Hanoi's Hottest Pad: 2BR Pool View Tropical Oasis!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into Hanoi's Hottest Pad: the 2BR Pool View Tropical Oasis! I'm not talking about a dry-as-dust brochure review here. We're going full-on, unfiltered, "did-I-even-brush-my-hair-this-morning?" realness. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, because frankly, I need a vacation.
First Impression: The Oasis (or "How I Survived Hanoi Traffic and Actually Found the Place")
Let's be honest. Hanoi traffic is… well, it’s an experience. Think chaotic ballet, choreographed by a thousand motorbikes fueled by sheer audacity. Getting to this "Tropical Oasis" was half the adventure. Thankfully, they offer airport transfer (under "Getting Around," duh), and it saved my sanity. The driver, bless his heart, navigated the madness like a seasoned gladiator. The Oasis itself? Upon arrival, it was immediately clear this property prioritizes its visual appeal. The "Pool View" part? Absolutely on point. Pure Instagram gold, folks.
Accessibility: The Fine Print (and My Slightly Clumsy Self)
Okay, okay, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a place that thinks about accessibility. This place has an elevator (essential!), and I saw Facilities for disabled guests listed. I’d like to know more about that later. And the lobby? Pretty spacious, definitely navigable with a bit of… let’s call it "enthusiastic maneuvering." Overall, good on you, Oasis, for not forgetting that some of us need a little extra help.
The Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (and the Mystery of the Blackout Curtains)
The 2BR setup? Genius for families or, in my case, a solo traveler who really likes their space. Let's break down the Available in all rooms list, shall we?
- Air conditioning: Yes. Thank GOD. Hanoi humidity is a beast.
- Alarm clock: Yep. Good for those early morning pho runs.
- Bathrobes: Check. Because lounging in a bathrobe is the ultimate vacation goal.
- Bathroom phone: Is this still a thing? Didn't try it. Probably for ordering more room service (see below).
- Bathtub: Oh yes. Soaking in the tub after a day of chaos is exactly what the doctor ordered.
- Blackout curtains: These things are freaking amazing. I slept like the dead. Actually, too good. Almost missed my breakfast (see Dining below).
- Carpeting: Fine. Nothing to write home about. I'm a hardwood floor kinda person.
- Closet: Plenty of space to unpack my entire wardrobe (I may have overpacked).
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial. My morning caffeine fix was happily provided.
- Complimentary tea: Also appreciated. Even though I stuck with coffee.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless. I mean, spotless. Even my questionable habits couldn't defeat them.
- Desk: Functional, if a little… basic. Good for catching up on emails (shudder)
- Extra long bed: I was never a good sleeper. This bed was comfortable. I didn’t want to leave.
- Free bottled water: Always a winner. Stay hydrated, people!
- Hair dryer: Essential for my mane.
- High floor: Yes! Spectacular views.
- In-room safe box: Used it. Always a good idea.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Didn’t need them, thankfully.
- Internet access – LAN: I didn't utilize it, but good to know it's there, I suppose.
- Internet access – wireless: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank god!
- Ironing facilities: Didn't touch them. Vacay vibes, you know?
- Laptop workspace: See "Desk" above.
- Linens: Clean and crisp.
- Mini bar: Tempting. Resisted most days.
- Mirror: Check. Double-check. Triple-check.
- Non-smoking: Yes. Which is a bless.
- On-demand movies: Didn't bother. Out exploring!
- Private bathroom: Thank you, Captain Obvious.
- Reading light: A nice touch.
- Refrigerator: Useful for my afternoon drinks.
- Safety/security feature: Good, I didn't see anything suspicious.
- Satellite/cable channels: I don't even watch TV at home.
- Scale: Terrifying. Avoided at all costs.
- Seating area: Comfy and perfect for planning the day's adventures.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Shower: Worked perfectly. (Hot water is a must for me)
- Slippers: Always a good thing
- Smoke detector: Phew.
- Socket near the bed: Essential for charging your phone while you scroll through Instagram, duh.
- Sofa: Cozy for relaxing.
- Soundproofing: Worked like a charm. No noisy neighbors!
- Telephone: Did not call it.
- Toiletries: Decent. My shampoo and conditioner are better, but it's appreciated.
- Towels: Soft and fluffy.
- Umbrella: Needed it! It can rain in Hanoi.
- Visual alarm: Didn't know it existed so good?
- Wake-up service: Used it for the pho and the flight.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Always a blessing, especially while on an exotic locale.
