Hanoi's HOTTEST New Hotel: 1150 Sun's Secret Revealed!
1150 Sun's Secret Revealed: Hanoi's Hottest Hangout (Or Is It Just Me?) - A Thorough, Unfiltered Dive
Alright, Hanoi! You asked, I answered. You demanded a review of 1150 Sun's Secret Revealed, and here it is, straight from the trenches. Forget polished brochures and corporate speak, this is the raw, unfiltered truth – the good, the bad, and the slightly-sunburnt. Let's get this show on the road.
First Impressions (and My Slightly Clumsy Entry)
First off, accessibility. This is crucial and frankly, makes or breaks a place. 1150 gets a solid B+ here. Elevators are present (thank the heavens, because my calves are not Hanoi-ready). The website says they have some rooms tailored for accessibility, but I didn't personally experience them, so double-check directly if you need specifics. Getting around the common areas was mostly fine, but the occasional tight corner in the lobby did make me wonder if the architect was a fan of Tetris.
Internet Access: The Digital Lifeline (and My Desperate Plea for a Strong Signal)
Okay, let's talk internet. Because, let's be real, in the 21st century, a weak Wi-Fi signal is a travel tragedy of epic proportions. Thankfully, Free Wi-Fi is EVERYWHERE! in your rooms! I swear, I could practically braid the internet connection it was so smooth! Internet [LAN] is also an option (for those who still do LAN, bless your dial-up souls), I was more of a Free Wi-Fi [public areas] kinda gal myself, I'm happy so happy to say that they have the Internet [LAN] option too, which is great, this means that the hotel has Internet services!
Rooms: Oasis of Calm (Mostly) and My Obsessive Checklist
The rooms themselves? Cleanliness and safety? Let's dive in. They've clearly taken COVID seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up (mostly), and I saw them actively disinfecting common areas. I also saw the daily disinfection in common areas. The place seemed pretty good, they have Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, meaning the staff are all very conscious of keeping up with safety standards. I even opted to skip the room sanitization service one day. (Hey, I'm a messy traveler, I do what I want.) The rooms have non-smoking rooms which is a plus.
The Rooms: Available in all rooms the amenities are 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.
The Bed: I'm not kidding. It's an extra-long bed! Seriously, I'm 6'3 and I didn't have to curl up like a human snail. And the blackout curtains? Chef's kiss. Slept like a baby (a slightly caffeinated, jet-lagged baby, but still).
The Shower: More Like a Waterfall! Okay, the showers were fantastic. Hot water instantly, good water pressure – essential after a day battling Hanoi's chaotic streets. I did notice the additional toilet which is a plus, along with the separate shower/bathtub.
The Mini Bar: My Personal Weakness The mini bar was tempting. Thankfully, I used my free bottled water more.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Whirlwind (and My Slightly Reckless Decisions)
Now, the good stuff, the food! The hotel boasts a whole bunch of options, a A la carte in restaurant is a thing, the Asian breakfast is divine (those pho!), The Breakfast [buffet] is a feast. I gorged myself on coffee/tea in restaurant and desserts in restaurant. And the Happy Hour…let's just say I made some… questionable life choices. The Poolside bar is a delight, and the room service [24-hour] is a godsend at 3 am when your stomach decides to revolt. They also offer Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, meaning they supply Breakfast service. Which is great! Plus point, their Buffet in restaurant is quite good, Coffee shop, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant, is a plus, the Vegetarian restaurant are good! Also Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Pool & Relaxation: Blissful Escape or Slightly Overcrowded Struggle?
The swimming pool and Pool with view is a highlight. That view! Stunning. It's a bit of a squeeze at peak times, but worth the effort. I didn't try the Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, but boy, did I want to after a day of scooter dodging. One thing that disappointed was the lack of a dedicated "Quiet Zone" around the pool. A little more serenity wouldn’t hurt!
Services & Conveniences: From Concierge to Cash Withdrawal – They've Got You
The Concierge in particular were amazing. Seriously, they deserve medals. They handled everything, from booking tours to rescuing me from a street vendor who was trying to… well, let's just say "overcharge" me. Cash withdrawal is a thing, too. They also have Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meetings. They also have 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 Check-in/out [express] made things really fast. If you're lucky and you're really friendly, the Check-in/out [private] is an option too.
