Hanoi's ICONIC Landmark 72 Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Hanoi's Landmark 72 Hotel: A Towering Tale of Two Stays (and a Whole Lot of Noodles)
Okay, let's be real. Writing a review of a colossal place like Hanoi's Landmark 72 Hotel is like trying to summarize the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy in a tweet. But, I'll give it a shot. Buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving in!
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest and utterly human review of Hanoi's Landmark 72 Hotel. We delve into its massive amenities, the good, the not-so-good, and the downright hilarious moments of a stay in this iconic Hanoi landmark. (Spoiler alert: the noodles were a highlight.)
(Now, the Rambling Begins…)
First things first: this place is massive. Like, you could probably get lost in the elevators alone. I’ve been there twice, and each time felt like a miniature expedition. The sheer scale of Landmark 72 is the first thing to hit you. It’s a behemoth, soaring into the Hanoi skyline like a concrete and glass ambition.
Getting In & Getting Around (Accessibility & the Elevator Dance):
Okay, let’s talk accessibility. This is crucial. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, thankfully. Ramps, elevators galore (they are seriously everywhere), and I saw signage indicating accessible rooms. HOWEVER… and here’s the but (which, let's face it, is always there with these things), navigating the sheer size can be a workout, even with ramps. The distance from the lobby to some of the restaurants? Prepare for a journey. Take a deep breath, plan your route, and maybe pack a small picnic, just in case. I’m not kidding.
Elevator-wise, I saw some issues. It's not always smooth sailing. Sometimes, you wait a while. And sometimes, you get squished in with what feels like an entire convention of business suits.
Rooms: Luxury? Yes. Personality?… Debatable.
The rooms themselves? Pretty darn good. They are well-equipped, clean, and modern. Everything is there: Air conditioning, complimentary water, Wi-fi (free in all rooms! - bless), bathrobes, slippers (a godsend after a day of Hanoi street-walking), and even a safe box. We had a room on a high floor with stunning views. High floor: definitely a plus. You’re definitely above the noise of the city, although, let's face it, Hanoi can be surprisingly noisy, even from 50 floors up.
The Internet access was pretty solid, whether I used the Wi-fi or the Internet [LAN]. You could connect a laptop to get some work done, and download as many photos as you want.
Here is a good tip: Choose a higher floor, but be prepared to wait on the lift during rush hours.
One tiny, slightly nitpicky, but important thing: the decor is a bit…corporate. It's luxurious, yes, but lacks charm. Think sleek, minimalist, and a tad impersonal. It's a bit like living in a very expensive Ikea showroom. That said, the soundproofing is excellent. And they had blackout curtains! Bliss. Nothing beats that.
The Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Mystery Meat):
Ah, the food. Now, this is where things get interesting. Restaurants are plentiful. There's a buffet that'll knock your socks off, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, and a vegetarian restaurant. Good choices.
The breakfast buffet was breakfast [buffet] of champions. Seriously, mountains of food. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast… you name it, they've got it. Fresh fruit, pastries, noodles (oh, the noodles!), eggs cooked every which way. It's a feeding frenzy in the best possible way.
There are several restaurants: Restaurants with the Coffee/tea in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant and Desserts in restaurant.
I remember one particular morning, I was feeling adventurous. I’d grabbed a piece of, what I thought, was perfectly innocent sausage. Let’s just say, it was a culinary adventure that I’m still processing. Let's just say, the taste was… unique. Perhaps a bit too authentic. I had a feeling it was not the Western cuisine. I am good with the Asian food, but I will stick to the noodles next time. Always trust the noodles.
They have a Poolside bar and Snack bar, too, so you can always find your fix, whatever you need.
I did have Breakfast in room once, a classic experience, with Room service [24-hour].
Relaxation & Recreation: Spa-tastic, but…Prepare Yourself for the Price Tag
The Spa is beautiful. The Swimming pool is stunning, especially the Pool with view. The sauna, steamroom, and fitness center are all top-notch. I spent a good amount of time at the Gym/fitness, sweating it out.
They offer a variety of treatments: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, and even a Foot bath. The staff were attentive and friendly.
The problem, as with most luxury hotels, is the price. Spa treatments are expensive. Very expensive. So, be prepared to break the bank, or just enjoy the free facilities. The Spa/sauna is great, too.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and Dealing with the Business-y Vibe:
Besides the gym/fitness and pool, there are loads of cool features. They have Business facilities, like Audio-visual equipment for special events, and Meeting/banquet facilities. They offer seminars, too.