- Window that opens: I always like a window I can open.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Foodie's Paradise (and My Personal Pho Quest)
Okay, let's be real. I came to Hanoi to eat. And the Oasis did deliver. From the Asian breakfast (hello, pho!) to the Poolside bar (happy hour, YES), I was practically living in a food coma.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes. Lots of options.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They were very accommodating with my picky requests (I'm that person, sorry).
- Asian breakfast: See above!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Duh!
- Bar: A good one.
- Bottle of water: Always offered.
- Breakfast [buffet]: More like a feast. Loved it.
- Breakfast service: Attentive and efficient.
- Buffet in restaurant: Excellent selection.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Coffee was solid.
- Coffee shop: Didn’t try it.
- Desserts in restaurant: Tempting, but I was saving room for more pho.
- Happy hour: Crucial.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Variety is key.
- Poolside bar: See above. Perfect for sundowners.
- Restaurants: Several on-site. Plenty of choices.
- Room service [24-hour]: Used it. A lifesaver after a long day of exploring.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy-ish options available.
- Snack bar: Great for a quick fix.
- Soup in restaurant: Gotta get that pho!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Options!
- Western breakfast: Didn’t try it. I was all about that Asian breakfast.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Didn't try it this time, but I have a feeling this may be the best option for a traveler more familiar than my self.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa & Pool (and My Attempt at Zen)
The pool view? Stunning. Seriously, I spent a shameful amount of time just lounging by the pool, cocktail in hand, watching the world go by. The Spa? Oh, the spa. I booked a massage (massage), a Body scrub, and a Foot bath from the spa menu. I can’t describe how relaxed I felt. Totally worth it.
- Body scrub: My skin felt amazing afterwards.
- Body wrap: Didn’t try it.
- Fitness center: Didn't get around to that. Maybe next time.
- Foot bath: Bliss.
- Gym/fitness: Didn't use. Guilty.
- Massage: Book it. Book it now.
- Pool with view: Absolutely.
- Sauna: The sauna was good, I think.
- Spa: A must-do.
- Spa/sauna: Yes.
- Steamroom: Didn't try it.
- Swimming pool: Excellent.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (and the Hand Sanitizer Abundance)
Okay, let's talk about
Escape to Paradise: Pokhara's Mountain Glory Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're not planning a trip, we're planning… well, an experience. And it's going to be a gloriously messy one. We're talking Hanoi, Vietnam, a tropical bright modern apartment with a pool view, and me, desperately trying to wrangle emotions and pho cravings all at once. Here we go:
Hanoi Havoc: A Very Human Itinerary
(Okay, “Itinerary” is a strong word. Let’s call it… A Guide.)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (with a side of Pho)
Morning (or, "Whenever the Hell My Flight Lands"): Touchdown in Hanoi! Ugh, airports. Why are they always the same soul-crushing experience everywhere? Immediately, the heat hits like a wet blanket. I’m already sweating. Brilliant. Find the pre-booked transfer. Pray it isn't a decrepit motorbike with a guy who thinks the rules of the road are mere suggestions.
Afternoon: The Apartment and a Moment of Zen (HA!) Arrive at the TROPICAL BRIGHT MODERN APARTMENT 2 BR/POOL VIEW. Okay, deep breath. Photos promised this glorious, sun-drenched paradise. Hoping it's not another Airbnb catfishing situation. Spoiler: Most probably is, based on my luck! Unpack (or at least, attempt to unpack – I always overpack). Assess the pool situation. Judging by the promo pics, it looks incredible. Will I actually swim? Or will I just sit on the balcony, nursing a beer, and contemplating the vast emptiness of the universe? (Probably the latter.)
Late Afternoon/Evening: Pho-king Amazing (Hopefully). Alright, food time. This is the most important part. First mission: FIND AUTHENTIC PHO. I’ve already mentally prepared my stomach for street food. I've even Googled the pronunciation (it's "fuh," not "foe" – important). The plan is to wander, soak up the chaos, and find the place that reeks of deliciousness. If it's so good, I will probably cry as I drink the broth – a truly religious experience. Fingers crossed I don’t get food poisoning.
- Possible Detour: Maybe a quick visit to the Old Quarter… but honestly, I'm already overwhelmed. May be a walk in the park instead, if I have any energy left.
Night: Collapse. Seriously. Jet lag, heat, indecision… it's a cocktail of exhaustion. Order room service (if available – I'm not even checking yet). Netflix and… sleep. Glorious, unadulterated sleep. Or, you know, insomnia. One or the other.
Day 2: Motorbike Madness and Hoan Kiem Lake (or, "Where Did I Park My Brain?")
Morning: Wake up somewhat disoriented. Evaluate the damage (mental and sartorial). If the pool is as good as it looks, maybe I’ll actually brave a swim. Maybe. Okay, no, probably not. More coffee. Strong coffee.