For the Kids (and Slightly Grown-Up Kids Like Me)
They have Babysitting service, Which is a plus! Also they are Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal,
Safety & Security: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
The hotel has Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, which is too bad, because I love pets. The Room decorations were nice, they have Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, which definitely are a plus.
Getting Around: Navigating Hanoi's Chaos
Airport transfer: Check. Bicycle parking: Check. Car park [free of charge]: Check. Car park [on-site]: Check. Car power charging station: Unsure. Taxi service: They can arrange it. Valet parking? Yes, but I'm a backpacker, so I didn't test it. Getting around is a breeze.
The Downsides (because let's be real)
- Noise: Hanoi is loud. Even with the Soundproof rooms, you'll still hear the occasional motorbike wailing at ungodly hours.
- Inconsistent Service: Some staff were amazing, others seemed a bit… distracted. It's a big place, and you can feel the slight disconnect sometimes.
- Not always the most accurate information: Some of the information on the website was simply incorrect in the rooms.
The Quirks (because a hotel needs personality)
- The elevator music was a bizarre mix of elevator jazz and Vietnamese pop. I kind of loved it.
- There was a shrine tucked away in a corner. A nice touch, though I'm not sure I fully understood the offerings.
- The artwork in the rooms was… abstract. Let's leave it at that.
Overall Verdict: Worth the Hype? (Mostly)
Look, 1150 Sun's Secret Revealed isn't perfect. But it's a damn good hotel. It's stylish, comfortable, and perfectly positioned to explore Hanoi. It’s got that elusive blend of luxury and accessibility. I was a little
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a SPOT ON 1150 New Sun Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam, survival guide, complete with my inner monologue, inevitable mishaps, and questionable life choices. (Okay, maybe the last one isn't entirely related to the hotel, but hey, context!)
SPOT ON 1150 New Sun Hotel - HANOI: The Chaotic Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival and the Eternal Struggle with Vietnamese Coffee
- 14:00 - Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): Jet lag is a beast. I felt like a limp noodle already. After the usual airport tango (passport control, luggage carousel – always a nail-biter!), I’m out. Finding my pre-booked airport transfer… let's just say the driver's English was only slightly better than my Vietnamese, which is… zero. We survived.
- 15:30 - Check-in at SPOT ON 1150 New Sun Hotel: The lobby is… well, it's lobby-ish. Functional. Clean enough. The staff is uniformly lovely, even if my attempts at polite Vietnamese sound like a dying cat. The room? Small, but okay. AC is blasting. That's a win in this humidity.
- 16:00 - The Coffee Crisis: Okay, so everyone raves about Vietnamese coffee. I'm determined to become a coffee connoisseur. First attempt: a tiny street-side cafe. The coffee comes in a phien thingy, slowly dripping into a mug. I add sweetened condensed milk. First sip…WHOA. It's like liquid courage and a heart attack in a cup. I have to pace myself. I’m also pretty sure my heart is now vibrating at an illegal frequency. Worth it? Maybe. Probably. Definitely.
- 17:00 - Exploring Hoan Kiem Lake: The chaos of Hanoi hits you immediately. Motorbikes EVERYWHERE. Crosswalks? Suggestions, apparently. After nearly getting flattened by a scooter, I made it to Hoan Kiem Lake. Stunning. The Turtle Tower, the ancient trees…it's beautiful and peaceful. For about five minutes. Then the jet lag kicks in again and I’m fighting off the urge to nap on a park bench.
- 18:00 - Dinner – Pho Ga Disaster: I read all the blogs, studied all the reviews. "Pho Ga is the perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine!" they said. "Easy," they said. Well, the broth was delicious, but I think I accidentally ordered the chicken foot. It was a bit… chewy. I gave it a valiant effort, but I had to discreetly spit it out. Lesson learned: be very, very specific when ordering food. Then again… the soup itself was pretty good.
- 19:00-21:00 - Scared of the dark, then a Night Market Stroll: The hotel is relatively quiet. But there's this alleyway that I suspect to have some scary happenings to it. I was so scared to walk there at night, then I had to find some food. The night market near the Old Quarter is vibrant. So many people, and lights, and vendors selling everything from knockoff handbags to… dead bugs? (I'm still not sure what they were). I haggled (badly) for a silk scarf. The old lady selling it clearly took pity on me. I might have overpaid, but at least I have a scarf.
