Hanoi Luxury 2BR: Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Hanoi Luxury 2BR: Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam Views! and I'm gonna tell you exactly what I thought, warts and all. Because let's be honest, who needs a perfectly polished travel blog when you can get the REAL scoop?
Let's Get This Review Messy (and Honest!)
First off, the name. "Hanoi Luxury 2BR: Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam Views!" Try saying that three times fast. It's a mouthful, but it promises…well, a lot. So, did it deliver? Let’s break it down, shall we?
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmmm…"
- Accessibility: I always appreciate a hotel that thinks about accessibility. This one has elevators (essential!), but I'm not entirely sure how truly wheelchair accessible it is beyond that. I didn't have a wheelchair with me, so I couldn't thoroughly test it, but it's something to double-check if you or a loved one needs it.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't see anything specifically labeled as accessible. Again, ask the hotel directly to be sure.
- Everything else: Okay, let's be real, the sheer size of this place is a bit overwhelming. You're in a massive complex. That means more walking. Factor that in!
Internet: The Lifeline (and the Occasional Glitch)
- Wi-Fi in all rooms! Free Wi-Fi in public areas! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: Thank the internet gods! I'm a digital nomad, so this is crucial. The Wi-Fi was mostly reliable, but I did have a few moments where I wanted to throw my laptop out the window. (Don't worry, I didn't.) The LAN option is a nice bonus for serious work, though.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams and Fitness Center Fumbles
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, here's where things get interesting. The potential for relaxation is HUGE. There’s a pool with a view! A sauna! A spa! Yes, yes, and yes! The fitness center… well, it was there. I'm not a gym rat, but it looked reasonably equipped. I'm a sucker for a good massage and found the spa to be pretty decent. I did not, however, have a body wrap. Maybe next time!
- Quirky Observation: The pool with a view was stunning. I mean, seriously. I spent an entire afternoon just floating, staring at the cityscape. Pure bliss. Until, of course, a rogue inflatable flamingo almost took me out. (True story.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Germs, Germs, Go Away!
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Okay, in the current climate, this is essential. I was super impressed by the level of hygiene. They clearly take it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, the works. I felt safe, which is a massive plus. The individually wrapped food options were a nice touch, too.
- My Emotional Reaction: Seriously, the peace of mind was worth a million bucks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Pho to Flamingo-Free Cocktails
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Alright, the food scene is vast. Multiple restaurants, a poolside bar (where I almost met my flamingo demise), a coffee shop… you get the picture. The breakfast buffet was pretty standard, but the Asian breakfast options were fantastic. I'm a sucker for pho, and they didn't disappoint. The happy hour was a bonus, of course!
- Anecdote: I ordered room service one night, and the guy who delivered it was hilarious. He kept trying to teach me Vietnamese phrases. I butchered them, obviously. But the food was good!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: This place is a mini-city. Everything you could possibly need is right there. The concierge was helpful, the daily housekeeping was impeccable, and the elevators were a lifesaver. The convenience store saved me from a late-night snack crisis (thank you, instant noodles!).
For the Kids: Family Fun (or Just a Babysitter!)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't have kids with me, but it seemed very family-friendly. Babysitting service is a huge plus!
Access, Safety, and Security: Peace of Mind (Again!)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Security is tight, which is always a good thing. 24-hour front desk, CCTV everywhere… I felt safe and secure. The non-smoking rooms are a must for me.
Getting Around: Navigating the City (and the Complex)
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Airport transfer is a godsend after a long flight. Parking is available. You can easily hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Okay, the rooms are well-equipped. Everything you'd expect and more. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. The free Wi-Fi was a blessing. The extra-long bed was amazing. I could write a whole separate review just about the bathroom!
Now, the Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, here’s the slightly messy part. The size of the complex can be a bit daunting. It can feel like a maze at times. And while the service was generally good, it wasn't always flawless. There were a few minor hiccups (e.g., a slightly slow response to a room service request). But honestly, these were minor quibbles.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
YES!
Here's Why: The "Hanoi Luxury 2BR: Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam Views!" is a solid choice, especially if you value:
- Convenience: Everything you need is right there.
