Vietnam's BEST Downtown 2BR High-Floor Apartment - FREE Pool!
Downtown Dreams: A Rambling Review of Vietnam's "BEST" 2BR Apartment (Free Pool!) – And My Slightly Chaotic Thoughts
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe some pho broth) on this apartment advertised as Vietnam's "BEST." Look, I've stayed in places that barely qualified as "shelter," and then I've been spoiled rotten. So, where does this place fall? Let's find out.
Metadata & SEO (because, well, the algorithms):
- Keywords: Vietnam Apartment Review, Downtown Hanoi, 2BR Apartment, Free Pool, Luxury Vietnam, Accessible Apartment, Spa Vietnam, Fitness Hanoi, Hanoi Accommodation, Best Places Hanoi, Vietnam Travel, Hanoi Hotels, Family-Friendly Vietnam, Covid Safety Hanoi
- Description: A chaotic, honest review of a high-floor 2BR apartment in Vietnam, highlighting its accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, fitness), dining options, and safety protocols. Expect a messy, unfiltered take on the pros and cons, with a focus on the user experience and a dash of travel-induced delirium.
The Arrival & Initial Impressions (and That First, "Oh My God" Moment)
The apartment, according to their glossy brochure and the perfectly angled photos, promised an oasis of calm. And honestly? It almost delivered. First off, getting to the place was easy-peasy with their airport transfer. Thank God! Navigating Hanoi's motorbike maelstrom with luggage? Not my idea of fun.
Accessibility & Freedom:
Right off the bat, a big thumbs up: elevator access. I've had my share of fourth-floor walk-ups with dodgy staircases. Also, facilities for disabled guests are listed. I didn’t specifically need these, but it’s reassuring to know they’re there. The lobby was spacious, and everything seemed thoughtfully designed for easy navigation. A good start!
The Rooms - My Personal Sanctuary? (Spoiler: Mostly)
So, "High-floor" is absolutely true. High floor indeed! The view? Spectacular. Hanoi stretching out before me. Air conditioning worked like a charm (Vietnam heat is NO JOKE). Blackout curtains? Saved my life on more than one occasion. Let me tell ya, those city lights are bright.
The 2 bedrooms were spacious, clean, and with that all important air conditioning that everyone, and I mean everyone needs.
Bathroom Bliss (and the occasional minor freak-out):
The private bathroom was modern, clean, and featured a separate shower/bathtub. The toiletries? Okay, not super luxe, but, hey, complimentary tea and coffee to wake up to, and the slippers were a nice touch. The bathtub was calling me in need of a serious soak.
Okay, here's a small confession: I might have briefly panicked that there wasn't a bidet. Cultural differences, people! I adjust.
The Nitty-Gritty: Amenities & the Stuff That Makes it "Best" (or Not)
- Internet & Tech: Wi-Fi [free] in the room? Absolutely. I needed to connect to the world, you know, check emails, call my mom (who was worried about me), and post a few envy-inducing photos on Instagram. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN (if you’re old-school) are available.
- The Pool (and My Existential Crisis): Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Pool with a view? Yup. I spent a solid hour, just floating there. Seriously. It was magical. The water was crystal clear. It's the kind of place where you can forget the day's chaos. I swear at one point I starting thinking about life, the universe, and everything.
- Spa & Fitness (Trying to be Healthy-ish): Fitness center available. I did, and managed to injure my shoulder. Still, worth it! The Spa was great. I got a fantastic massage. Seriously, worth the price of admission alone. I was so relaxed I almost fell asleep during the facial. They also offer a sauna, steam room, and foot bath. I wish I'd had the time for all of them!
- Dining, Dining, Dining! This place had SO many options. Restaurants galore! You could get Asian cuisine, Western cuisine, or even a vegetarian restaurant. They had a happy hour! I took advantage of the poolside bar, and grabbed a bottle of water because hydration is key. The breakfast buffet was a serious highlight. Asian breakfast vs. Western breakfast? I tried both. Did I feel a bit bloated afterward? Maybe. Would I do it again? Absolutely.
- Cleanliness & Safety – A Covid-Era Necessity: They were very serious about cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. I saw the staff going above and beyond. This was a huge relief and made the whole experience so much less stressful in these uncertain times.
- Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter: The concierge was friendly and helpful. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The elevator was always working. Air conditioning in public areas? Bless their hearts! They had a convenience store!
- For the Kids (If You Have Them): I didn't bring kids, but they had some Kids facilities and a Babysitting service available. So, all you parents out there, take note!
The Ramblings & The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?)
Okay, here's where I get brutally honest. No review is complete without the quirks.
- The TV had a million channels. I struggled to find anything in English. But honestly, that's not a huge deal.
- I kept losing my key card. Seriously, I'm notorious for that. But the staff were SO patient.
- The view was AMAZING during the day but the city lights made it hard in the night, so definitely blackout curtains are a must!
- The desk in the room was maybe a bit small if you are doing serious work.
Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
Overall, this apartment gets a big, enthusiastic thumbs up. It truly felt like stepping into a little world where all your needs were taken care of. The pool alone is worth the price. Highly recommended. Just, you know, keep an eye on your key card..
Escape to Germany's Hidden Gem: Gasthof und Pension zum Kreuz Awaits!Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not doing a perfectly polished itinerary. We're doing life. In Vietnam. In a 2-bedroom apartment on a high floor with a free pool. This is gonna be… well, it's gonna be something.
Vietnam: Downtown Chaos & Free Pool Bliss - An Itinerary (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & Absolute Sensory Overload!
- 8:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Okay, so the flight was a red-eye, and I'm pretty sure the guy next to me snored in perfect harmony with the engine for the entire 14 hours. I land in Ho Chi Minh City. The humidity hits you like a wet, warm hug. Or maybe a damp, oppressive wrestler. Either way, it's intense.
- 9:00 AM - Taxi to the Apartment. Finding a legit taxi is an Olympic sport. Negotiating the fare is… well, let's just say my Vietnamese is limited to “Xin chao” (hello) and “Cam on” (thank you), which doesn’t quite cut it. Managed to haggle the price down until I actually felt alright about it.
- 10:00 AM - Check-in & Apartment Nirvana? High floor, baby! I’m praying for a decent view. I open the door. OH. MY. GOD. The view IS insane! Seriously, this apartment is a win. High ceiling, and this little balcony. The air smells, and I'm just happy.
- 11:00 AM - First Bites! (Possibly a Disaster) Time to dive headfirst into Vietnamese cuisine. I'm gonna head out to the street vendor and find a place that looks packed with locals, because the food must be great, that's the rule, right? I order something I think is a noodle soup. It arrives. It's… a revelation. Or maybe a culinary assault. Let’s just say my stomach might not be thrilled, but my taste buds think it's an adventure. Or maybe they're just confused.
- 1:00 PM - Pool Time! Free pool, right? Time to hit that up! The water is… warm. The view from the pool? Utterly glorious. I find a comfy lounge chair. This, my friends, is what it's all about.
- 3:00 PM - Exploration (or, Getting Utterly Lost). Armed with a map (and a healthy dose of optimism), I set out to explore the neighborhood. I'm trying to find Ben Thanh Market. I think I turned left when I was supposed to turn right. Or maybe it was the other way around. I end up in some alleyway, the smell is intense. I'm surrounded by a cacophony of sounds. People are yelling, vehicles are honking, and… is that a rooster? Oh, I spot a street vendor selling iced coffee. This is exactly what I need. I feel alive!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner & Existential Dread (Maybe). The food scene is insane. I end up in a place that looks like a tiny, brightly lit hole in the wall. The waitress barely speaks English, but she smiles a lot. I order something that smells amazing. And I wonder, am I really here? Am I really doing this? Vietnam. The city. The food. It's so real.
- 8:00 PM - Back to the Apartment. The View is Always Worth It. Back up to the high floor, I look out at that crazy, beautiful city and breath. What a day. Is Hanoi better than Ho Chi Minh? Does the world ever stop turning? Who knows and who cares, that's for tomorrow, and for now, I'm gonna crash.
Day 2: The War Remnants Museum & Emotional Wreckage (and delicious food).
- 9:00 AM - Coffee & Reassessment. I wake up. The coffee is strong. Too strong. I didn't sleep well. The city noises never stop, but the view is worth it.
