Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Maison D'Orient Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem? Maison D'Orient Hotel: My Love-Hate Affair with Unforgettable Luxury (and a Bathroom the Size of My First Apartment!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I'm about to spill the pho (and maybe a little bit of my personal baggage) on the Maison D'Orient Hotel in Hanoi. This place… this place is an experience. And like any good experience, it's a rollercoaster. Prepare yourself for a review that’s less travel brochure, more therapy session.
First Impressions: The Glitz, the Glamour, and the Sheer Astonishment
Walking into the Maison D'Orient is like being teleported into a historical drama. It's gorgeous. Think French colonial charm meets… well, something undeniably Hanoi. Rich wood, intricate carvings, that smell of… expensive things. They've clearly poured some serious dong into the décor. The lobby sparkles, and the staff? They're ridiculously polished. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a level of service that makes you feel like royalty. Okay, maybe not actual royalty, but definitely the kind of royalty that's used to someone fetching their slippers.
Accessibility & Safety: Trying to Navigate Luxury with a Bad Back (and COVID)
Honestly, accessibility is a mixed bag. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I didn’t see a ton of obvious ramps. I'm not in a wheelchair permanently, but I've have some back issues. The elevator is a lifesaver, though! The hotel also takes Cleanliness and safety VERY seriously. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff is masked up. I mean, they’re practically swimming in hand sanitizer. It's reassuring, but it also makes you feel you are always the subject of a biohazard protocol. The staff trained in safety protocol, which you can see, especially in the Safe dining setup. They're totally on top of things with Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Makes eating at the hotel feel like a medical procedure half the time. And the Room sanitization opt-out available, which is great! I'm a germaphobe, so it's very reassuring.
Rooms: Paradise… and My Tiny Apartment, Again!
My room? Majestic. Seriously. The Air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in Hanoi's swampy heat), there was a desk perfect for, uh, "working" (cough, cough, social media), and a mini bar stocked with treats that my wallet strongly advised against. The bedding was heavenly! All fluffy and comfortable. The bathroom… well, the bathroom was HUGE. Like, seriously, the bathroom was probably bigger than my first apartment. I could have pitched a tent in there. It had a separate shower/bathtub, slippers, bathrobes – the whole shebang. My only complaint? The mirror made me face my own tired-looking reflection every morning – talk about a rude awakening! They included every possible amenity: hair dryer, complimentary tea, coffee/tea maker, safe, alarm clock. Now I can't remember if my room had the Internet access – LAN, but they definitely had Wi-Fi [free].
Food Glorious Food… and the Endless Choices That Made Me Indecisive
Alright, let’s talk food. Oh. My. Goodness. The Maison D'Orient is a foodie's dream. Or, a foodie's indecision nightmare.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking is extensive. You have Restaurants, a Bar, and even a Snack bar. The Restaurants offer Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, with A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant options, not to mention the Breakfast [buffet]! The Breakfast service alone was worth the price of admission. A mind-boggling spread of everything – Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, pastries that looked too beautiful to eat (but I ate them anyway), fresh fruit, the works. My favorite? The pho. The hotel's pho was not just good, it was transcendent. I ate it every single morning. I think I dreamt about it.
- The Poolside bar was a very good choice too. They served Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and even Desserts in restaurant.
- If you were in a rush, you could take the Breakfast takeaway service.
- Room service [24-hour] is also available, so you can have food delivered to your room whenever you want.
Ways to Relax (Because, Seriously, You’ll Need It)
After my pho-induced coma, I explored the relaxation options. They had it all!
- Wellness and spa services were available: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom.
- They had a Fitness center too, complete with a Gym/fitness area.
- The Swimming pool? Divine. Pool with view. So relaxing. Swimming pool [outdoor].
I opted for a massage one afternoon, and oh, mama, it was glorious. The masseuse was a wizard, kneading away all my travel-related aches and pains.
Services and Conveniences: So Many Options, So Little Time (and Money!)
The Maison D'Orient practically throws services at you.
- Business facilities are robust: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting stationery.
- They also provide cash withdrawal, concierge, currency exchange, dry cleaning, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, safe deposit boxes, doorman, Daily housekeeping, Car park [free of charge], Facilities for disabled guests, Invoice provided, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Car park [on-site].
- Other facilities available: Air conditioning in public area, Bicycle parking, Car power charging station, Cashless payment service, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Doctor/nurse on call, Elevator, Essential condiments, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Indoor venue for special events,
- For business people Internet access, Internet, Internet services, Internet [LAN], Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events.
- Additional facilities: Luggage storage, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace.
- The hotel can also arrange airport transfer and taxi service.
It's a bit overwhelming, to be honest. I felt like I needed a personal assistant just to keep track of all the amenities. However, they also provide quite a few Services and conveniences.
