Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Boutique Hotel You NEED to Book!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – or, you know, the pho broth – on Hanoi's actual Hidden Gem: The Boutique Hotel You NEED to Book. And trust me, I've seen things. Hotel rooms, questionable street food, the works. This place? This is different. This is… well, let's just say I'm still dreaming about the rooftop pool.
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE, right? Nobody wants to struggle. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I saw they had wheelchair accessibility throughout – ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. Big thumbs up. And the elevator? Smooth as silk, unlike some rickety death traps I've encountered in other parts of Southeast Asia.
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: Definitely ticked the boxes. Didn't see any crazy steps or tight squeezes. Good for everyone, really.
Internet Access: Okay, this is where they really shine. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I'm talking about you, luxury hotels that still charge $15 a day for internet. Grrr.) And it was actually reliable. None of that buffering nonsense when you’re trying to catch up on your Netflix binges. They had Internet [LAN] too, for those who still like that old-school connection. Plus, Wi-Fi in public areas – perfect for Instagramming your amazing breakfast. Because, let's be honest, that's what you're going to do.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Oh. My. God. Where do I even begin?
- Pool with a View: This is the piece de resistance. Seriously. Picture this: You're soaking in an outdoor swimming pool, the sun is kissing your skin, and you're gazing out over Hanoi. It's ridiculously picturesque. I spent a solid afternoon just floating and pretending I was a glamorous movie star. The view is truly special, you see all the local life around the old quarter.
- Spa/Sauna: They have a Spa, people! And the treatments… sigh. I indulged in a body scrub and a massage. The masseuse was a goddess. My tense shoulders melted away. They also had a Sauna and Steamroom, because, well, pampering is paramount.
- Fitness Center/Gym: I meant to go to the fitness center/Gym, really I did. But the rooftop pool… the spa… and the promise of more pho? My workout routine took a backseat. But I peeked in, and it looked pretty well-equipped, so, you know, good for those who are actually disciplined.
Cleanliness and safety: Now, this is important, especially these days. They are very on top of it. Lots of hand sanitizer, anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. There was also a doctor/nurse on call, if you need it. They also had physical distancing of at least 1 meter. And the staff? They are all trained in safety protocols. I felt genuinely safe, which is a huge relief.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Let's Talk Food! My favorite topic.
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was unreal. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, they had it. I ate so much buffet in the restaurant, I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds. It’s not that I would have starved anyway! The breakfast was so good that I took the breakfast takeaway service too.
- Restaurants & Food Variety: Several restaurants to choose from, serving Asian cuisine, international cuisine, and even vegetarian restaurant options. I had a killer Pho (duh!), some amazing spring rolls, and a really tasty dessert. The A la carte in the restaurant was excellent since I had dinner there most nights!
- Drinks: The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. Perfect for a post-swim cocktail. They also had a bar and coffee/tea in the restaurant and coffee shop for all the caffeine lovers. The bottle of water was a nice touch.
- Happy Hour: Yes! They do Happy Hour! (I’m pretty sure I spent most of my time at Happy Hour.)
Services and Conveniences: This hotel is all about making your life easy.
- Concierge: The concierge was super helpful with everything – from booking tours to recommending restaurants.
- 24-hour Reception: I’m a night owl and the front desk [24-hour] was a life-saver!
- Currency exchange and cash withdrawal are available for convenience.
- Laundry and dry cleaning services are available too.
- Luggage storage: you need that!
- Invoice provided
- Air conditioning in public area
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer
- Car park [free of charge]
- Taxi service
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Coffee/tea maker
- Desk
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless
- Mini bar
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Sofa
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Wake-up service
- Window that opens
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly
- Babysitting service
A Few (Tiny) Imperfections: Honestly, there weren’t many. My room’s window didn’t have the best view (it faced another building) and the Wi-Fi occasionally hiccuped in the dead of night, but it was not that distracting.
The Offer: Escape the Ordinary!
Okay, listen up. You work hard. You deserve a break. Hanoi is amazing. But let's be honest, finding a truly comfortable, beautiful AND safe place to stay can be a real minefield.
