Luxury Saigon Penthouse: 2-Bed Shared Haven Awaits!
Luxury Saigon Penthouse: 2-Bed Shared Haven Awaits!
Luxury Saigon Penthouse: 2-Bed Shared Haven Awaits! - A Chaotic Confession (with a sprinkle of actual info)
Okay, people, buckle up. This isn’t your polished, airbrushed review. This is me, after a hazy week in Saigon, trying to piece together my experience at the "Luxury Saigon Penthouse: 2-Bed Shared Haven Awaits!" I’m still slightly jet-lagged, fueled by pho and the (admittedly strong) hotel coffee, and ready to dump my subjective, chaotic thoughts. Let's do this.
First, the Gist (because, you know, people want it): This place? Mostly good. Luxurious? Debatable. "Shared Haven"? Possibly, depending on your tolerance for potential roommates and the sheer hustle of Saigon itself. I'd say it's a strong maybe for a certain type of traveler. For those of us who love the idea of luxury but are perpetually, well, us, it's a wild ride.
Accessibility: Truthfully, I didn't pay too much attention to this. I mean, I walked. Everywhere. It’s Saigon – scooters will be your biggest hurdle, not ramps (though maybe in the pouring rain, things change, I have no real insight on that…). The elevator seemed fine, though. It was kinda slow… but hey, it was there, which is a big plus, right?
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges, Wheelchair accessible… See above. I truly don't know. Sorry! My bad, folks. I was too busy dodging motorbikes to assess this properly.
Internet & Tech Stuff (AKA The Digital Lifeline):
- Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: Surprisingly, I was able to get connected. Mostly. The Wi-Fi in my room was… well, let’s call it capricious. One minute streaming cat videos, the next, dial-up speeds. Public areas fared better, but still, Saigon. You get what you pay, right? At least they tried.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display: I didn’t attend any special events, so I couldn't evaluate this. Imagine, though: a room full of people trying to figure out the projector’s settings… pure comedic gold.
- Laptop workspace: Present and accounted for. My bed and the tiny desk were the only workspace I used, I'm not a hard worker when I'm on vacation.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and the Questionable Spa Experience:
Alright, here's where things get interesting.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I saw a gym. I did not go into the gym. I’m on vacation. I had a lot of pho to eat. Judging by a peep through the glass door, it looked… adequate? Basic treadmills, some weights. If you’re a fitness fanatic, you'll probably want to find a fancier place.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool was lovely. The view from the pool was… a lot of other buildings. Which is Saigon, honestly. I did swim, and I was happy. I did not try to get a tan, as I wear a hat, so no comment on the tan.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: Okay, THIS is where things got a little… weird. I went to the spa. Because, vacation. I requested a massage. The woman was tiny, but mighty. The massage itself was… intense. My muscles felt like they were being rearranged. I emerged feeling both relaxed AND slightly battered. I do give the team kudos for trying, I'm a sucker for a foot bath and a good rub down!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Obsessive-Compulsive Traveler's Dream (Maybe):
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, 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, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Whoa. They are serious about cleanliness and safety. I felt like I could eat off the floor (if I wanted to, which I don’t). The sanitizing was intense. I've never seen so much Purell in one place. This will be either comforting, or incredibly off-putting, depending on your comfort level. I'm in the middle.
- Cashless payment service: Very convenient!
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know!
- First aid kit: Also good.
- Food delivery: I didn’t use it, but the option was there.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yep. The laundry service was fast!
- Safe dining setup: Tables far enough apart and clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Carb-Loading in Paradise:
- 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: So. Much. Food. The breakfast buffet was a glorious, chaotic explosion of Asian and Western options. The pho was amazing. The coffee, blessedly strong. The desserts: tempting. I might have, ahem, overindulged. The poolside bar was convenient for… well, poolside drinking. 24-hour room service? A lifesaver after a late night exploring. I found the bar was friendly and efficient.
- Essential condiments: Yes!
- Bottle of water: yes, in the room, and at every buffet!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (but also, the Big Things):
- Air conditioning in public area, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center : Everything you'd expect. Good luggage storage. The staff were accommodating. I loved the terrace and the air conditioning. The doorman, bless him, was always there, and I saw him deal with all sorts of situations. The business center was there but I did not use it.
- Babysitting service: Good to know if you have kids!
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I saw a few kids splashing in the pool, so… yeah, I'd say so.
For the Kids:
- **Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, ** I said some above. My kids were not involved in this trip, nor did I see any kids facilities, but it may be a good option.
Rooms: The Actual Haven?
- 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: The rooms were comfortable. Surprisingly quiet, considering the city’s symphony of scooters. The bed was decent. There was a coffee/tea maker, which is essential. The Wi-Fi was, well, let’s not go there again. The bathroom was functional. The blackout curtains were clutch after a long day. The high floor gave a great view. The sofa? Soft. Overall, a clean, functional space with all the basics.