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Sleep… which is what I did most of the time)
Hanoi is a vibrant city, and the Maison D'Orient is well-placed for exploring. They can arrange tours, and the front desk staff can help with recommendations. But honestly? After a day of exploring the Old Quarter's chaos, I was happy to retreat to the hotel's sanctuary. (I do recommend getting out, though! It's a great location for visiting the [local area] and you should visit the city's attractions! )
For the Kids… (Or, How to Keep the Little Brat's Quiet While Mom Swims)
They have Babysitting service, which is great if you are travelling with kids. They have an entire Family/child friendly section, plus Kids facilities, and a Kids meal.
Minor Annoyances (Because Perfection Doesn’t Exist, Sadly)
- The price. Let's be honest, this isn't a budget stay. My credit card is still recovering.
- Sometimes, the staff can be too attentive. I once tried to sneak a rogue pastry from the breakfast buffet back to my room (shhh!), and I swear, a waiter materialized out of thin air to offer to carry it for me. It's not a complaint, exactly, but… it was a bit unnerving, to be honest.
The Verdict: Worth the Splurge? (Probably… But Maybe Bring a Second Credit Card)
Look, the Maison D'Orient Hotel isn't perfect. Nothing is. But it is luxurious. It's beautiful. It's a treat. And despite my occasional grumbles, I loved it. The staff is excellent, the food is divine, and the whole experience is… well, unforgettable.
Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm definitely bringing a bigger wallet. And maybe a therapist
Houseboat Heaven in Srinagar: Your Ultimate Transport Guide
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average travel itinerary. This is a journey – both in Hanoi and, let's be honest, probably through my own questionable sanity. We're talking about Maison D' Orient Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam, which, from the pictures alone, looks like it already has more style than I'll ever possess. Prepare for the whirlwind, the wobble, and the inevitable existential crisis spurred on by too much pho.
MAISON D' ORIENT & HANOI: A MESSY, GLORIOUS THING (or, the inevitable crumble of plans)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Chaos
- Morning (or, the time my sleep schedule utterly betrayed me): Touchdown at Noi Bai International Airport. God, international airports are a special kind of hell, aren’t they? Smells of jet fuel, crying babies, and the constant, low hum of stressed-out human beings. (Rant Alert: seriously, who designed these places? Is it some kind of competition to see how much sensory overload you can inflict on the traveler? I swear, I saw a guy faint in the duty-free shop.) Finding my pre-booked airport transfer (phew, at least one thing went right!) and immediately being thrown into the Hanoi traffic. It's like a ballet of two-wheeled death. Scooters, cars, bicycles… all weaving in and out, horns blaring a symphony of chaos. My initial reaction? Terror. Now? Mild amusement, tinged with a healthy dose of "how the hell does anyone survive this?"
- Afternoon (or, the time I checked in and immediately face-planted onto the bed): Arrive at Maison D' Orient. HOLY MOLY. The lobby is… well, it’s like stepping into a movie set. Seriously, the photos DO NOT do it justice. Intricate woodwork, lanterns casting that soft, golden glow, and the distinct, delicious aroma of incense and… something else. Maybe old books? I don’t know, but it's captivating. The staff? Utterly charming. Smiles that could melt glaciers. I’m immediately starting to think I've stumbled into some secret, luxurious dimension. (Imperfect Action: I almost knocked over a priceless antique vase. Thankfully, my clumsiness was contained…this time.) Check in, and the room! The room is… oh, my god. Four-poster bed with mosquito netting, a balcony overlooking….well, something picturesque, definitely. I actually squealed a little bit. (Quirky Observation: My squeal probably echoed through the hotel. Mortifying, but worth it!) The first thing I instinctively did was jump on the bed and face-plant, just soaking it all in. jet lag, you know.
- Evening (or, the time my stomach nearly betrayed me): After a mandatory nap (that lasted way longer than I'd planned), it was time to venture out. First, an exploratory walk around the Old Quarter, which I was told was the heart of the action. The streets pulsed with life – street food stalls, souvenir shops, tailors stitching away. The sheer volume of EVERYTHING was mind-blowing. Food, people, scooters, more food. It's exhilarating, exhausting, and I'm in love. Took a deep breath and dove right in. (Stream of Consciousness food journey:) Now, the food… Oh, the food. Street food is a must. I was terrified, and I loved it. Bun cha, the pork and noodle dish, at a local stall. Heaven. The first bite was… revelation. I had to try it, though, not knowing the language. What if I got the wrong thing? What if I got food poisoning? What if it was, ugh, gross? But no! The juicy pork, the fresh herbs, the dipping sauce… I could have died happy right there. Oh my god… (Emotions: Overwhelmed with delight. Fear. Gratitude. It was a roller coaster.) The place was absolutely packed with locals, so I clearly wasn’t the only one in on this secret. (Imperfection: I think I accidentally pointed at the wrong things while ordering, but the kind server still looked like he understood me.)
