Hanoi's Hottest Apartment: Breathtaking Views & Luxury Living!
Hanoi's Hottest Apartment: Breathtaking Views & Luxury Living! (My Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I'm about to spill the beans on Hanoi's "Hottest Apartment." Forget sterile hotel reviews; this is real talk. I’ve stayed in enough places to fill a small travel blog graveyard, and honestly, this place… well, it left a MARK. Let’s just say it wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but when it was good, it was damn good. And for the price? Let's just say you get a lot of BANG for your buck.
First Impressions (and the Awkward Elevator Ride):
The hype is real. Photos don't quite do it justice. Standing in the lobby, I felt a sudden pang of… wow. Gleaming marble, fancy lighting, and a concierge who could probably charm the birds from the trees. (Though, I’m not sure if they were particularly useful at that point). Getting to my room was an experience. Yes, there's an elevator (thank heavens), but the journey felt like an eternity. I started to get a bit paranoid, thinking I was trapped in some kind of bizarre, luxury-themed purgatory. Okay, maybe a bit of a dramatic start, but that ride did get me thinking about the "Accessibility" aspect.
Accessibility - Now, this is where things get a little wonky. While the building does have an elevator, I didn't see an obvious ramp at the entrance. That could be a minor hurdle if you're wheelchair-bound. The website claims "facilities for disabled guests," but I couldn't verify specifics. (So, if accessibility is a MUST, double-check with them directly before booking. Seriously!) It did have a doorman, though, which made getting in and out with luggage much less of a struggle. Score one for convenience!
The Room: My Kingdom for a View!
Oh. My. Goodness. The view! Seriously, the views are worth the price of admission alone. I was on a high floor, and the entire city sprawled before me like a vibrant, chaotic tapestry. Absolutely breathtaking. And the details? Well, here's the rundown:
- Available in all rooms (Essential Comforts): Air conditioning (phew!), Alarm clock (handy!), Bathrobes (luxury!), Bathroom phone (weird but fun!), Bathtub (bliss!), Blackout curtains (sleep is sacred!), Carpeting (cozy!), Closet (storage heaven!), Coffee/tea maker (morning essential!), Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping (a lifesaver!), Desk (perfect for writing…or pretending to work!), Extra long bed (heavenly!), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer (gotta tame that mane!), High floor (the view!), In-room safe box (peace of mind!), Internet access – wireless (essential for everything!), Ironing facilities (wrinkle-free travel!), Laptop workspace (yes!), Linens (crisp and clean!), Mini bar (expensive, but sometimes necessary!), Mirror (vanity time!), Non-smoking (a MUST!), Private bathroom (privacy!), Reading light (nighttime reading!), Refrigerator (cold drinks, people!), Satellite/cable channels (entertainment!), Seating area (chill zone!), Separate shower/bathtub (double the relaxation!), Shower (cleanliness!), Slippers (a must!), Smoke detector (safety first!), Socket near the bed (charging!), Sofa (comfy!), Soundproofing (hallelujah!), Telephone (old school!), Toiletries (lovely!), Towels (fluffy!), Umbrella (Vietnam weather!), Wake-up service (needed!), Wi-Fi free, Window that opens (fresh air!).
- The extras – the small things that make a difference: Alarm clock (thank the lord for that!), Mini bar (temptation central!), and the slippers! Seriously, the little things are important. I felt like royalty just padding around in those.
- A slight imperfection: I couldn't figure out the TV remote for the first 10 minutes. I felt like a complete idiot. Eventually, I conquered it, but it's a small detail.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Very Important Rating
Okay, this is a BIG deal. This place takes "Cleanliness and safety" seriously, and I loved it. Here’s the break down:
- Anti-viral cleaning products – CHECK! (Essential these days!) – This made me feel a lot safer in the current climate.
- Daily disinfection in common areas – CHECK!
- Hand sanitizer – CHECK! (Everywhere!)
- Hygiene certification – CHECK! (I think… I’m terrible at reading those things)
- Rooms sanitized between stays – CHECK!
- Staff trained in safety protocol – CHECK!
- Sterilizing equipment – CHECK!
- Room sanitization opt-out available – I didn't need it, but good to know!
- Safe dining setup: Made me feel better about eating in the restaurant.
- Lots on CCTV: I didn't feel unsafe anywhere.
- Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers: Always a huge plus.
Downsides: The Hotel's Little Quirks
- I did notice in my room, the soundproofing wasn’t perfect. I could hear the faint sounds of the city.
- There was a construction site next door (!!!). Not their fault, but it was a little bit annoying at times. Earplugs are your friend, people!