Here's what you get when you book this hotel:
- Unforgettable Experiences: Soak up stunning city views and pamper yourself with spa treatments and luxurious rooms.
- Peace of Mind: Stay in a place that prioritizes your health and safety.
- Convenience: Everything you need is at your fingertips, from delicious food to helpful staff.
- Get the most bang for your buck with a hotel that has it all.
But wait, there's more!
Book directly through [Hotel Website/Booking Platform] and you’ll get a free welcome drink and a guaranteed upgrade on your room (subject to availability).
Don’t wait! This hotel is a hot ticket. Book now and get ready to experience the Hanoi you deserve! Don't be the person who misses out. You deserve this. Go! Now!
Quy Nhon's FLC Sea Tower: Unbelievable Ocean Views You Won't Believe!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is the REAL Hanoi, the messy, glorious Hanoi, experienced from my lovely (and slightly chaotic) base camp at the Authentic Hanoi Boutique Hotel. Let's see if I can actually stick to it…spoiler alert: probably not.
Hanoi: A Messy Love Letter (with a Schedule…sort of)
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload – Oh My God, It's Beautiful (and Terrifying!)
Morning (Arrival & Panic):
- 6:00 AM: Flight. The flight was fine, mostly. I cried a little realizing I was finally doing this, and then spent the rest of it judging everyone's inflight entertainment choices.
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi. Immediately hit with the humidity. It felt like walking into a warm, scented towel. My luggage? Somewhere in the ether, probably enjoying a cocktail in the Maldives.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to Authentic Hanoi Boutique Hotel. Holy. Mother. Of. Motorbikes. The drive was a masterclass in controlled chaos. Horns blaring, scooters weaving, pedestrians nonchalantly strolling into the road. I gripped the seat, murmured a few prayers, and just tried to breathe.
- 12:00 PM: Checked in. The hotel is BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, gorgeous. Those little details, the French colonial architecture with the pops of colour? Heaven. The staff? Utterly charming, even when I slightly panicked, and forgot the safe code. (It's my own fault. I said the same thing to my cat, "Don't forget the cat food!" I thought it was a good code).
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. The hotel recommended a place nearby, Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan. Okay, I'm supposed to "experience the city," so I'm going to eat at a busy restaurant, the one with the "best" pho. There was a queue, but I'd heard it was worth it. Oh, was it. The broth! Deep, flavorful, rich. Honestly, the best pho I've ever had. I got noodle soup all over my shirt. Not the most elegant start, but who cares?
Afternoon (Embracing the Chaos):
- 2:00 PM: Wandering the Old Quarter. I told myself I'd be "mindful," "present," "a true explorer." Instead, I got hopelessly lost within 10 minutes, dodging motorbikes, and gawking at the vibrant street life. The smells! The spices, the freshly baked bread, the exhaust fumes (okay, maybe not all the smells are great).
- 3:00 PM: Found a tiny cafe selling ca phe trung (egg coffee). Now, I’m a coffee snob, but this…this was something else. Thick, creamy eggy deliciousness. It's like drinking a hug. I had two. Possibly three. Judgmental looks be damned.
- 4:00 PM: Tried to haggle for a silk scarf. Miserable failure. I may as well have offered the vendor my firstborn. I ended up buying a ridiculously overpriced, yet gorgeous, scarf from a VERY exasperated lady.
- 5:00 PM: Found my way to Hoan Kiem Lake, which was actually incredibly peaceful. The story of the turtle and the sword? Beautiful, especially when I saw the tower. It made me think (briefly) about all that I was planning to see in the city.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel to dump my bags and freshen up. Now, I really should get ready for dinner.
Evening (Dinner & Regret):
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant near the hotel that served "authentic Vietnamese cuisine." I ordered a dish that turned out to be filled with chili peppers. I am not a fan of spice. My face was beet red, and I was tearing up, but I kept eating it, because I'm stubborn.