- Hygiene and Safety: They
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is Hanoi, baby, and we're doing it from a swanky 2BR pad in Vinhomes Skylake. Near Keangnam, fancy, central – the whole shebang. Let's see if we can survive this… and maybe even enjoy it.
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Jet Lag Negation (or at least, minimizing the zombie shuffle)
- 14:00 - Land in Hanoi! (Finally! After a flight that felt like I was crammed into a sardine can with a screaming toddler and a guy who kept adjusting his Speedos – seriously, what was that about?) Passport control? A blur. Luggage? Somehow, all accounted for. Success! Now, to navigate the taxi gauntlet. Pray for a driver who speaks a little English and doesn't try to fleece me.
- 15:00 - Check-in at Vinhomes Skylake. Okay, first impressions: holy moly, this place is gorgeous. Gleaming marble, a view that'll probably make me cry (in a good way, I hope), and air conditioning that actually works. My jet lag is already trying to stage a coup, but this place is fighting back. Unpack (mostly).
- 16:00 - The First Pho Pilgrimage. Right, gotta hit the ground running. After a quick google search, a local spot near my place. Oh man, the smells! The sizzling of the broth, the fresh herbs… My stomach is rumbling like a disgruntled dragon. I can barely speak Vietnamese, so I just point at the pho (duh) and hope for the best. This is it. The real deal. It's… amazing. The broth is clear and flavorful, the noodles are perfectly chewy, and the beef is so tender. I slurp it down like a starving person and regret nothing. My first impression? The place is bustling with locals, which is always a good sign. I stumble upon a tiny, plastic stool. I eat on it, and it's the most delicious meal I've had in a long time.
- 17:00 - Lost in the Labyrinth of Hanoi's Streets. Armed with a map (and a healthy dose of optimism), I venture out. The traffic is… intense. Scooters are weaving like synchronized swimmers, and crosswalks are merely suggestions. I feel like I'm playing a real-life version of Frogger, but with more honking. I get hopelessly lost within five minutes. It's beautiful chaos.
- 18:00 - Coffee Break (and a near-death experience). Found a cute little cafe. The coffee? Stronger than my will to resist another pastry. The barista? Adorably frazzled. I go for a walk to enjoy the coffee, and a car nearly hits me. I scream. I survive. I drink my coffee, and I love this city.
- 19:00 - Dinner and the Darkness. A local restaurant. I can't understand a word on the menu, so I point at whatever looks good. It turns out to be a delicious selection of spring rolls and sizzling fish. I leave the restaurant, and it's dark. I'm surrounded by chaos, and it's fantastic.
- 20:00 - Back to the Apartment. Crash. Jet lag wins. I vow to wake up tomorrow and take on the world. I probably won't, but the thought counts.
Day 2: Old Quarter Adventures and the Quest for the Perfect Egg Coffee
- 08:00 - WAKE UP! Or, at least, attempt to. My body is still convinced it's 3 AM. Coffee, glorious coffee, to the rescue!
- 09:00 - Old Quarter Exploration. Time to brave the heart of Hanoi. The Old Quarter is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Narrow streets, ancient buildings, shops overflowing with everything imaginable. I get jostled, I get charmed, I get completely and utterly overwhelmed. I love it.
- 10:00 - Temple Time (and a moment of Zen). Found a serene little temple tucked away from the chaos. Spent a few minutes just breathing, trying to find some peace amidst the madness. It worked… for about five minutes. Then, back to the hustle!
- 11:00 - Shopping Spree (or, "I'm Going Broke for Souvenirs"). I wandered through the markets. I'm now the proud owner of a silk scarf, a ridiculously oversized hat (I'll never wear it, but I had to have it), and about a dozen other things I definitely don't need. My wallet is weeping.
- 12:00 - Lunch in the Old Quarter. I stumble upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. I order something I can't pronounce (surprise!), and it's fantastic. Seriously, Hanoi's street food is a revelation.
- 13:00 - The Egg Coffee Odyssey. I've heard the legends. Egg coffee. A creamy, sweet, frothy concoction that's supposed to be life-changing. I set out on a mission to find the best. First stop: a famous cafe. The coffee is… alright. Not mind-blowing. Disappointed, I drink it. I move on to another cafe. The coffee? Even worse. I start to lose hope. This isn't life-changing. This is just… coffee.