Amenities: Let's Get Pampered!
Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff. The real reason you book a luxury apartment, right? The place delivered. Here's what I experienced (and what I wished I had experienced):
Relaxation Station!
- Pool with a view: This was the money shot. Seriously, picture it: infinity pool, city skyline, cocktail in hand… pure bliss.
- Sauna/Spa: I had a massage at the spa. The 'Body scrub' was amazing. I felt like a brand-new person afterward. The masseuse's technique was pure art. I'm normally not one for body wraps, but it was a great experience after that scrub.
- Steamroom: Was there, but I didn't get around to using it. Next time!
- Foot bath: I didn't see one, unfortunately.
Fitness Center:
You can’t forget about fitness – even on holiday!
- Fitness center: Well-equipped, but I didn’t use it. Priorities, people.
- Gym/fitness: Still there and available if you want it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Food, Glorious Food!):
- Restaurants:
- I had dinner at the "Asian cuisine" restaurant. The food was excellent, but the service was a bit… slow. (Though the staff were always friendly). It was a bit of a pain, but that view made up for everything.
- The 'Poolside bar' was perfect, and the Happy hour was pretty good.
- I didn't try the 'Vegetarian restaurant,' but it was there.
- The "Western cuisine" restaurant also looked tempting, but I ran out of time (and stomach space!).
- Breakfast: The "Buffet in restaurant" was pretty good, with a good selection. I am not sure if the 'Asian breakfast' was as good, but looked interesting!
- Other food options:
- Breakfast [buffet] – A fantastic way to start the day!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant – Essential morning fuel!
- Coffee shop – Didn’t try it, but it looked inviting.
- Snack bar – Convenient for light bites.
- Room service [24-hour] – Brilliant for those midnight cravings.
- Alternative meal arrangement – I didn’t need it.
- Desserts in restaurant – Enough said.
- Bottle of water – Always appreciated!
- Soup in restaurant – A welcome touch on a cool evening.
- A la carte in restaurant – I didn’t try this.
- Salad in restaurant – Healthy options always available.
- Dining extras:
- Breakfast in room – I wish I’d tried this. Next time!
- Breakfast takeaway service – Good for early mornings?
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
They’ve thought of everything. Seriously.
- Services:
- The "Concierge" was helpful (once you caught their attention).
- The "Doorman" was a godsend for luggage.
- "Daily housekeeping" was spot on.
- "Dry cleaning" and "Laundry service" kept me looking presentable.
- "Room service [24-hour]" (yes, yes, YES!)
**Essentials (Let'
Unbelievable Dallas Getaway: Sleep Inn Northwest Irving!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't some pristine travelogue. This is me, bleary-eyed and slightly smelling of pho, trying to wrangle an itinerary for a Hanoi adventure. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. We're talking Beautiful Apartment Hanoi, people. But "beautiful"… well, let's just say it's got character.
Hanoi Chaotic Awesome Adventure: A Slightly Disorganized Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Pho-rmidable First Impressions (and Regrets)
- Morning (or What Passes for Morning After a 17-Hour Flight): Landed in Hanoi. Okay, maybe landed is generous. More like gently crash-landed onto the tarmac. My stomach is already doing a tango with jet lag. The airport, that's a wild ride, smells of exhaust fumes, and the air feels thick enough to chew. Found my driver – bless his tiny Vietnamese heart. He looked about twelve, expertly navigated the scooter-swarm traffic like it was second nature. Thought I might die a dozen times before we got to the apartment. The Beautiful Apartment (ahem) is… well, the pictures definitely lied. It's charmingly… aged. The ancient elevator, I'm pretty sure, has a death wish. It rattled and groaned like a dying dinosaur on its first trip. I'm already considering the stairs.
- Afternoon: Nap, attempted. Failed. The street noise – a symphony of motorbikes, hawkers, and the occasional rooster – is relentless. Decided, against my better judgement, to venture out. Found a "pho"-nomenal place a few blocks away. Ordered pho. Ate pho. Cried a little out of pure joy. It was so good, it made me forget the existential dread of the elevator. Then I accidentally ate a chili. My mouth is still on fire. Regret setting is in, and it hurts, then I got the best mango smoothie of my life.
- Evening: Wandered around Hoan Kiem Lake. It's beautiful, serene, full of couples. The old lady selling ice cream, the man with the singing voice - the whole thing is like a living painting. The light is soft. I feel, for the first time today, kind of good. Ate a banh mi that was…well, let's just say I've had better. But then I found a bia hoi. Cheap. Cold. Perfect. Sat and watched the world go by, feeling surprisingly content. The scooter traffic is still horrifying, though, a real death trap but at least I understand now why everyone is honking.