- 8:30 PM: Attempted a night market stroll but got overwhelmed by the crowds and sensory overload (again). Abandoned mission and grabbed a beer from the nearest street vendor.
- 9:30 PM: Crashed into bed, utterly exhausted and exhilarated. This is going to be an epic adventure.
Day 2: History, Culture, and the Pursuit of Serenity (Good luck with that!)
Morning (Temples, Temples, Temples):
- 8:00 AM: Stumbled out of bed. I think I have a hangover.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The pho here is pretty good, but it's nothing compared to the Bat Dan.
- 10:00 AM: Temple of Literature. It was beautiful the minute I walked in! The historical importance oozed from the building. I felt a weird sensation. I actually did something interesting, and I learned something. The courtyard was beautiful, the history was interesting and I could have stayed there for hours. I even managed to understand some of the history!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a local place that serves bun cha. (Grilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce). Absolute bliss. I mean, truly amazing. So much better than the chili pepper incident (I may never recover) .
Afternoon (Soaking it in):
- 1:30 PM: Went to the Hoa Lo Prison. I was prepared, but was not prepared. The exhibits were so sobering. I spent the better part of my time there, feeling very emotional. I learned so much about the war, and the resistance fighters.
- 4:00 PM: I am going to find the perfect spot, and sip another egg coffee.
Evening (Water Puppets and Reflecting):
- 6:00 PM: Water puppet show. It was quirky, charming, and utterly unique. The music was a bit repetitive, but the puppets themselves? Magical.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. I'm thinking of going to a restaurant that is supposed to have some amazing seafood. I can't remember the name.
- 9:00 PM: Strolled back to the hotel, already planning my next day.
Day 3: Cooking, Shopping, and Saying Goodbye (Sniffle, Sniffle)
Morning (Cooking and Chaos):
- 9:00 AM: Cooking class. I signed up to learn how to make spring rolls, pho, and banana flower salad. Let's just say I’m now a master of chopping cilantro, and an amateur at everything else. The instructor was patient, and somehow managed to keep a straight face while I burnt the first spring roll.
- 11:00 AM: Eating the food. Mine was terrible. I ate it anyway.
Afternoon (Shop-till-you-drop, maybe):
- 1:00 PM: Last minute souvenir shopping. I have to try to find something to take back.
- 3:00 PM: Spa time! I'm hoping to get the stress knots out of my shoulders.
- 4:00 PM: Wandering through the shops again.
Evening (Farewell Feast and Tears):
- 6:00 PM: Farewell dinner. I'm going to a restaurant I read about that has a tasting menu. I will try to avoid the chili peppers.
- 8:00 PM: Packing. The most dreaded activity.
- 9:00 PM: One last egg coffee, staring out at the Hanoi night.
The Imperfections, the Glitches, the Truth:
This is just a suggestion, a loose guideline. I'm probably going to get gloriously lost, change my plans, and eat far too much pho. I might have a complete emotional meltdown when I leave. I might actually love the chaos. And that, my friends, is the point. Vietnam, and Hanoi, are about embracing the unexpected, the messy, and the wonderfully human. Wish me luck - I'm going to need it.
Cinque Terre's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Luxurious Casale Amati Mill!
Why did I set off the smoke alarm... again? (And is burnt toast *really* a health hazard?)
Oh, honey, don't even *get me started* on the smoke alarm. That little devil's my nemesis. Seriously, I swear it's more sensitive than a teenage girl's diary. First time? I blame the *perfectly good* garlic bread. Second time? Well, that was a valiant attempt at a soufflé. Key word: *attempt*. Let's just say it resembled a volcanic eruption more than a fluffy cloud. I remember the rush, the panic, the desperate waving of a damp towel... it wasn't pretty. And burnt toast? Okay, maybe just *slightly* charred is okay. But when it's black as night? Probably best to toss it. Though, I confess, I've snuck a bite or two... just to see how bad it *really* was. (Don't judge!)
What's the deal with recipes? Why can't I just "wing it"?