- 14:00 - The Egg Coffee Redemption. I had almost given up. I was about to declare egg coffee a myth. But then, I found it. A tiny cafe, tucked away on a quiet street. The coffee? Perfection. The foam was thick and creamy, the coffee was strong and flavorful, and it was all balanced perfectly. I wanted to cry tears of joy. I wanted to hug the barista. I wanted to move in. I drank it slowly, savoring every single drop. This is what I came here for. This is why I travel.
- 16:00 - Water Puppet Theatre (and a dose of absurdity). I saw a water puppet show. It was… weird. And wonderful. Puppets dancing on water, accompanied by traditional music and a narrator who was clearly having the time of his life. I didn't understand a word, but I was thoroughly entertained.
- 18:00 - Dinner and a "Local" Experience. I tried to find a restaurant that wasn't overrun with tourists. I found one. It was… interesting. The food was okay, but the people-watching was top-notch.
- 19:00 - Back to the Apartment. Exhausted, but Happy. The day was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes. I'm tired, but in a good way. I'm starting to feel like I'm actually living in Hanoi, not just visiting.
Day 3: Lake Hoan Kiem, a Cooking Class, and the Farewell Dinner
- 09:00 - Lake Hoan Kiem Morning Stroll. I woke up and I'm already hungry. I walked around Lake Hoan Kiem. It's a beautiful lake. I took my time. I'm not rushing.
- 10:00 - Ngoc Son Temple. I visited the Ngoc Son Temple. I took photos. I admired the scenery. It's a beautiful temple.
- 11:00 - Cooking Class. I have the cooking class! I'm excited. I love cooking. The chefs are amazing. I will learn so much.
- 14:00 - Lunch and the cooking class. I eat my food. It's amazing. I can't believe I made this. I'm so proud.
- 16:00 - Souvenir Shopping. I go souvenir shopping. I buy more stuff. I spend more money.
- 18:00 - Farewell Dinner. I'm sad I'm leaving. I'm going to miss this city. I'll be back, though.
- 20:00 - Pack and Sleep. I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. Goodbye, Hanoi.
Day 4: Departure
- 08:00 - Wake up and Departure. Goodbye, Hanoi. I'll miss you.
Important Notes (aka, Ramblings and Imperfections):
- Traffic: Be careful. Seriously. Just assume every scooter driver is a kamikaze pilot.
- Food: Eat everything. Don't be afraid to try new things. Your stomach might hate you, but your taste buds will thank you.
- Language: Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. It'll make your life easier (and the locals will appreciate it).
- Bargaining: Bargain. But be polite. It's all part of the fun.
- Embrace the Chaos: Hanoi is a whirlwind of sensory overload. Just go with it. Let yourself get lost. Let yourself be surprised. That's where the magic happens.
- My Apartment: My apartment is amazing. *
Hanoi Luxury 2BR: Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam Views! - The Unfiltered FAQ
Okay, spill the tea! Is this place *really* as luxurious as it sounds? Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam… what's the deal?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the "luxury" label… well, it's a *vibe*. Look, the views from the Keangnam-facing side are, undeniably, *stunning*. Like, Instagram-worthy sunrise-over-the-city stunning. You feel like you're floating above Hanoi! But remember that time I tried to take a panoramic shot and it just ended up looking like a blurry mess? Yeah, that's the *reality* of my photography skills versus the *ideal* view. (And the building is a bit… imposing. Like a giant, glass-and-steel finger pointing at the sky. Kinda intimidating, actually.) The amenities *are* nice – the pool is gorgeous, the gym is decent… but the whole experience feels a little… *sterile*, sometimes. Like living in a very fancy, very well-maintained bubble. It's luxurious, sure, but maybe not *soulful* luxurious. I've stayed in places with more character, let's just say. Remember the tiny, quirky guesthouse in Hoi An with the grumpy cat? THAT was memorable!
Two bedrooms – perfect for a family? Or a couple’s retreat with a spare room for… whatever?