The hotel is very geared towards business. There are meetings happening everywhere, and people in suits milling about. This is both a good and a bad thing. Good because it has all the amenities a business traveler would need. Bad because… well, sometimes you just want to escape the corporate machine on your holiday.
There is the Concierge, as well, for anything you want.
Cleanliness & Safety: They Take it Seriously (Thankfully):
I really appreciated the efforts they've made with Cleanliness and safety. I saw evidence of things like Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer readily available, and staff trained in safety protocol. They even provide Anti-viral cleaning products and Individually-wrapped food options! I'm glad to see they were thoughtful with Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Safe dining setup. You can also opt-out of Room sanitization if you wish.
Service & Convenience: A Mixed Bag
The service is a mixed bag. Sometimes it's impeccable, other times…well, let's just say there's a bit of a language barrier. But generally, the staff are friendly and try their best.
There are a ton of Services and conveniences available, like Concierge, Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Doorman, Elevator, Laundry service, and Luggage storage.
Other Stuff (The Bits & Bobs):
- Family/child friendly: They have some kids facilities and offer Babysitting service.
- For the kids: They have a few options to entertain the little ones, which is a plus.
- Getting around: Airport transfer is available, which is a major win. They also offer Valet parking, Car park [free of charge], and Taxi service.
- Smoking area: There is a specific area for smokers.
- Pets allowed: Pets allowed unavailable.
- There is a Convenience store if you need anything.
The Verdict: Worth It? (With a Few Caveats)
Landmark 72 is a fantastic hotel. It offers a luxurious stay with fantastic facilities and impressive views.
Pros:
- Excellent facilities (pool, spa, gym).
- Comfortable and well-equipped rooms.
- Great location, with easy access to the city.
- High level of cleanliness and safety.
- Massive breakfast buffet.
Cons:
- Can be a little pricey (especially the spa).
- The impersonal decor is a bit of a downer.
- Occasionally, the service can be inconsistent.
- The size can be overwhelming for some.
Final Verdict:
If you're looking for a luxurious stay with all the bells and whistles, and you don't mind the price tag, Hanoi's Landmark 72 is definitely worth considering. Just remember to pack your walking shoes, brush up on your noodle-ordering skills, and prepare for a truly grand experience. And for God's sake, maybe steer clear of any mysterious sausages.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Elite Suites Hotel, Riyadh!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Hanoi, baby! And we're staying at the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72. (Fancy pants, I know. Don't judge.) This is gonna be less "precise ticking of boxes" and more "winging it with a dash of panic and a whole lotta delicious food in my face."
Day 1: Arrival & Culture Shock (and a side of deliciousness)
- Morning (approx. 9:00 AM): Land at Noi Bai International Airport. Ugh, airports. The smell of jet fuel and instant coffee…a truly romantic combination. Okay, breathe. Find the pre-booked (thank GOD I planned ahead SOMETHING!) airport transfer. The drive into Hanoi. Chaos. Glorious, beautiful, horn-honking chaos. Scooters everywhere. Sidewalks doubling as parking lots. Already I’m feeling a little overwhelmed (in a good way, mostly).
- Mid-morning (10:30 AM - 11:30 AM): Arrive at the InterContinental. Okay, now we're talking. Lobby is massive, the staff is ridiculously polite. Check-in. They upgraded me?! Okay, Hanoi, you’ve already won me over. I'm trying not to act like a total tourist, but the panoramic view from my room is making it very hard to not be gobsmacked. The building itself is a freaking statement. Seriously, this is gorgeous.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Deep breath. Time to eat. Found a little street food place near the hotel after some serious Google Mapping. First taste of Pho (the national dish), that broth… oh my GOD. Seriously, I might have shed a tear. And the fresh herbs, the chili… bliss. A tiny little kid keeps staring at me, which is weird but endearing? Probably thinks I'm a giant weirdo.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Attempt to wander around. Old Quarter, here I come! Oh my god, the CRAFTING! So many little stalls. Got absolutely lost within 10 minutes. No regrets, though. Found a tiny tailor who promises to make me a custom ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress). Let's see if that pans out. Negotiating prices is a sport here. I feel like I'm terrible at it, but I'm having fun getting schooled. The sheer number of motorbikes. It's a constant river of them. I'm pretty sure I almost got mowed down crossing the street. Lesson learned: Look and listen.
- Early Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Back to the hotel for a swim. The pool is insane. But the people-watching is even better. Spying on other tourists is one of my favorite pastimes.