Day 2: History, Coffee, and the Eternal Search for a Decent Mattress
- Morning: Explored the Old Quarter: Chaos. Pure, beautiful chaos. So many shops, so many smells, so many people. Got utterly lost within 15 minutes. Found a hidden little cafe, where the coffee tasted like pure, concentrated happiness. The owner smiled at me in a way that said "Welcome, you sweet lost lamb." The streets are full of life, people selling everything from silk scarves to dubious looking (but probably awesome) street food. Visited the Temple of Literature. It's stunning, like, seriously stunning. The history is heavy, but it's worth it. Then got scammed by the guy selling the "authentic" conical hats. He saw me coming a mile away. I'm a sucker for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Tried to find a decent pho place. Failed. Success in the mission to buy a mosquito net. Got lost in the market, bought some spices that almost definitely won't be used because I'm not that kind of cook. My feet are killing me. Back to the apartment (again, with all the stairs). The mattress is like sleeping on a bag of rocks. I'm seriously considering moving to the floor.
- Evening: Water Puppet Theatre: I didn't understand a word, but it was magical. The puppeteers are hidden behind a water sheet, and the whole thing is just so bizarre and charming. Ate dinner at a random restaurant. It was…meh. But the beer was cold. Going to bed early tonight. Or at least, attempting to. Praying for the mattress gods to have mercy on my aching back.
Day 3: Halong Bay – Boats, Beauty, and the Dreaded Sea Sickness
- Morning: The worst. Woke up with sea sickness. I'm on a boat trip. The view of the bay is incredible, even through the waves of nausea. Took the boat trip. The whole thing is just breathtaking, but so many other people! It was all so beautiful, the Karst limestone peaks rising out of the emerald green water. Tried to kayak, promptly capsized. The water's surprisingly cold. Climbed to a viewpoint - the views were epic.
- Afternoon: Lunch on the ship. Mediocre, but at least it stayed down. The sun is beating down, the boat is rocking. The sea sickness is slowly subsiding. The guide is telling stories. He's handsome. The views are just getting better and better. This actually might be the best thing I've ever done.
- Evening: Back in Hanoi. Collapsed in the apartment. Ordered about 300,000 dong of Vietnamese food from delivery so I wouldn't have to function. Ate everything except for one weird thing that looked like a brain. I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and sunburnt. Slept like the dead.
Day 4: Cooking Class, Tailors, and the Bitter Sweet Taste of Leaving
- Morning: Cooking class. Learned to make spring rolls and a bun cha. I can't guarantee it'll be as good as the street vendors, but I'm proud of myself. The teacher was sweet and patient, even when I almost set the kitchen on fire. I made a mess. Ate the mess. Delicious.
- Afternoon: Wandered around. Got custom-made clothes from a tailor. The whole process was bizarre but fun. They seem to know exactly what they're doing. Bargained for prices like a champ. Buying gifts for everyone. My suitcase is already overflowing.
- Evening: Final bia hoi of the trip. Sat and watched the sunset. It's beautiful, but I'm also oddly sad to be leaving. Hanoi, in all its glorious, chaotic, scooter-filled glory, has grown on me. Even the apartment (still considering the stairs, though). I'm full of pho, mango smoothies, and a strange, lingering feeling of “I can’t wait to come back.”
Day 5: Departure. Farewell, Vietnam.
- Morning: Airport. Goodbye, Hanoi. Goodbye, Vietnam. The elevator didn't kill me. The journey to the airport was filled with more honking and near-death experiences. But the airport itself is calm. It’s over. I'm smiling. I'm already planning my return. Because despite the bed, the traffic, and my near-constant fear of being run over, this place has stolen a piece of my heart. I'm tired, full, and utterly changed. I'm going home. But mostly, I'm going back.
Hanoi's Hottest Apartment: Breathtaking Views & Luxury Living - Let's Get Real! (FAQ-ish)
Okay, alright, so… What *actually* makes this place "breathtaking"? Like, is it just a fancy marketing word?
Breathtaking. Ugh, it *is* a marketing word, isn't it? But honestly? Here, it’s kinda… true. I went in expecting a view, sure. Hanoi smog-covered vista-type thing, you know? Wrong. This place... Okay, picture this: I'm standing on the balcony, coffee in hand (instant, don't judge!), and the whole city, the *entire* glorious, chaotic, motorbike-filled, pho-smelling mess of Hanoi, is laid out below me. Like a painting. Seriously, I spent a solid ten minutes just… staring. My jaw actually *dropped*. And I’m not a "jaw-dropping" kind of person. My wife, she walked out and went, "Wow." (She never *wows*). So yeah, it's a view that makes you forget that you're late for work and the water heater is still broken. The Red River snakes through it all... it’s… *good*. Actually, scratch that. It's *amazing*. I did have to chase away a particularly persistent pigeon yesterday though. They're bold, those birds.