Late Morning: Motorbike Mayhem. This is actually happening. I'm renting a motorbike. I've never driven one before. This could be the end. But everyone seems to do it, and I'm all about embracing the chaos. The plan: Learn how to not die within the first hour. (Wish me luck. Seriously.) Navigate the insane traffic around Hoan Kiem Lake. Hopefully, not into Hoan Kiem Lake. I can't make any promises.
- Emotional Reaction: Fear. Exhilaration. Existential terror. Possibly tears.
Afternoon: The Lake and the Temple (and Maybe Tears of Joy, Maybe). If I survive the motorbike ride, I’m heading to Hoan Kiem Lake. See the iconic Turtle Tower. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, the little temple on an island in the lake. Pray for forgiveness for my driving. And maybe… maybe finally find some peace and quiet. Or at least, some Instagram-worthy photos.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Egg Coffee and a Deep Dive into…Me? I have to try egg coffee. It’s a creamy, dreamy Vietnamese coffee that is supposed to be the perfect drink. Find a good cafe to sip it at, and then… ponder the meaning of life. No, just kidding. Probably just scroll through Instagram, secretly envious of everyone else’s perfect travel photos. Or maybe I'll actually write in a journal. Who knows. This is the wild card.
Night: Dinner. Probably at a very local place. Something small, family-run, and hopefully, delicious. Followed by an early night. I'm old now, I need my beauty sleep. Or insomnia. Again!
Day 3: Culinary Adventures and… Things I Haven't Even Thought Of.
Morning: Sleep in (if possible). Or not. Breakfast in the apartment. Or… uh… maybe find some Banh Mi. I'm starting to get the impression that I just might be eating this every day, and in all honesty, I'm not mad about it.
Daytime: A Cooking Class? Maybe. Okay, here's the thing: I'm a terrible cook. But I also love food. Think about a cooking class. Learn how to make some Vietnamese dishes! Probably get a new appreciation for my food. Definitely get a new appreciation for the cooks! We'll see my enthusiasm levels are. If not, plan B is to wander around the markets just looking at all the exotic produce.
Afternoon: Tailor Time (Potentially). Vietnam is known for its tailor shops. Get some clothes custom-made. Or get overwhelmed by the fabric choices and run screaming into the streets. Potential for fun… And also the potential for a shopping malfunction.
Evening: The Water Puppet Theater and a Deep, Dark Fear of Puppets. Okay, this is a "must-do." The Hanoi Water Puppet Theater. Beautiful but… something about puppets always freaks me out a little. I'm a child, I know. But I'll embrace the weirdness. Force myself.
Night: Pack. Or partially pack. Or stare at the suitcase and wonder how I'm going to fit everything back in. Maybe a final bowl of pho. Before another epic flight.
Day 4: Departure and a Hazy Memory of Freedom.
Morning : "Why did I come here again?" Last-minute panic about what I didn't see. Last-minute picture of the pool if I didn't swim, anyway. The airport. Hope I haven't forgotten anything. Or any of the things. Or, you know, the meaning of life.
Afternoon: The long journey The long trip back. The long flight. The long memories of this trip.
And Now, The Fine Print (aka, My Disclaimers):
- Flexibility is Key: This "itinerary" is more of a suggestion, really. I'll probably get side-tracked, lost, and completely overcome by the sheer experience of it all.
- Food Is My God: I’m serious about the pho. Don't judge.
- Embrace the Imperfections: Things will go wrong. That's part of the fun. I'm probably going to get lost, say the wrong things, and make a fool of myself. And that's okay.
- Prepare for Emotions: Expect moments of exhilaration, frustration, wonder, and the occasional bout of homesickness.
- Most Important: Have fun! Or at least, try to. I'll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck.
Okay, spill the tea! Is this "Tropical Oasis" really as good as it sounds? My Insta feed is practically screaming about it!
Alright, listen up, because I'm about to give you the *unfiltered* truth. The photos? They're gorgeous, yes. That pool view? Stunning, absolutely. But let's be real, Instagram is a curated highlight reel. My first thought when I walked in? "Woah, that IS a pool!" (Don't judge, jet lag is a beast.)
The 'oasis' part? Honestly? It's more of a... well, *aspirational* oasis. Think of it as a really beautiful, slightly stressed, tropical plant. The plants are lush, the air smells great... most of the time. One evening, a rogue mosquito army decided the balcony was a buffet, and I had to sprint inside like I was auditioning for a marathon. But the pool view... oh, the pool view. Worth every itchy bite, I swear. I could sit there for hours with a book, even though I kept getting distracted by the local kids doing cannonballs.
