Spa & Wellness
- Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Foot bath: I didn't take advantage of the spa. But there's a fitness center!
- Body wrap, Body scrub, Gym/fitness: Yep.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did I Survive?
- Cleanliness and safety: This is important! I'm happy.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw the staff cleaning constantly!
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Peace of mind.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options: Good stuff.
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Feeling safe.
- Sterilizing equipment: Check.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Laundry
- Elevator: essential.
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank god.
- Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes All helpful.
- Business facilities: if you have to work.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Parking for those that want to drive around Hanoi?
- Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator: Appreciate.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Hotel chain: Luxury!
- Non-smoking rooms: I love it.
- Pets allowed unavailable: No dogs.
- Smoking area: if you really need to smoke
For the Kids: Family Friendliness?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't bring any kids, but the hotel seems pretty geared towards families.
Getting Around: The Taxi Tango
- Airport transfer: Absolutely use it. Worth every penny.
- Bicycle parking: Didn't bike in the chaos.
- Car park [free of charge]: I don't have a car.
Getting Around: The Taxi Tango
- Airport transfer: Absolutely use it. Worth every penny.
- Bicycle parking: Didn't bike in the chaos.
- Car park [free of charge]: I don't have a car.
Things to Do: Exploring Hanoi (and Beyond)
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events*: if you're hosting an event.
- Access: Great location.
- Exterior corridor: OK.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Hotel chain: Luxury!
- Non-smoking rooms: I love it.
- Pets allowed unavailable: No dogs.
- Smoking area: if you really need to smoke
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
YES, WITH A FEW CAVEATS.
The Luxeden Hotel is a solid choice. The rooms are comfy, the pool is a slice of heaven, and the staff are genuinely helpful (especially when a rogue bird crashes your swim). The location is great, the Wi-Fi is flawless, and the overall vibe is relaxed and inviting
Zhengzhou's BEST Hotel? Hanting Hotel Review (Zhongyuan Aquatic Market Near!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is my trip to the Luxeden Hotel in Hanoi. And trust me, it won't be pretty. Or perfectly planned. But it will be real. And probably filled with me muttering under my breath.
The "Maybe This Will Actually Be Relaxing?" Hanoi Adventure (Narrative Version)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Air Travel
- 6:00 AM: Alarm shrieks like a banshee. Seriously, who designs these things? I swear, it’s a personal vendetta from the universe. Drag myself out of bed, muttering about coffee – which will be essential to my survival. Pack for the 10th time, triple-checking the passport, because, you know, anxiety.
- 8:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Already sweating. I hate airports. The security lines, the smells, the sheer volume of humanity… It’s a glorious form of organized chaos. Think: "Losing Faith in Humanity: The Airport Edition".
- 12:00 PM (ish): Wheels up! The plane smells like a mix of stale air and someone's aggressively perfumed aunt. Try to read, fail miserably due to the constant cacophony of babies crying, people crunching on snacks, and the incessant drone of the engine. This is going to be a long flight. Seriously, how do people enjoy these things?
- 6:00 PM (Hanoi Time): Touchdown! Hallelujah, we made it! Passport control is a chaotic dance of pushing and shoving. Managed to navigate the baggage carousel only to realize my luggage is in… well, somewhere else. Sigh. This is the beginning of the end…I feel it in my guts.
- 7:00 PM: Finally locate my luggage (miracle of miracles!) and hailed a taxi. The traffic in Hanoi is… an experience. Bumper to bumper, organized chaos, beeping from every direction. I have never seen so many scooters. It's like a swarm of angry hornets.
- 8:00 PM: Arrive at the Luxeden Hotel. God, it's beautiful. The lobby is all sleek marble and polished wood. Check-in, surprisingly smooth. But then I get to my room… and it's even more gorgeous than the pictures. Suddenly, all the travel woes seem… slightly less terrible. Briefly.
- 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Order pho (because, duh). It’s delicious! But I'm so tired, I barely taste it. This is the moment I remember I didn't pack a toothbrush. The despair…
- 10:00 PM: Crash into bed. Exhaustion wins. Pray for a good night's sleep, which, knowing me, is a long shot.
Day 2: Old Quarter Adventures and the Temple of Doom (Kinda)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling like I've been run over by a scooter. Forget that good night's sleep… The sunlight is blazing through the curtains. But hey, at least I'm alive. Coffee, coffee, coffee. (Note to self: buy coffee beans next time.)