- 10:00 AM - The War Remnants Museum. Okay, brace yourself. This place… it's brutal. The pictures, the exhibits… it’s a gut punch. I read stories. I see things. I feel a weight on my chest. I walk out. I need some air and a good cry.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch for Self-Care. Okay, deep breaths. I'm going to grab some Pho. I find a busy little noodle shop, the soup arrives, and I let my mind rest. It’s still hard to shake the memory of what I saw, but the warmth of the broth is grounding. Comfort food is good.
- 1:30 PM - Back to the Apartment (Briefly). I need to decompress. I need to lie down. I need to watch something light and fluffy.
- 2:30 PM - Hidden Gem Exploration. I've heard there's a cool art gallery nearby. I want to see something beautiful. I find it! Small. Quiet. The art is compelling. My spirits lift.
- 4:00 PM - Pool Time (Again!). Okay, to the pool! I just spend a couple of hours staring at the amazing view, floating, thinking, feeling.
- 6:00 PM - Cooking Lesson (Or, Attempting to Cook). I've booked a cooking class. I want to learn how to make some of the amazing food I've been eating. The class is fun, but I’m pretty sure my attempt at spring rolls looks more like… well, let’s just say they’re rustic. But delicious!
- 8:00 PM - Dinner (Hopefully, Something I Didn't Mess Up). I’m going to a night market and eat some street food. I pick up this little BBQed skewer and eat it. Yum!
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels & Total Overwhelm
- 8:00 AM - Tour Bus Blues. I'm on a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The bus is full of people. I can barely understand the guide. I'm hoping, like, really hoping, that I'll be able to get down in the tunnels.
- 10:00 AM - Cu Chi: A Reality Check. The tunnels. Jesus. Crawling through those tight, dark spaces is a real experience. I started claustrophobic, but then, I don’t know, I did it. The whole place is a testament to human resilience.
- 12:00 PM - Tour Lunch and More Emotional Baggage. The tour includes lunch. Nothing special. I eat, but my mind is still in the tunnels. Still processing.
- 2:00 PM - Back to the City! Traffic is brutal.
- 3:00 PM - Reintegrating. I walk around the city after the tour. Everywhere I walk, there are reminders of the past, but also the vibrant present, the life, the color…
- 5:00 PM - The apartment, the pool. I need to unwind at the pool after the emotional intensity of the day.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and… Perspective? I eat at one of those little food carts that I saw the first day. The food is great. I think. I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, and hungry.
Day 4: Decisions, Decisions, and More Food (and Pool!)
- Morning: I eat breakfast. I am thinking about leaving. Should I go to the Mekong Delta? Or head north to Hoi An? My brain feels like it is being hit by a car.
- Afternoon: I take a taxi to a shopping district. I am overwhelmed. I leave.
- Evening: I go to the pool. After staring up at the sky, I go to the hotel and write.
And then, the world keeps turning. No matter what.
Important Notes (Because I'm Human):
- This is just a suggestion. Follow your heart. Or your stomach. Or your sense of complete and utter disorientation.
- Expect the unexpected. Things will go wrong. Things will change. Embrace the chaos.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. It'll help, even if you butcher them.
- Eat the street food! Just… be careful. And maybe have some Pepto-Bismol on hand.
- Take a lot of pictures. Or not. Just be present. See what works for you.
- Don't be afraid to bail. If something isn't working, move on. There’s always something else to see.
This is my Vietnam. What will yours look like? Let's go!
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Strandhotel Seehof, Germany
So, You're Thinking of Dipping Your Toes into This Vietnamese Apartment Life? Let's Get Real...
Okay, the "BEST Downtown 2BR High-Floor Apartment - FREE Pool!"... Is it *really* the best? Because, you know... marketing.
Alright, let's rip the bandaid off. "Best" is usually a lie woven by someone trying to sell you something. *However*... and this is a BIG however... this place surprised me. I was expecting the usual Southeast Asian "vibe" – you know, pictures that are *way* better than the reality. But NO! The view from the high floor? Stunning. Seriously, I spent the first hour just staring out the window. Like, I'm talking full-blown, slack-jawed gawking. The "downtown" part is legit. Everything is right there – street food, restaurants, the chaos… which, to be honest, is part of the charm.