- Dinner (7:30 PM onwards): Dinner at 3 Spoons inside the hotel. Expensive. Worth it. Even though I almost ordered the entire menu. That feeling of jetlag kicking in. I want to go to bed, but I also want to stay up and explore. So, I'm going to get a cocktail at the bar at the Landmark 72.
Day 2: History, Coffee, and Maybe a Spiritual Moment
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. (Buffet heaven!) Omelets cooked to order? Yes, please. So many delicious things. I'm regretting the amount of food I ate last night… but not that much.
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Okay, it can be a bit somber, but it's undeniably a powerful experience. The guards are serious. Respectful, quiet, a sea of people. I felt a bit out of place the whole time. After the mausoleum, the museum was a bit overwhelming with the amount of information about Ho Chi Minh's life. Quite moving.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Quick bite at a street-side cafe near the museum. Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich). Heaven in a baguette.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Temple of Literature. This place is serene. A welcome respite from the chaos of the streets. I swear, I actually felt a moment of zen wandering through the courtyards. Maybe I'm becoming a "cultured traveler"? Nah, probably not.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM): Coffee time! Really coffee time. Hanoi is famous for its egg coffee, and I need to try it. Found a tiny little cafe on the side of the lake. The coffee is surprisingly good; the egg is surprisingly good. I'm starting to feel addicted.
- Early Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I almost got run over crossing the street again! Time for a breather. Maybe a quick nap before…
- Dinner (7:30 PM onwards): Fine Dining at Stellar Steak House. I love the way it sounds. And steak, by the way.
Day 3: Cooking, Culture & Goodbye (sob!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Trying to drag myself together. Okay, gotta get up today. I'm still a little jetlagged, and I had a few cocktails last night.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Cooking class! Yes, that's right. I'm going to attempt to learn how to cook Vietnamese food. (Spoiler alert: I'm probably going to make a mess). I'm terrible at cooking. The class was amazing! We went to the local market to buy the ingredients, which was a chaotic sensory overload. I think I managed to accidentally say "yes" to buying a live chicken. But hey, at least I didn't have to kill it! The food turned out surprisingly delicious. Maybe I'm not as bad at cooking as I thought?
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Eat the delicious food I just made. I'm stuffed. Seriously, I think I need a nap.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Water Puppet Theatre. Honestly, I was expecting to be bored, but it was actually pretty charming! The puppeteers are incredibly skilled, and the music is incredibly catchy. A quirky distraction.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Last minute souvenir shopping. Or maybe just a last few wander through the Old Quarter. I'm starting to feel a little sad that I have to leave tomorrow.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Pack. Ugh. Packing. The bane of my existence.
- Dinner (7:30 PM onwards): Dinner at the hotel. A fancy meal, a final good-bye to the amazing food and service.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Pack (again!). So many great memories. I'm already dreaming of returning
Day 4: Departure
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast. One last amazing breakfast! Even though I'm stuffed from last night's dinner.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Check out. The hotel is sad to see me go. So sad.
- Mid-Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 AM): Transfer to the airport. The ride back is even more bittersweet.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Fly home. Already missing the chaos, the food, and the friendly people. Until next time, Hanoi!
Observations & Random Ramblings:
- The Motorbikes: They are EVERYWHERE! I feel like I've spent 90% of my time dodging them. I half expect to wake up one morning and become one.
- Food: Seriously, the food is incredible. I've eaten my weight in pho and banh mi. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to start a detox diet the moment I get home.
- The people: So friendly and helpful. Even when I'm completely lost (which is often!) They are generous with smiles.
- The constant humidity: It's like walking around in a warm, wet blanket. Not complaining, though.
- The InterContinental: Absolutely incredible. The service is impeccable, the rooms are luxurious, and the views are stunning. Worth the splurge!
- Things I didn't get to do: Ha Long Bay. Next time, baby!
- Overall Verdict: Hanoi is amazing. It's chaotic, beautiful, and delicious. I can
Hanoi's Landmark 72: The Good, The Bad, and the Honestly, Pretty Darn Impressive
(My brutally honest take, because, let's be real, hotels are a whole *thing*.)
Is Landmark 72 really as luxurious as they say?
Okay, let's cut to the chase: Yes. And no. It *is* incredibly plush. Think marble, gold accents, a lobby that could house a small zoo (seriously, the scale is insane). But here's the messy truth: Luxury, in my opinion, is more than just shiny surfaces. My first impression? Jaw-dropping. Like, "I'm not worthy" jaw-dropping. My *second* impression? A tiny crack in the perfectly polished marble in my bathroom. Subtle, but it made me think... "Is this *real* luxury, or just a very, very expensive facade?".