- 9:00 AM: Explore the Old Quarter. Wow! The streets are buzzing with life. Vendors everywhere, selling everything from silk scarves to live chickens (!!!). The energy is intoxicating, but also… overwhelming. I feel like a deer in headlights. Suddenly, I am lost.
- 10:00 AM: Found my way through the madness and stumble upon Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of the Jade Mountain. It's beautiful! The air is misty, and the temple feels peaceful. I spend a good HOUR staring at it. Take a million photos. Pretend to be Zen.
- 11:00 AM: Deciding to take a walk through the backstreets, and as I step inside I instantly regret it. The smell is awful. A pungent mix of god-knows-what. I have a mini-meltdown: trying not to breathe and avoid the puddles of, uh, stuff.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a street food stall. The aroma! The chaos! I bravely order banh mi. It’s amazing! So cheap! I could probably eat three. I spend the next thirty minutes trying not to get food poisoning.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: That one experience that I will return to: Egg Coffee. This is what it's all about people! This magical, frothy, rich concoction of coffee and… egg (don’t knock it till you try it) is a religious experience. You walk into a tiny (and I mean, tiny) hidden cafe, where it starts: the journey begins. I spend an hour just sitting there, slowly savoring every luxurious sip. Every sip is pure bliss. The taste is so smooth and the place is so tiny that it's a nice escape from the bustling streets.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to navigate the traffic to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Fail. Completely. Turns out it’s closed on Mondays… (Seriously, why didn’t I check this?). Sigh. Plan B: wander around the French Quarter admiring the architecture. Very pretty. Slightly depressing, because I'm still missing the Mausoleum.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant with a rooftop terrace. The view is incredible! The food… a bit hit or miss. Order more pho because I'm in love with it. The only thing that can rescue my day…
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Collapse. Netflix and regret buying a second suitcase.
Day 3: Cooking Class Catastrophe (Maybe Delicious?) and Water Puppets (Maybe Amazing?)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Still dreaming of the egg coffee. Time for a cooking class! Booked one at the hotel. Feeling optimistic!
- 10:00 AM: Cooking class! OMG, the chaos! I'm terrible at chopping vegetables. I nearly set my apron on fire. The instructor is very patient. We somehow manage to create something edible. Actually, pretty delicious. Maybe I'm secretly a chef? (Highly doubt it.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Eating my self-cooked masterpiece. Feel proud. Feel full. Consider taking a nap in the kitchen.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to visit the Water Puppet Theatre. Tickets are, of course, sold out for all the shows. (Everything is, isn't it?). I'm starting to think I'm cursed. I stand around looking forlorn and defeated.
- 4:00 PM: Wander aimlessly through the streets (again!). Stop at a market and buy a ridiculous hat. Feel slightly better.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a hole-in-the-wall place. Order something I can't pronounce. It's spicy! But good! I’m too afraid to ask what’s actually in it.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Desperate attempt to find a late showing of the water puppets online. Fail. Order room service. Watch bad TV. Accept my fate as a slightly inept, slightly lost traveler.
- 10:00 PM: Packing up. Hoping for less chaos to come.
Day 4: Departure and the Sweet, Sweet Taste of Home
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the final day. The realization of the next flight and the end of my escape hits hard. Sip that last cup of coffee. Pack.
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast. Pho again, of course. Gotta get my fix.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. The hotel staff are lovely. It's a nice, bittersweet moment. Wish I had a better grasp over the Vietnamese language, but it's okay.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi back to the airport. Deja vu.
- 12:00 PM: The journey back home.
- 1:00 PM: And I'm off. Bye bye, Luxeden! Bye bye, Hanoi. You were beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes, downright maddening. I'll be back. (Maybe).
Epilogue:
So, yeah. That was my trip. A glorious mess, mostly filled with minor disasters and moments of pure joy. I didn't see everything, I didn't do everything, and I
**Kansas City's KU Med Center Hotel: Baymont Wyndham's Unbeatable Deal!**
Luxeden Hotel: Unveiling the Mystery (and My Overwhelming Feelings About It!)
So, what makes Luxeden Hotel so "hidden" anyway? Is it, like, behind a dragon's lair or something?
