Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel

I’ve stayed in four Muong Thanh hotels on this trip: Moc Chau, Son La, Dien Bien Phu, and now this one. Like the hotel in DBP, this one feels older. The bathroom has a tub rather than a separate shower cabin, and the fixed shower head is too low, which makes showering difficult for foreigners. We asked to change rooms because the people opposite us were extremely noisy and impolite, leaving their door open. We moved to another floor, but the next day, during our two-day stay, guests arrived in three rooms opposite us. They knew each other, and the loud behavior started all over again: shouting, laughing, running, and slamming doors, with no consideration for other guests. I can accept all kinds of situations. I’m not an arrogant person, and I’ve never felt the need to stay in four-star hotels. I’ve slept in nha nghi's all over Vietnam, even in places to visit national parks with six or more double beds in one room. But I can’t deal with that kind of noise. For the love of your life, or your trip, stay out of Vietnamese three-star hotels. The staff were very, very friendly and helpful. I’m really glad I got to know them. Now I’m at Aristo in Lao Cai to recover and get a good night’s sleep.

We had a great experience here. The room was spacious and had a good view, and the restaurant served tasty local food. The receptionist was enthusiastic and professional, and the service was good.

I’d stayed at another Muong Thanh hotel in Moc Chau, where the buffet breakfast was lavish, the staff were excellent, and the place felt lively. So I chose the same group in Lai Chau and was surprised by how different it was. Renovations were underway, and dust still got in through the air conditioning even with the windows shut. At 8:15am, there was nothing on the breakfast buffet. When we asked, the staff’s actions and the translator made us realize there were very few guests. Does that mean you don’t get what you paid for?

A total ripoff. It’s a Soviet-style hotel with mold on the walls, and the staff couldn’t care less. The restaurant charges extreme prices, but the food is really bad. Horrible is the best I can say. I don’t know if this village has alternatives. We arrived by bicycle and booked the first place we found online. I strongly suggest choosing somewhere else. This is a ripoff!