Look, the pool *is* free, which is awesome. I hate paying extra for pools. But get there early. It gets packed. And by "packed" I mean… well, let's just say it's not a sparkling, serene oasis. Think more… a lively, splashing, selfie-taking social hub. But hey, that's part of the experience, right?
The 2BR part… well. It *technically* is. But let's be honest, Southeast Asian 2BRs often mean one bedroom that’s actually a decent size and the other… well, it's technically a bedroom. Check the dimensions VERY carefully. And don’t expect a walk-in closet unless the listing specifically mentions it. You're lucky if you have a wardrobe that doesn't smell faintly of mothballs (I may or may not have a story about that… later.)
How's the internet? Because, you know… digital nomad survival.
The internet. Sweet, sweet, unpredictable internet. Okay, picture this: you're in a crucial Zoom call, the client is hanging on every single word, and… *BAM!* Connection lost. The screen freezes, you're staring at a blurry picture of your own horrified face. Welcome to internet roulette in Vietnam.
Okay, that happened to me ONCE. Thankfully this apartment was better. Download speeds were surprisingly good (I could actually *stream* stuff without constant buffering!), but upload speeds sometimes… lag. So, if you're planning on live-streaming or uploading massive files? Test it *thoroughly* beforehand. And pray to the internet gods. You'll need it. They generally have decent support, but sometimes they are... well... you gotta learn to manage your expectations when it comes to getting things fixed here.
Is the apartment clean? Because, I’m not looking to become best friends with a cockroach.
Cleanliness... Ah, the eternal struggle! Let's just say that the definition of "clean" can vary wildly depending on where you're from. This apartment… the cleaning was generally good. But! and this is the caveat of life in SE Asia in general… and I’m going to be brutally honest, it really depends on the cleaning crew. Sometimes it was spotless. Sometimes… let's just say I found a few dust bunnies that could have qualified for their own ecosystem.
Pro-tip: If you're staying for more than a week, consider having a dedicated cleaning person come in. It's cheap, and it's worth every penny. And don’t leave any food out, especially at night. Trust me. Trust me on that. You'll thank me later. It's a war you can't win.. but it's a war you can have a truce with.
How's the noise? Can you actually sleep there?
Noise. This is crucial. Vietnam is… loud. Constant, glorious, chaotic noise. Even on a high floor, you're not entirely immune. Motorbikes, street vendors, construction (ALWAYS construction!). It's a cacophony. Embrace it. Become one with it.
The apartment itself… was surprisingly good. The windows did a decent job of blocking out the worst of it. (Thank goodness I bought those earplugs.) I’d say it depends how sensitive you are to noise. If you're used to absolute silence, you're in for a rude awakening. If you're a light sleeper, consider asking the host if they have double-paned windows. They are lifesavers. And learn to love white noise. I now sleep with a fan even when it's cold, just to drown out the world.
Is it easy to get around? I don’t want to spend my life stuck in traffic.
Downtown location? Great. Getting around? Also great. This is where the practicality shines. You're supposed to be in the thick of things. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Grab!) are readily available and cheap. Motorbikes are king (if you're brave) and walking is perfectly doable.
Traffic, of course, is a beast. Avoid rush hour if you value your sanity. But being downtown gives you options. You’re close to everything. I could practically roll out of bed and stumble into the best pho stall in the world. (Okay, maybe not *literally* roll.) But you get the idea. The location truly makes it easy to explore the city. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, learn to navigate the motorbike madness. Just… be careful. Seriously.
The pool! Give me the POOL deets! Because free pool = sold.
Okay, the pool. Let's talk about the pool. I spent a *ridiculous* amount of time by that pool. It was the only thing that kept me sane after a day navigating the Saigon chaos. It's the kind of pool where you can people-watch and relax… at least, when it's not packed. Because, it’s popular. Really popular.
Sometimes, it's a madhouse. Kids splashing, couples smooching, influencers taking selfies… but I didn't mind. It felt like a scene from a movie… or a very sweaty music video. The sun loungers… well the good ones are claimed early. So get there *early*. Otherwise, you will be forced to sit on the concrete and become one with the heat.
Also… the water sometimes felt a little… *warm*. It is Vietnam, after all. And while I, a germaphobe, was a *little* concerned, I'm still here to tell the tale. So, if you aren't into crowds and warm water, the pool might become a source of stress. But if you're a people watcher, you'll love it.