What's the deal with the location? Is it central or is it a mission to get anywhere?
Location, location, location! This is where things get a little, shall we say, *nuanced*. It's not slap-bang in the Old Quarter, thank heavens. Seriously, I can only handle so much "Xin chào!" before I need a tranquilizer. The good news? It's conveniently located for grabbing a Bun Cha breakfast. The bad news? You'll need a Grab (the local ride-hailing app) to get to most of the main attractions. And sometimes, getting a Grab feels like trying to win the lottery. I swear, I spent a solid 15 minutes one morning frantically refreshing the app while watching a street cleaner sweep the same patch of pavement, and I eventually just *walked*. It wasn't a *terrible* walk, but it wasn't precisely "convenient" either. So, pros and cons. Plan accordingly.
The 2BR - good for families? Or more of a romantic getaway situation?
Okay, let's be honest. "2BR" can mean a lot of things. This one? Could totally work for a family, but I'd say it's *perfect* for a couple, particularly if you're the "can't-live-without-each-other" type. There is plenty of space. And with a little kid running around, it is a perfect venue for a family to roam around. I was tempted to invite my ex-boyfriend to stay and try the place, as it would most likely be perfect for us, but I don't think that it's a good idea.
The second bedroom? Was pretty much used to storing my luggage and pretending I had a walk-in closet. And the balcony? Romantic *AF*. Imagine: cocktails, sunset over the pool, the gentle hum of Hanoi in the background... Okay, maybe the hum is actually the construction site next door. (More on that later...) Point is, it's spacious and the second bedroom gives you enough room to breathe. The place is perfect for a family, and the kids will surely enjoy it.
Real talk: the pool. Is it actually swimmable or just for show?
The pool is *totally* swimmable. And beautiful, let's be honest. It’s the main reason I booked the place, and I wasn't disappointed. I would say this is perfect. It’s a good depth and generally clean, and not overcrowded. The water is clear, and you’ll genuinely enjoy it. One day, I spent a solid four hours doing nothing but lounging. It’s basically the star of the show. The only slight issue? It's a *popular* pool. Sometimes you'll have to share it with some VERY enthusiastic local kids. Honestly, their cannonball skills were impressive. But the pool itself? A total win. Bring your floaties!
What's the vibe inside the apartment itself? Is it stylish or a bit... tired?
Stylish. Definitely stylish. Think minimalist chic meets tropical paradise... with a few, shall we say, *character-building quirks*. The decor is modern, the furniture is comfortable (especially the bed, honestly, I could have slept for a week), and there's plenty of natural light. I was particularly fond of the giant window in the living room, which offered a panoramic view of... well, the construction site.
Yes folks, let's talk about the construction. It's a thing. It starts early. It involves loud noises. You know the drill. Bring earplugs. Lots and lots of earplugs. But apart from that, the apartment itself is pretty damn dreamy. And honestly, the construction noise? It added a certain... *rustic charm* to the experience. (Or maybe I'm just trying to convince myself...) But even with a little construction chaos, the apartment is a great escape.
Kitchen essentials? Can I cook anything beyond instant noodles?
Yes! The kitchen is quite well stocked. I am not the world's greatest chef, but even *I* managed to whip up a pretty decent omelet (after a frantic Google search for "how to cook an omelet"). There's a fridge, a stove, a microwave... all the basics. The only downside? The lack of a decent coffee maker. Vietnamese coffee is amazing, but I am not a fan of the traditional way; it takes far too long! After I woke up, I took a walk to find a nearby cafe and I had an amazing cup of coffee
Anything else I should know before booking? Any hidden surprises?
Okay, brace yourselves. There might be a few minor unexpected things. Like, the key handover was a little complicated. I was expecting a simple key drop; well, it was not. The owner had to send an assistant! There was also a cockroach sighting in the bathroom. A small one, mind you, but still... a cockroach. And the wifi... well, let's just say it has moments of glory and moments of sheer, unadulterated frustration. And the walls were a bit thin. The neighbours seemed to be doing all sorts of things. But for the price, and with the pool view, I'd say it's still worth it. Just pack your patience, your earplugs, and your bug spray. And embrace the chaos! Because that, my friends, is part of the adventure.
Oh, and another thing... The air conditioning! Essential, I figured. Well, I turned it on one night, expecting a chilly respite from the humidity. Instead, I got a gentle breeze. It was *fine*, but I kept worrying I'd break a sweat any second. It wasn't the arctic blast of a modern air conditioner, but it was enough to let me sleep.
