Luxury Hanoi Haven: 2BR Vinhomes Skylake Gem Near Keangnam!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into Luxury Hanoi Haven: 2BR Vinhomes Skylake Gem Near Keangnam! – a mouthful, I know, but trust me, this place is trying to be something special. This isn't your sterile, paint-by-numbers hotel review. This is the REAL DEAL, warts and all, because let's be honest, who trusts a review that's too perfect?
First Impressions: The Sky's the Limit (Literally!)
Okay, so the name is a bit… optimistic. "Haven"? "Gem"? We'll see. But the location? Bang on. Right near Keangnam Landmark Tower, that giant, pointy thing you can't miss. Getting there was a breeze, thanks to the included airport transfer. Score one for convenience! The lobby is clean, I give them that and the 24-hour front desk is a godsend after a long flight. The elevator is… well, it's an elevator. Functional, but not exactly a design masterpiece.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly
Now, this is where things get a little… complicated. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, but the specifics are a bit vague. While there's an elevator (essential!), I didn't spot any obvious ramps or wider doorways. Important Note: If you have specific accessibility needs, CALL AHEAD and confirm details. Don't just trust the website. Seriously. I'm looking at you, hotel marketing!
Room Review: The Good, the Great, and the "Huh?"
Alright, the 2BR. That's what we're here for, right? Spacious. REALLY spacious. Like, could-practically-hold-a-small-dance-party spacious. The air conditioning? Thank God, because Hanoi is HOT. The bed? Comfy. The blackout curtains? Crucial for battling jet lag. The complimentary bottled water? Always appreciated. Bonus points for the extra long bed, which is a HUGE win for us tall folks.
Now for the "Huh?" moments. The bathroom phone? Who even uses those anymore? And the scale? I'm on vacation, I don't need a reminder of my life choices, thank you very much! The in-room safe box is a must, and the free Wi-Fi worked like a charm, both in the room and in the public areas. They also have Internet [LAN] if you're old-school, or just like wired connections for streaming.
Things to Do: Spa Days and Swimming Pools, Oh My!
Okay, this is where Luxury Hanoi Haven almost redeems itself. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Seriously. That view! Picture it: you, a cocktail, and the Hanoi skyline. Pure bliss. They also advertise a pool with view, which is redundant but effective.
The spa is tempting. They offer massage, body scrub, body wrap, and a sauna. I didn't actually do any of these things (budget constraints, people!), but the brochure looked promising. They also have a fitness center if you’re the type who enjoys torturing yourself on vacation. I am not. They also have a steamroom and spa/sauna.
Dining: From Buffets to Booze
Breakfast is included, and it's a breakfast [buffet]. Standard Asian fare, with some Western breakfast options thrown in. The coffee/tea in restaurant is decent. They have a bar (essential!), a poolside bar (even better!), and a coffee shop. There are also several restaurants on-site, offering Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even a vegetarian restaurant. They’ve got the whole spectrum.
The "Almost Perfect" Moment: The Unforgettable Pho
Okay, so I was wandering around the restaurants one day, and I STUMBLED into a little Pho shop inside the hotel. I wasn't expecting much. Hotel food is usually… well, you know. But, oh. My. God. This Pho. It was the BEST Pho I had in Hanoi. Seriously. The broth, the noodles, the herbs… it was a flavor explosion. I went back three times. This single meal almost made up for everything. This is how a hotel can turn a mediocre stay into a MEMORABLE one.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Factor
They're taking COVID seriously, which is a HUGE relief. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. They also offer room sanitization opt-out available if you're feeling extra cautious. I saw physical distancing of at least 1 meter being enforced in the restaurant and other areas. They also have doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offer a ton of services: daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, concierge, cash withdrawal, currency exchange, luggage storage, car park [free of charge], and car park [on-site]. Basically, everything you need to make your stay easier. The convenience store is a nice touch for those late-night snack attacks. They also have a gift/souvenir shop.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)
They claim to be family/child friendly and offer a babysitting service and kids meal. I didn't see any screaming toddlers, so that's a good sign.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer is included. They also have a taxi service and valet parking.
The Verdict: Worth It? Maybe.
Luxury Hanoi Haven is trying to be luxurious, and it mostly succeeds. The location is fantastic. The rooms are spacious. The pool is stunning. The Pho is life-changing. But there are a few quirks, and the accessibility situation needs clarification.