Okay, okay, not *literally* behind a dragon’s lair. Though, honestly, after trying to navigate Hanoi traffic, I wouldn't have been surprised! No, the "hidden" part is more… metaphorical. It’s tucked away down a little alley, bless its heart, just off the main drag in the Old Quarter. Finding it felt like a mini-adventure! I swear, I walked past it *three times* before I saw the tiny sign. It’s a good thing I had my phone, but even then, I fumbled a bit. I felt a bit like Indiana Jones searching for lost treasure. (Minus the fedora, because, you know, humidity.) This initial hunt already gives this place a special character. It feels like "you have to find it to deserve it".
Alright, let's talk rooms. Are they actually luxurious, or is that just marketing fluff? My budget is "broke college student pretending to be a travel blogger," so be honest.
Okay, *real talk*. The "Lux" in Luxeden is… well, it’s there. My room? It was definitely on the smaller side – I'm not going to lie. Think cozy, not ballroom. But it was impeccably clean. And the *bed*! Oh, the bed. I could have slept for a week straight. Seriously, I have never felt so rested. The air conditioning worked like a champ (a *must* in Hanoi, trust me!). My budget? Let's say I stretched it a bit, but I think it was worth it. It's not the Four Seasons, but for the price, I'd say its a great find. I'm picky about hotels, and this passed the test.
The breakfast! Spill the beans. Is it the usual sad continental spread, or is there some Hanoi magic involved?
Breakfast! Okay, here's where Luxeden really shines… or at least, sizzles. They have a proper, made-to-order pho station. Yes! PH-O! You get to tell them exactly how you like it. And the coffee? Strong, Vietnamese, and delicious. I had *at least* three cups every morning. Okay, maybe four. Look, it's a judgment-free zone, alright? And what gets me is that they really treat this like a central attraction. I saw so many people just chilling over the pho. The staff is super nice, friendly, and helpful.
I'm not going to lie, the first morning I wandered down a little shell-shocked from the jetlag, not expecting much. Then, BAM! The smell hit me. The aroma of stock simmering, chilis, herbs... It was pure, unadulterated heaven. I inhaled a bowl so quickly I almost choked. It was the perfect cure for my existential dread of being in a new country.
What's the vibe like? Is it a party place, or somewhere quiet you can actually sleep? I need to know before I throw my first night party.
Definitely *not* a party place. Thank goodness! It's peaceful and chill, which is exactly what you need after a day battling the chaos of Hanoi. Now, the alley it's in can get lively! Especially at night. You can hear some music, some chatting. But the hotel itself is quiet, calm, and restful. You can definitely get a good night's sleep. Which I desperately needed, because navigating the street food scene is tiring work. I felt that the noise insulation was strong as well.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they helpful, or just polite and then disappear? I need a friend in a new city!
Okay, the staff? They were *amazing*. Seriously. They went above and beyond. When I was about to get a taxi, they explained all the prices, and got me a trustworthy driver. They were like my personal Hanoi navigators! They even helped me with something completely random. I was trying to ship some souvenirs home, and I was LOST. They stepped in, made calls, and practically organized the whole thing for me. Pure heroes. They genuinely seemed to care about my experience. It wasn't just good service; it was genuine hospitality. They made me feel like I was staying with friends. This is a huge win for them.
Okay, the nitty-gritty. What's the deal with wi-fi, and do they have those annoying power outlets?
The wi-fi was strong and reliable, which is always a major win for me. I could actually *work* from my room (shh, don't tell my boss!). And the power outlets? Smartly placed. I hate those hotels where the outlets are hidden behind the bed or in the bathroom. These were easily accessible and had adaptors as well. No complaints there!
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right? Spill the tea!
Okay, here’s the raw truth: Finding it the first time was a little tricky, as I mentioned. And the walls, they were paper-thin in some parts. On my first night, I heard someone snoring and I swear it was echoing in my head.. I think they could use a soundproof upgrade. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but it's worth mentioning. And maybe, the breakfast could have a little more variety, although I loved that pho. However, for the price and the over all experience, I think these are very minor details.
Would you go back? And more importantly, would *you* recommend it?
Absolutely, without a doubt, YES! I would go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I’m already daydreaming about that pho. And I *absolutely* recommend it. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a chance to feel tucked away, to be pampered a little, and to have a real, authentic Hanoi experience. It's the kind of place that makes you want to linger, to explore, and to come back for more. Luxeden? Consider me a convert. Seriously, book it! What are you waiting for?