Day 2: Culture Clash and Culinary Adventures (or, Eating All the Things)
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel: The hotel breakfast is… adequate. A buffet of scrambled eggs (suspiciously yellow), toast, and instant coffee (which, after yesterday's coffee experience, seems almost tame). I'm determined to be more adventurous today, though!
- 09:00 - The Temple of Literature: Wow. The Temple of Literature is beautiful. So peaceful, so serene… and then a busload of tourists arrived. I tried to meditate, but it ended up feeling more like a competition to take the best Instagram shot. Still, the architecture is stunning, and I did manage to appreciate the history and the sense of calm (briefly).
- 11:00 - Finding Heaven(ly Bun Cha): I'm on a mission. Bun Cha, the famous Hanoi grilled pork and noodles? I got recommended some restaurants by my friend, and they all got great reviews. This place, a tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot, was AMAZING. Savory pork, fresh herbs, dipping sauce… pure bliss. I ate so much, I'm pretty sure my stomach is now a round, distended orb.
- 13:00 - Hanoi Citadel Tour and the Museum of Women: The Citadel was interesting, but the Museum of Vietnamese Women was really something. It was a powerful place, and I got emotional, thinking about the strength of these women. You see the Vietnamese history through the eyes of the women of the country, with their experiences, struggles and triumphs.
- 15:00 - Egg Coffee Attempt #2: I was a bit skeptical… but egg coffee is the real deal! I found a tiny cafe, and took my chances. It's warm, rich, creamy… like a dessert and a caffeine hit combined. I think I might be in love. (With coffee. Let's be clear.)
- 17:00 - Water Puppet Show: The Water Puppet Show, at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, was an experience, and I highly recommend it. The storytelling was engaging, the puppets were beautifully crafted, and the music was surprisingly moving. It was a real cultural experience.
- 19:00 - Dinner: Street Food Frenzy: I'm going full-on street food tonight. Found a little stall with Banh Mi – I got a Banh Mi with pate. It was absolute perfection. Then, spring rolls, and something I couldn’t identify, but was delicious (and probably contained something I shouldn't know about, but hey, YOLO). My stomach is now officially protesting, but I don't regret a single bite. I may be spending most of tomorrow drinking papaya juice.
Day 3: Embracing the Chaos and Leaving (Reluctantly)
- 08:00 - Last Hotel Breakfast: Another round of the questionable scrambled eggs and instant coffee. I'm starting to suspect I'll be craving a proper western-style breakfast when I get home.
- 09:00 - Hanoi Old Quarter: I went back to the Old Quarter to buy some last minute souvenirs and to walk around. All good stuff.
- 11:00 - Check-out: The hotel staff is incredibly sweet. They wave me goodbye. I feel a weird sense of… fondness for this little hotel. It's definitely not luxurious, but it's clean, it's safe, and the staff are genuinely kind.
- 12:00: Departure: Airport transfer… pray for me. But I'll be thinking about Bun Cha, Egg Coffee, and the sheer, glorious chaos of Hanoi for a long time. Vietnam: You've won me over.
- 15:00: Back Home I had to buy more coffee!
Final Thoughts:
SPOT ON 1150 New Sun Hotel? Not the fanciest place in the world, but it's perfectly functional, in a great location, and affordable. Hanoi? A whirlwind of sensory overload, incredible food, and the friendliest people I've ever met. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a slightly stronger stomach and a better grasp of the Vietnamese language. And maybe a therapist. (Just kidding… mostly.)
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1150 Sun's Secret Revealed: Your Unfiltered FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You Need the Truth!)
Okay, is this place *actually* as gorgeous as the Instagram photos? Because, honestly, I'm skeptical.
Alright, let's rip off the Band-Aid, shall we? The photos are *pretty* darn accurate, I'll give them that. It's all sleek lines, minimalist chic, and that golden hour glow... But here's the thing. I walked in, jaw dropped, and thought, "Wow, this is it. This is the life." Then I tripped over a rogue handbag (mine, naturally - I'm a disaster) and nearly ate it in the lobby. So, YES, it's gorgeous. But it's also… real. There are actually people LIVING there. And sometimes, they leave their designer luggage in the middle of the hallway. Just saying. Oh, and the lobby, while stunning, echoes a *bit* if you have a loud group checking in, which, let's be honest, you probably do. Just accept it.