Here's my honest, and ultimately, slightly rambling, conclusion:
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. But I'd go in with realistic expectations. It's not perfect. It's not flawless. But the good outweighs the bad, especially if you're looking for a comfortable base to explore Hanoi.
The Offer (Because You Deserve a Deal!)
Don't settle for a boring hotel! Book Luxury Hanoi Haven: 2BR Vinhomes Skylake Gem Near Keangnam through [Your Booking Site Here] and get:
- 15% off your stay! (because you read this ridiculously honest review)
- Free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability!) – imagine that view with your morning coffee!
- A complimentary bowl of the legendary Pho (seriously, try it!) – on your first day!
- 24-hour cancellation policy – because life happens!
Click here to book your Hanoi adventure and experience the "almost perfect" Luxury Hanoi Haven! [Your Booking Link Here]
Luna House Danang: Your Dream Da Nang Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-polished travel brochure. This is me in Hanoi, wrestling with jet lag, humidity, and the siren song of pho. My itinerary? More like a suggestion box with a healthy dose of chaos. And we're starting in Anrooms - 2BR Lux Vinhomes Skylake, near Keangnam Hanoi. Let's see if I can survive this.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Pho Hunt (Or, How I Became Best Friends with a Street Vendor)
Morning (aka, when my internal clock thinks it's still Tuesday): Landed in Hanoi. The humidity hit me like a warm, wet hug. Not the good kind of hug. The airport chaos was… well, it was delightfully chaotic. Found a pre-booked car (thank God, negotiating with taxi drivers at 6 am after 20 hours of travel? NOPE). Anrooms was a godsend – the air con was blasting, the beds were comfy, and the view from the 20th floor? Stunning. Though, I'm pretty sure I spent the first hour just staring out the window, slightly bewildered.
Afternoon (aka, the Pho Obsession Begins): The mission: find the best pho. I'd read about it, dreamed about it, and now, I was living it. Armed with a vague Google Maps pin and a desperate craving, I ventured out. Let me tell you, navigating Hanoi traffic is a contact sport. Scooters whizzing past, horns blaring, pedestrians casually crossing the street like they’re immune to death… it's exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. The kind with plastic stools and a woman ladling broth with a practiced hand. I stumbled through my broken Vietnamese (mostly just "xin chào" and "cơm") and pointed at a bowl of glistening noodles. The first slurp? Heaven. The broth was rich, the beef tender, the herbs fragrant… I swear, I almost cried. I ended up eating two bowls. The lady, bless her heart, just smiled and kept refilling my tea. We bonded over the universal language of deliciousness. I’m pretty sure she’s my new best friend.
Evening (aka, Jet Lag's Revenge): Attempted to stay awake to adjust to the time change. Failed miserably. Passed out on the sofa, fully clothed, mid-Netflix binge. Woke up at 3 am, convinced I'd missed a crucial event. Wandered around the apartment, staring at the ceiling, wondering if maybe I should order a pizza…
Day 2: Culture Shock & Coffee Coma (And the Temple That Made Me Question Everything)
Morning (aka, the "Oh God, What Did I Eat?" Moment): Woke up feeling… interesting. Let's just say the pho was memorable in a way I hadn't anticipated. Spent the morning trying (and failing) to decipher the Vietnamese pharmacy instructions for something to help with the… aftermath.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (aka, Temple Time): Decided to be a responsible tourist and hit up the Temple of Literature. Stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. The architecture, the history, the sheer serenity… It was all so… Zen. Then I saw a group of teenagers taking selfies with the statues and, well, the Zen kinda evaporated. It's a constant battle between appreciation and mild cynicism, I tell ya.
- Anecdote alert: I saw a young couple (I think they were a couple, anyway) arguing, right there in the temple. Loudly. In Vietnamese. It was a complete juxtaposition of this beautiful, ancient place and their modern squabble. I couldn't understand what they were saying, but the body language was universal: major eye-rolling and crossed arms. I actually felt a pang of sympathy. Even in paradise, life's little dramas follow you.
Afternoon (aka, the Coffee Debacle): Vietnamese coffee is legendary. I was ready for it. Ordered a ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). Took a sip. Sweet baby Jesus. It was like pure, concentrated energy. I think my heart rate doubled. I spent the next three hours bouncing off the walls, talking a mile a minute, and generally annoying everyone around me. I may have even tried to haggle for a souvenir in fluent gibberish. The coffee was amazing, but I’m pretty sure I'm going to need a detox after this.