Ah, the age-old question! Look, "winging it" sounds great in theory. Sounds all chef-y and cool, like you're some culinary genius conjuring masterpieces from thin air. In *my* reality, though? "Winging it" usually involves a lot of frantic googling, a dash of despair, and a final product that tastes... well, let's just say "interesting." The problem is, cooking is *chemistry*, people! You need those measurements, that order, those instructions! Otherwise, you end up with… I once tried to make a chocolate cake from memory. Let's just say it resembled a hockey puck. Lesson learned: Follow the damn recipe! (At least, until you know what you're doing. Which, in my case, might be a while.)
How do you *actually* chop an onion without crying? Asking for a friend... (it's me.)
Oh, the onion tears! They're the bane of every cook's existence. I've tried everything! Chewing gum, holding a spoon in my mouth, wearing swimming goggles (which, let’s be honest, just made me look like I was about to go for a swim in my kitchen sink). The best tip I've found? A really, REALLY sharp knife. Seriously. A dull knife makes you chop slower, which means you’re exposed to the onion’s evil tear-inducing fumes for… well, longer. Also, maybe a window open nearby. And maybe a good cry is just inevitable. You're not alone, sister. We've all been there. I swear, sometimes I feel like I'm auditioning for a sad clown convention every time I prep an onion.
What's the most disastrous cooking experience you've ever had? Spill the beans (and maybe some oil).
Okay, buckle up. This is a doozy. It was a Thanksgiving. My first Thanksgiving *ever* hosting. I decided, with all the confidence only a complete novice can muster, that I would make a full-blown roast turkey. I watched hours of online videos. I had a perfectly good recipe. What could go wrong? EVERYTHING. First of all, the turkey was bigger than my oven (I swear, it was practically trying to escape). So I jammed it in there, hoping for the best. Then, the smoke alarm decided to become my personal enemy. Again. (I swear, that thing has a vendetta.) I opened the over, and it was a disaster. The skin had become a charcoal shell. The inside? Let's just say it resembled a gray, undercooked… thing. The smell? Oh, the smell! It was a combination of burnt feathers and regret. We ended up ordering pizza. And crying. A lot. It was a culinary Chernobyl, honestly. But hey, at least we had a story! And, you know, pizza.
Is there *any* simple recipe even *I* can make?
Yes! Yes, there is! Okay, maybe just *one*. My go-to is pasta with jarred pesto. I know, I know, it's practically cheating. But hear me out! Cook pasta. Toss with pesto. Done. It's fast, it's easy, and as long as you don't burn the pasta (which, let's face it, I've done), it's relatively foolproof. Plus, you can add things! Cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, a sprinkle of parmesan. See? Even a culinary disaster like myself can conquer pasta! Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go make some...
What about those online cooking tutorials? Are they helpful or just...pretentious?
Ah, YouTube cooking. A mixed bag, my friends. Some are genuinely helpful, bless their hearts. They show you the basics, they don't judge your mismatched cookware (which, let's be honest, is most of my kitchen), and they keep it simple. On the other hand... some are just… performative. All this fancy plating and ridiculously perfect knife skills! Meanwhile, my kitchen looks like a bomb went off. I'm more likely to learn the proper way to fold a fitted sheet than to actually cook a gourmet meal from one of these, you know? It's like, "Oh, sure, let me just whip up a soufflé while I'm perfectly dressed, in an immaculate kitchen, with a smile on my face." It's *intimidating*! Give me a messy kitchen and a slightly burnt offering any day. (Maybe I'd film one. Just for the honesty of it. I'd be wearing my pajamas and a permanent look of "What have I gotten myself into?".)
So, are you a good cook? Be honest, now.
Good? Absolutely not. Competent? Maybe on a *really* good day, when the stars align and the smoke alarm stays silent. But honestly? I like to think of myself as an enthusiastic, albeit slightly clumsy, amateur. I try, I fail, I laugh (mostly at myself), and I keep eating. And that, my friends, is the true spirit of cooking. It's not about perfection. It's about the joy of trying. (And the pizza you order when it all falls apart). You know what? I'm going to get better, Eventually. Maybe. Now, where's that pesto...