- Night: Back to the hotel. Exhausted but ecstatic. Had a beer on my balcony, listening to the sounds of the city slowly fade into the night. It wasn't silence, mind you, just… a different kind of noise. The distant chatter, the occasional honk… it created a lullaby. Fell asleep smiling. (This is the good life)
Day 2: Culture Shock and Culinary Adventures
- Morning: After waking up at the crack of dawn (jet lag is a beast), the hotel's breakfast buffet. Now, this is how you start a day. Fresh fruit, pho made to order, bánh mì, and, oh, the coffee! Strong, dark, and I swear, it’s the nectar of the gods. I may have had three cups… (Opinionated Language: Absolutely, positively MUST try the coffee. Life-changing, I tell you.)
- Mid-Morning (or, the time I actually learned something!): A planned guided tour. The Temple of Literature. It was beautiful, even though it was a bit of a cluster. So many tourists! Still, the architecture was stunning, and the guide was brilliant, explaining the history and significance of everything. I felt smart, and kind of superior to the hordes of selfie-stick wielders. (Rambling aside: I swear, selfie sticks should be outlawed. They're a hazard to society.) Had to drag myself away. There was just too much.
- Afternoon (or, the time I got completely lost): The Hoa Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple. Lovely! A peaceful respite from the chaos. I even saw a giant turtle! (Or, at least, a really big turtle statue. I’m not sure which.) I got lost on the way back to the hotel. (The story: I was so caught up in my own thoughts, I just wandered in the wrong direction. Ended up in a maze of alleyways, feeling increasingly panicked, and starting to sweat profusely. Finally, I waved down a bewildered motorbike taxi, who thankfully understood my frantic gestures. Lesson learned: carry a map, or at least a vague sense of direction.)
- Evening (or, the time when I over ate): Back to food! This time, a cooking class! I'd booked one at a place that came highly recommended. And let me tell you, it was the highlight of the trip. (Doubling down on an Experience: The Cooking Class!) We learned to make spring rolls, pho broth (which is an all-day affair, apparently!), and another dish I can't even pronounce but will definitely attempt to recreate at home and inevitably botch. The chef was a hilarious woman, full of energy and with a twinkle in her eye. She made it so easy, and the food, oh, the food… everything was delicious. Especially the spring rolls. The only challenge was managing how much I stuffed into my face. I’m pretty sure I had four. I then rolled into the hotel needing to take a nap, because I was so full. It was so great!
- Night: Sinking into the plush bed. Again. Smiling. Feeling a warm blanket over myself. Knowing that tomorrow, there'd be more to see, more to eat, and more ways to screw up. Glorious.
Day 3: Halong Bay (The Great Excursion)
- Morning (or, the first time I got seasick): Early wake-up call. It’s Halong Bay Day! The hotel arranged a transfer. Which, despite my best intentions, I was late for. (Imperfection: Apparently, my internal clock is still completely off. The staff was very patient, but I did feel guilty.) The bus journey to Halong Bay was long, but I was distracted by the scenery, the anticipation, and the constant thrill of not understanding a word being said. The boat trip was spectacular. The karsts, the emerald water, the… nausea. The food was great, and it was a beautiful cruise, but the boat swayed a lot. (Emotional Reaction: Not my finest moment. The ocean had other ideas, apparently. The views were incredible, when I wasn't clinging to the rail and praying to the porcelain gods.)
- Afternoon (or, the time I regretted my decision and still loved it!): Some kayaking around the bay. The views were even more stunning from the water. I made sure to wear my life jacket and keep my eyes on the prize. The sea kept splashing me, and it was tough, but I did it!
- Evening: (Back at the hotel.) The bus journey home was long, so I slept almost all the way back. I was exhausted but so happy at what I had seen. I needed a shower, a massage, and a VERY large glass of wine.
Day 4: Last Day… and Then?
- Morning (or, the slow realization that I have to leave): A lazy breakfast at the hotel, soaking up the last moments of this haven. It’s a strange feeling, knowing you're leaving somewhere that feels like home. **(Emotional Reaction: A pang of sadness mixed with the excitement
Okay, spill it. Is Maison D'Orient REALLY as dreamy as those Instagram photos?
And the rooms? Are they actually *luxurious* or just… overpriced?
What about the staff? Are they overly attentive or genuinely helpful?
Is the location actually *good*? I hate walking a million miles just to get somewhere.
Let's talk food. Is the breakfast as amazing as everyone says?
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, I'm convinced. Any INSIDER tips I should know?