Evening (aka, The Night Market… and My Failed Bargaining Attempt): Headed to the Old Quarter night market. It was sensory overload in the best possible way. The smells of street food, the bright lights, the throngs of people… I loved it. Bought a ridiculously cheap silk scarf (that will probably fall apart in a week) and tried to haggle for a conical hat. My bargaining skills? Pathetic. The vendor just laughed and gave me the hat anyway. Maybe I'm just too nice. Or maybe I'm just really bad at this.
Day 3: Halong Bay (The Boat Trip That Almost Broke Me)
Morning (aka, Early Start, Regret, and Seasickness): Woke up at the crack of dawn for the Halong Bay cruise. The drive was long, the traffic was horrendous, and I was already starting to feel a little… queasy. The boat was beautiful, the scenery was stunning… but then the waves hit. I'm not a good sailor. At all.
- Anecdote and Emotional Reaction: Spent most of the morning clinging to the railing, trying not to hurl. The stunning limestone karsts? Couldn't appreciate them. The kayaking? Absolutely not. The whole experience was a blur of green water and a growing sense of panic. I wanted to get off that boat. I wanted to go home. I wanted to lay down. I wanted it all to stop. I wanted to be on dry land. I was miserable.
Afternoon (aka, The Recovery): Somehow, I survived. The seasickness eventually subsided. The scenery did eventually sink in (pun intended). The caves were amazing, the views were incredible, and the food on the boat was actually pretty decent. I even managed to take a few photos (though most of them are blurry).
Evening (aka, The Post-Traumatic Stress of the Boat): Back at Anrooms, safe and sound (and very grateful to be on solid ground). Spent the evening just… existing. Eating instant noodles, watching mindless TV, and trying to forget the terror of the sea.
Day 4: Back to the City & The Quest for the Perfect Banh Mi
Morning (aka, The "I'm Still Alive" Celebration): Slept in (finally!). Enjoyed the comfy bed and the peace of the apartment. Ate a hearty breakfast of instant noodles and instant coffee (I am not a morning person).
Afternoon (aka, The Banh Mi Hunt): The mission: find the best banh mi. This is a serious undertaking. I'd heard tales of crusty bread, savory fillings, and the perfect balance of flavors. I was ready. Wandered around, trying different places, sampling different versions. Some were good, some were… less good.
- Quirky Observation: I noticed a trend: the best banh mi places were often the most unassuming. The ones with the long lines, the overflowing fillings, and the slightly grumpy vendors who clearly knew they were serving something amazing.
Evening (aka, The Victory): Found it. The perfect banh mi. Crispy bread, perfectly seasoned pork, fresh herbs, a hint of chili… It was a revelation. I ate two. No regrets. Walked around the lake, basking in the afterglow of the banh mi, feeling surprisingly content.
Day 5: Departure & The Lingering Taste of Vietnam
Morning (aka, The Packing Struggle): Packing is the worst. Especially when you've bought way too many souvenirs (that silk scarf is already falling apart, by the way). Dragged my suitcase to the elevator, slightly defeated.
Afternoon (aka, The Last Pho): One last pho. Because, you know, I had to. Said goodbye to the lady at the pho place (with a genuine sadness). Promises to visit again.
Evening (aka, The Flight): Headed to the airport. Hanoi, you were a whirlwind. A chaotic, beautiful, delicious, and occasionally terrifying whirlwind. I left with a full stomach, a slightly depleted bank account, and a whole lot of memories.
- Emotional Reaction: This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, I got sick, I nearly drowned in Halong Bay, and I definitely over-caffeinated. But it was real. It was messy and imperfect and utterly human. And I loved it. I can’t wait to come back. Vietnam, you’ve got a hold on me.
Is this place *really* as luxurious as it sounds? (Because, let's be honest, "luxury" gets thrown around like confetti.)
Okay, so "luxury." It's a loaded word, right? Look, it's *nicer* than my last apartment, which involved a leaky roof and a rogue pigeon. This Vinhomes Skylake place? Yeah, it's got the shiny surfaces, the fancy appliances (that I mostly don't know how to use, but hey, they're *there*), and the views... the VIEWS! They're pretty darn spectacular, especially at sunset. You can see Keangnam Landmark Tower! But "luxury"? Maybe "comfortably upscale"? Or maybe "a place where you don't immediately feel like you need a shower after walking in." I'm going with that last one. That's the real win.