Two bedrooms are versatile! A family, absolutely! Kids would love it, especially with the pool. Now, a couple’s retreat… that’s where it gets interesting. Imagine: a romantic weekend getaway, you're thinking, right? But then, you realize the spare bedroom is the *perfect* place to dump all your luggage, and suddenly the "retreat" becomes a glorified storage unit. (I may or may not have experienced this *personally*.) Or maybe you *intend* to use it as a home office, but then you’re tempted by the stunning views and end up just staring out the window, procrastinating. It's a blessing and a curse, this extra space. It's also great for friends! We invited another couple and it was the best decision ever. We had our own space and we didn't need to fight for the bathroom!
What about the kitchen? Is it actually usable, or just for show? Because I *love* to cook.
Oh, the kitchen! It's… a *modern* kitchen. Sleek, shiny, probably has all the latest appliances. *Technically* usable. But here's the thing: I spent a solid hour trying to figure out how to work the induction cooktop, and I consider myself relatively tech-savvy! (Eventually, I just gave up and ordered pho. Because, Hanoi.) It's like, designed for a minimalist chef who only makes artful salads. If you're a messy cook like me, who enjoys splattering sauces everywhere and using every single pot and pan, you might feel a little… constrained. Also, the lighting is a bit… *clinical*. I prefer a warm, inviting kitchen that feels like a hug. This one felt like a sterile operating room. But the fridge was big, and that's all that matters, right?
The views are a big selling point. But are they *really* worth it? What’s the catch?
The views… are *magnificent*. Truly. I'm not exaggerating. I swear, I spent a whole morning just watching the city wake up, the sun painting the buildings gold. It was ridiculously beautiful. And the sunsets? Forget about it. However, the catch? Noise. Oh, the noise. Hanoi is a city that *never* sleeps. Scooters, construction, karaoke at 3 am… it’s a symphony of urban chaos. And while the double-paned windows *help*, they don’t completely eradicate the sound. So, if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Seriously. And remember that time I tried to sleep in but the karaoke from the neighbor's apartment was too loud? Ugh, I hate that. It's something you have to accept if you want those views.
Let’s talk location. Is Vinhomes Skylake convenient for exploring Hanoi? Or are you stuck in a concrete jungle?
Okay, location, location, location. Vinhomes Skylake is… not exactly *central*. You're in the Cau Giay district, which is a bit further out from the Old Quarter and the main tourist hotspots. Taxis and Grab (the local ride-hailing app) are your friends. Traffic can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour. So, factor in travel time. It's not like you can just stroll out the door and be in the middle of the action. You'll need to plan your day. But on the flip side, the area around Vinhomes Skylake is pretty nice! There are good restaurants, coffee shops, and supermarkets nearby. I did enjoy going to a local cafe every morning. And it's a haven from the madness of the city center. It's a trade-off. Convenience versus tranquility. Which do *you* value more?
What about the service? Is it friendly and helpful? Any horror stories?
The service… is generally *fine*. They're professional, efficient, but not exactly overflowing with warmth. It's not like the super-personal service you might get in a smaller, family-run place. They're more… *corporate*. I had a small issue with the Wi-Fi (because, technology!), and it took a little while to get it sorted. Nothing major, just a minor frustration. But, and this is a *big* but, I did have one… *interesting* experience. I accidentally locked myself out of the apartment at 2 am. Don’t ask. Let’s just say, it involved a lot of frantic phone calls, a very sleepy security guard, and a whole lot of embarrassment. The security guard was nice enough, but I felt like a complete idiot! Moral of the story: double-check your keys. And maybe don't have too much celebratory Bia Hoi before heading back.
Okay, the big question: Would you recommend it? Is it worth the price?
Alright, the million-dollar question! Would *I* recommend it? That depends. If you're looking for a luxurious, modern, convenient, and well-appointed apartment with stunning views, and you don’t mind a slightly sterile atmosphere and a bit of distance from the city center… then yes. It's a solid choice. If you're on a budget, or crave a more authentic, immersive Hanoi experience, maybe look elsewhere. I mean, it’s not *cheap*. It's a luxury apartment, after all. And honestly? For the price, I’d probably prefer a smaller place with more character, closer to the action. But hey, those views… they're hard to resist. It's a tough call. I'm still on the fence!Hotels With Kitchenettes