My anecdote: I was staying in a suite, which, blessedly, had windows that actually, genuinely opened (a rare breed, I tell you!). The first evening, though, the air conditioning went bonkers. It started blasting arctic air. I was freezing! I called down to reception, and *bam*, within minutes, a very apologetic technician was in my room, fiddling with the thermostat. Fixed it pronto. Still, it was a little… less than perfect, right? You get the impression, they're pushing the boundaries of what's normal and the experience is a bit more like an ambitious performance artist trying to make something beautiful, and sometimes just *missing*.
What are the rooms *really* like?
Okay, here's the deal with the rooms. They're spacious. Ridiculously so, especially if you snag a suite. The views are, well, let's just say you're looking down on a lot of Hanoi. The beds? Heavenly. Cloud-like. I swear, I almost moved in permanently. But (there's always a but, isn't there?)… sometimes, the design feels a little… sterile? A little *too* perfect? Like the kind of place you'd expect a supervillain to live. The art, in particular, didn't really resonate with me. Felt a little generic international hotel chic, instead of imbued with Vietnamese soul. I mean, I wouldn't go as far as to say it's *soulless*, but I am not sure the hotel staff is human, or robots. But the views compensate! And the bed! Oh, the bed...
Is the food any good? (Because let's be honest, that's a *huge* deal.)
The food is… a mixed bag. Let's put it that way. The breakfast buffet? Epic. Truly epic. From the pho station (essential!) to the mountains of pastries, I could have happily spent the entire morning battling the jet lag in that room. The main restaurant… it's fine. A little predictable, perhaps. Very international. Nothing that really *wowed* me. I had the most delightful pho (I swear, I ate Pho for breakfast the entire week, like a good tourist). But I also had some bland pasta. So... go for the breakfast, and maybe venture out for dinner.
An unasked for opinion: I'd say the food is the biggest weakness. You could probably do better, flavor-wise, at a street-side stall. Especially for the price! But, hey, you can't have *everything* perfect, can you? It's a journey, not a destination, etc., etc.
What about the service? Is it as polished as the floors?
The service is… good. Very, very good. Always polite, always helpful. Sometimes *too* helpful, bordering on… hovering? (Look, I'm a pretty independent person, and sometimes I just want to order a coffee in peace). They are very good at remembering your name, though, which is both impressive and a little bit unnerving. But overall, the staff is genuinely friendly and tries *very* hard to please. You won't lack for assistance. Honestly, It's a vast improvement on the service I have experienced in the west.
Is it worth the price tag?
This is the million-dollar question (well, the multi-hundred-dollar-a-night question, at least!). Look, it's expensive. No two ways about it. But, if you want a taste of extreme luxury in Hanoi, with insane views, and you value convenience and a level of service that actually *does* try, genuinely, to make your stay special, then... yes, it *might* be worth it. I guess it depends what you are looking for. If you want "the experience", then go for it. If you are a bit of an adventurer, you should probably stay elsewhere. So, you do what you feel, and what you like. Just be sure to bring enough money!
Personally? The bed almost makes it worth it alone. *Almost*.
What about the spa and other amenities?
The spa is… luxurious. Very relaxing. The pool? Okay, not quite Olympic-sized, but nice. And the views from the pool? Stunning! Again. The world-class spa, but I’m not a huge spa person, so I can’t give you the full lowdown on whether the massages will change your life. The gym? Well-equipped, though I confess, I spent more time eating pho than working out. But it's there, if you *need* it. The whole experience is definitely trying to tick all the boxes, to leave you feeling pampered.
Any hidden quirks or things to watch out for?
Oh, yes, the quirks! Where do I start? The elevators are a bit slow – be prepared for some wait times, especially during peak hours. Seriously, pack a book. Or a small snack. And the shopping mall at the base of the hotel is… well, it's got stuff! You'll find a few western outlets, a cinema, etc. But it's not a destination in itself. (Unless, of course, you are *desperate* for a Starbucks). Also, finding the entrance can be a bit of a maze, your taxi driver, bless 'em, will probably get lost. (Or if you have been drinking). Don't panic — you'll get there eventually.
My most memorable quirk: One night, I swear I heard a *very* loud rendition of karaoke coming from a nearby room. It sounded like someone was murdering a classic rock song. I think the walls are pretty thick, but in that moment, I was very happy for the soundproofing! Just… something to bear in mind…
Final verdict: Should I stay at Landmark 72?
Look, I'm a cynical person. Especially when it comes to hotels.Staynado
