Muong Thanh Luxury Dien Bien Hotel

The breakfast was just adequate, but the hotel itself is good and pretty conveniently located. From the upper floors, there are great views of Dien Bien Phu, and the fifth-floor swimming pool is very nice.

The location is a big plus for plane spotters, close to both the airport and the city, and the rates are affordable. My room was clean and brand new. Buffet staff were very nice, and someone from the hotel was at the door whenever we arrived. But for a hotel only a few months old, the broken window, faulty hot tub spa, and poor TV connection are concerning. The pool opening seems haphazard, and there were no towels. There are odd extra charges too. Two bottles of water are listed as free, but taking one out of the fridge costs extra, and the room slippers are charged as well. Staff don't speak much English, which makes staying here harder for tourists who don't speak Vietnamese. The AC didn't work anywhere in the shared areas during our stay, including the lobby, buffet area, and hallway.

We had a great dinner the one night we ate in, and breakfast had plenty of good options. The pool was probably the best we've had during eight weeks of travel through Vietnam, cool and refreshing. The staff were wonderful, especially since we only speak English. It's a terrific hotel, and there's a safe 1.6 km walk to the historic sights and restaurant area.

A solid newer hotel in a good spot. I only took off a star because there was a slight sewage smell in the bathroom.