What's the deal with the location, actually? Near Keangnam? Is that good?
Keangnam Landmark 72. It's...big. Really, really big. Like, you can't *not* see it. So, being "near" it is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: it's a landmark, so you'll never get *completely* lost. Curse: you're near a very busy area. Traffic can be... an experience. Let's just say I've developed a deep appreciation for Grab bikes. Seriously, the ability to weave through Hanoi traffic is a life skill. And the noise sometimes? Well, it's a city. You get used to it. Or you buy really good earplugs. I recommend the earplugs. Also, Keangnam itself has some nice restaurants and a cinema, which is convenient for a lazy afternoon.
The "2BR" – Is it actually spacious? Or a shoe box disguised as an apartment?
Alright, the 2BR thing... It's decent. It's not palatial, mind you. My last "2BR" back in the States was basically a walk-in closet with a slightly bigger closet attached. This is *better*. The master bedroom is actually quite nice, with a comfy bed (important!), and the second bedroom is... well, it's a bedroom. Perfect for guests or, if you're like me, a dumping ground for luggage and that random exercise bike you *swear* you'll use. The living room and kitchen are open-plan, which is good for socializing, or at least it *could* be if I knew how to cook anything beyond instant noodles. So, yeah, not a shoebox. But don't expect a ballroom, either. Space is relative, right?
Speaking of the kitchen... is it actually equipped with stuff you can use, or just for show?
Okay, the kitchen. This is where things get... interesting. They *do* have a fridge, a microwave, and a stovetop. And a bunch of fancy pots and pans that look like they belong in a Michelin-starred restaurant. But! The coffee maker? I spent a solid hour trying to figure *that* thing out. Ended up just making instant coffee (again). And the oven? Don't even get me started. I think it's sentient. I swear, it judged me. The good news is, there are *so many* amazing food options nearby, that cooking is, frankly, optional. So, yes, it's *equipped*, but your mileage may vary depending on your culinary skills (or lack thereof, in my case). I'm still trying to figure out how to make toast without setting off the smoke alarm. It's a work in progress.
Pool and Gym? Do they actually exist and are they any good?
Okay, the pool. It's... big. And it's *blue*. And it's right there, looking all inviting. But I'm not a huge swimmer. I prefer to lay by the pool and drink a beer. The gym, though... It's actually pretty decent. I mean, it has treadmills, and weights, and all the usual suspects. I've been there a couple of times. Okay, maybe three. Don't judge me! It's good to have the option. The best part? The air conditioning. Hanoi humidity is no joke, so a cool gym is a lifesaver. I mean, I'm not a fitness fanatic or anything, but it's nice to have it there. Bonus points for the view from the treadmill. Seriously, if you can work out with a view of the city, you're winning at life. And the pool? Well, it looks pretty. And sometimes that's enough.
Wi-Fi? Reliable? Because I *need* to be connected!
The Wi-Fi. Okay, so, let's be honest. I'm a digital nomad. My life *depends* on the internet. And the Wi-Fi here? Mostly good. There were a couple of times when it went down for a few hours, which caused a mild panic attack (because, you know, deadlines). But generally, it's fast and reliable enough for work, video calls, and streaming. Just... don't expect perfection. Sometimes, the internet gods frown upon you. But overall, it's a thumbs up. I've been able to survive, and that's saying something. Just have a backup plan (like a mobile hotspot) in case of emergencies. Because emergencies *will* happen. Especially when you need to send that crucial email.
What's the biggest annoyance about the place? Be honest!
Okay, the biggest annoyance? Besides the occasional internet outage and the oven's judgmental glare? The elevators. Seriously, there are a LOT of elevators, which is good, because it's a tall building. But sometimes, you wait. And wait. And wait. And then, you're squished in there with a bunch of people, and it's a little claustrophobic. And sometimes, they're out of service. Which means stairs. And stairs in a building this tall are not my friend. So, yeah. Elevators. They're a necessary evil. But they're also a source of minor daily frustration. Oh, and the construction. There's always construction somewhere in Hanoi. Always. You get used to it. Eventually.
Would you stay here again? The bottom line, please!
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. The location is good, the apartment is comfortable, and the views are amazing. And after a long day,Find That Hotel