"Luxury Living"? What does that *actually* mean in Hanoi? I've seen some "luxury" places that are just… not.
Okay, let's be frank. "Luxury" in Hanoi can mean anything from "slightly less leaky" to "a total rip-off". But here… it’s different. The building lobby, it smells of fresh flowers and not, you know, diesel fumes (a common Hanoi experience!). The security guards actually *smile* and help you with your bags instead of pretending you're invisible. Then inside the apartment… look, I'm no interior design expert. It's got this sleek, modern feel, which is a breath of fresh air compared to my last place which looked like my grandma’s house... but updated with the latest technology, like the ridiculously giant TV. And honestly, the shower pressure... *amazing*. My old place? A dribble. I’m finally starting to feel clean for longer than five minutes!
The gym is good: I've only been there twice (don't judge), but it's actually *clean*, has good equipment, and overlooks the city. I mean, I'm not a fitness fanatic, but hey... it's a good start. The pool is gorgeous, but I'm afraid of the sun in Hanoi. So I'll probably stick to the air-conditioned gym. Priorities.
Alright, so, you're sold. What's the catch? There *has* to be one.
The catch? Oh, there’s always a catch. First one, cost. Let's be brutally honest: it's expensive. Like, "I might have to eat instant noodles for a month" expensive. But... I can't deny the comfort and how nice it is to live here. And, I can't deny the views. You pay for them, and they're worth it to a point.
Also? The elevators are, well, they're sometimes... temperamental. I've gotten stuck once. Not a huge deal, just a minor heart attack and the lingering smell of Lysol from the cleaning crew. (No, seriously, they *really* clean). And the traffic to get here can be brutal. Like, "contemplate your life choices" kind of brutal. I'm starting to think about biking... but the heat... Ugh.
And, this is the biggest one. The neighbors. They're… quiet. Too quiet. It's like living in a library. I’m used to Hanoi noise, a chorus of horns, the guy selling banh mi out my window, the constant hum of life… and here? It's almost… eerie. I miss the chaos sometimes.
Is it actually *convenient*? I need my pho, my banh mi, and my bia hoi!
Okay, this is a mixed bag. The building is, theoretically, in a good location. There are shops nearby, a little convenience store… the basics. The pho situation? Not *quite* as good as my old spot. I'm still on the hunt for a good, proper, local pho place within walking distance. The banh mi? A decent one is, like, a 15-minute walk away. A good one, easily 20. This is Hanoi, you understand. 20 minutes is a *long* time when you're craving something. The bia hoi… I haven't found a great one *right* outside yet. I may need to take a taxi, which, ugh. But I do have an amazing coffee shop *inside* the building.
So, convenience? It’s… evolving. I’m still adjusting to being slightly *less* immersed in the glorious food-and-drink chaos of Hanoi. It is a tradeoff. One thing is for sure: the pizza delivery is *excellent*.
You mentioned that you're still new to the place. Any stories yet? Like, "Hanoi Life" kind of stories?
Oh, yes. Definitely. The most "Hanoi Life" story so far? Let me tell you. One morning, glorious sunrise, the view was like something out of a movie. I'm standing there, basking in the magnificence of my new life, coffee in hand, feeling smug… and the power goes out.
Just… *poof*. Everything. The air conditioning (my lifeline), the lights, my electric toothbrush, the *internet*… gone. The fancy, technologically advanced, "luxury living" apartment was plunged into darkness. Now, I’m no stranger to power outages in Hanoi. But, this time it was different. It had a sense of dramatic irony. I’m standing there in the dark, with my instant coffee, contemplating the beauty of Hanoi's skyline. So I am forced to admit that I am in Hanoi.
I stumbled outside and found my neighbors, the incredibly quiet ones, were just standing there, staring at the horizon. We exchanged weary glances, a shared understanding of momentary inconvenience and then, I saw it. All of us, each of us, including me, were holding up our phones to each other to see if anyone had power. The security officers started to look at us and laugh at our idiocy. 2 hours later, power comes back on, and I went back to eating instant noodles. It was a perfect Hanoi moment. Luxury, and also, the very real chaos. And I love it.
Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Ugh, that's the million-dong question, isn't it? Look, ifFind That Hotel