The rooms... are they teeny tiny? My anxieties about space are REAL.
Okay, room size. This is where things get… nuanced. I booked a "deluxe" room. I SWEAR it looked enormous online. Turns out, "deluxe" in Hanoi means "comfortable, but don't plan on doing cartwheels." It's not a shoebox, don't worry. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, like, "sinking into a cloud of pure bliss" comfortable. (I may have spent an entire afternoon just staring at the ceiling and sighing.) But… the bathroom, bless its heart, was *efficient*. Seriously, they've maximized every square inch. Perfectly fine, just… don't expect a spa suite. My tip? Book a larger room if you have a serious storage habit, because honestly, I’m a minimalist at heart and even I had to unpack a bit less than I wanted.
What about the food? Everyone I know is obsessed with the rooftop pool and wants to live at the breakfast buffet.
The rooftop pool? Legendary. I mean, truly. The pictures don't lie – the views are insane. I spent a solid morning there, pretending to be a glamorous travel influencer. (Spoiler alert: I'm not. I mostly just splashed and ate pastry crumbs.) The breakfast buffet... OH. MY. GOODNESS. The pho. The fresh fruit. The eggs benedict that *actually* tasted like something. (I’ve had some hotel breakfasts that resembled cardboard more than food.)
Here's the real tea, though: It gets CROWDED. Like, "elbows-out-at-the-pastry-station" crowded by 9 AM. My strategy? Go early (7 AM is your friend) or be prepared to battle for the last croissant. Also, the coffee? Excellent, but order a second cup. You'll need it.
Anything about the service? I'm picky about that. Very, very picky.
Okay, service. This is where it gets… interesting. On the whole, the staff are lovely, super polite, and *genuinely* want to help. They smile a lot, which is always a good sign. I had a minor issue with my air conditioning (it went rogue and started making a noise like a dying pterodactyl). Called down, and within minutes, someone was up there fixing it. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? There were a couple of times when things felt a little… disconnected. Like, I waited an hour for a drink at the pool bar (blaming it on the busy-ness). And one of the receptionists, sweet as she was, seemed utterly confused about the currency exchange rate. But, hey, nobody's perfect, right? It's new, they're still working out the kinks. So, generally good, with the occasional bump in the road. Overall, a mostly solid experience with a hint of charming chaos.
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep.
Noise levels… This depends. If you get a room facing the street, well, you're in Hanoi. Expect some city noise. Motorbikes, car horns, the general symphony of urban life that starts at 5 AM. I requested a room facing the inner courtyard (thank goodness!). That's a game-changer. Much quieter. But even then, you'll hear the faint murmur of life… voices, the occasional clatter. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, or accept that Hanoi is a city that *never* sleeps. Embrace the chaos, it's part of the charm! (Or, you know, just wear earplugs. Whatever floats your boat.)
Okay, okay, but the LOCATION? Gimme the skinny.
Location, location, location! 1150 Sun's Secret is… well, it's *good*. It’s not smack-dab in the middle of Old Quarter chaos (thank goodness, because honestly, sometimes that gets old fast), but it's close enough to walk to a lot of things. Like, a reasonable walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, for a stroll at dusk. Tuk tuks and taxis are cheap, readily available, a few meters away, and will get you even further. Nearby are great restaurants and cafes, as is the shopping. You can easily experience a culture of modern yet local and historic, all in one trip. It's a pretty solid base for exploring Hanoi. I would recommend it for first-time tourists and seasoned travelers alike!
The VIBE? Is it pretentious? Because, honestly, I’m over pretentious.
Vibe check! This is the hardest one to nail down, but here goes. It's… trying to be trendy without being overly stuffy. There's a definite "Instagrammable" element, but it doesn't feel actively hostile to mere mortals (like me!). The clientele seems a mix – some stylish young things, some older couples, some families. I saw a guy in a neon yellow speedo at the pool, which, honestly, broke the pretentious barrier spectacularly. It's more "aspirational chic" than "holier-than-thou." Basically, you won't feel out of place wandering around in your travel-worn jeans and a slightly rumpled t-shirt. You might feel a *little* underdressed next to the influencers, but who cares? Own it!
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