Getting Around…
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Saigon traffic is… an experience. The airport transfer felt like a VIP ride - it was worth it. The car park (on-site and free!) was nice to know just incase. I did not see or use the other things,
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a week in a shared penthouse apartment in Ho Chi Minh City. Forget glossy brochures and perfect Instagram feeds. This is gonna be a glorious, messy, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable adventure. And I'm your unwilling (but secretly excited) tour guide.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Scavenger Hunt for the AC Remote (and My Sanity)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Landed in Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Sweaty. Jetlagged. Already regretting wearing this linen shirt. Ubered to the penthouse, which, let me tell you, looked nothing like the pictures online. More like a… well, let's just say it has "character." (Translation: slightly dilapidated charm). Stumbled upon my roommate, a bloke named… (checks notes)… Kevin. Kevin is currently wearing only boxer shorts and seems to be assembling a Lego Millennium Falcon. "Welcome," he grunted, eyes glued to plastic bricks. "The AC, you'll need it." Oh, I will. The first hour was spent on a frenzied search for the AC remote. It was eventually found: wedged between the couch cushions and a half-eaten durian fruit (thanks Kevin!). First impressions: it's hot. And the air smells vaguely of regret.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a banh mi stall down the street. Glorious chaos. The owner, a woman with a smile as infectious as the Vietnamese coffee I was mainlining, practically force-fed me a sandwich. Sliced pork that was so tender, so flavourful, it made me weep. I nearly choked on a chilli. Worth it, though. Walked back, soaked in sweat, and considered a nap. Kevin, still at war with the plastic spaceship, made it clear that nap time wasn’t on the agenda.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Attempted to "explore" the neighbourhood. Got hopelessly lost. Accidentally wandered into a wedding party. Got offered pho by a grandma with a gap-toothed grin. Ate pho, tried to communicate with the grandma through enthusiastic gestures, and somehow ended up joining the conga line. Humiliating, amazing, and utterly Vietnamese.
Evening (9:00 PM - Bedtime): Back at the apartment. Kevin is STILL building the Millennium Falcon, and the apartment reeks of glue and potential. Ordered takeout (because, let's be honest, I'm exhausted). Collapsed onto the bed, mentally preparing for the chaos of tomorrow.
Day 2: Scooter Apocalypse and the Temple of the Unexpected
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Morning coffee (again, desperately needed) at a sidewalk cafe. Watched the scooter ballet. It's insane. Absolute, glorious, beautiful, terrifying insane chaos. Decided I was brave enough to rent a scooter. Famous last words.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Scooter rental! Learning to ride a scooter in Ho Chi Minh City is akin to learning to swim in a piranha tank. You're terrified, and you're probably going to be nibbled on. Somehow, miraculously (and with the help of a lot of blaring the horn), I survived my first trip around the block. I stopped at a temple. Apparently dedicated to a celestial fish. Inside I was met by an old woman and a group of kids who stared and pointed at me. They started giggling, a moment later the old woman handed me a stick of incense, bowed, and smiled. I imitated what she did, feeling like a complete idiot. It turns out that the "temple" was a local's house and the fish was a beloved family pet.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Visited the War Remnants Museum. The exhibits were heart-wrenching, thought I was overwhelmed. Walked to the rooftop bar. The cocktails were overpriced that I don't remember much. Got back, Kevin was asleep. He now has a completed Lego Millenium Falcon.
Evening (9:00 PM - Bedtime): Woke up around 4 AM from a nightmare. Went to the kitchen, found Kevin eating some chips. Chatted a bit and finally knew his background. Felt relief and went back to sleep. I'm starting to like this place a little bit.
Day 3: Ben Thanh Market Bargain Bonanza and a Culinary Catastrophe (My Fault!)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ben Thanh Market. Sensory overload. The smells, the colours, the incessant calls of "Hello, you want?" Bargained for a genuinely hideous (but probably practical) backpack. Then, got ripped off for another backpack. Swore off shopping forever (until tomorrow, probably).
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Culinary disaster. Decided to "cook" a simple Vietnamese meal. (I use the word "cook" loosely.) Bought fresh ingredients: lemongrass, chillies, noodles, everything. It went downhill very quickly. Somehow, I managed to set the noodles on fire. Smoke alarm blared. Kevin emerged, bleary-eyed, from his Lego-induced haze. "You okay?" he asked, looking at the charred mess. "Yeah, fine. Just… experimenting with the culinary possibilities of the void." He laughed, which made me feel better. We ended up ordering pho (again).
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Walked around the city, got lost. Came across a random street food cart selling these delicious things. I don't know what it was, I just know it was absolutely delicious.
Evening (9:00 PM - Bedtime): Fell asleep on the couch after the exhaustion of the day. Woke up around 1 am because of my bad dream.
Day 4: The Mekong Delta and a Romantic Stroll (maybe)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Took a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Cruised down the river on a small boat, ate fresh fruit, and felt a moment of zen amidst the bustle. Had a moment of absolute terror when my boat almost capsized due to a rogue wave. This is a trip through a river, but it also has a bit of a rollercoaster feeling.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Visited the floating market. Was absolutely mesmerized by the sight of boats of different types selling their goods.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back in the city, getting ready for dinner. Started thinking about a "romantic stroll" with a girl I got to know at the market. Maybe, possibly, something might develop.
Evening (9:00 PM - Bedtime): The dinner was great. The stroll was fine. Nothing much developed. Watched some movie and fell asleep.
Day 5: Tailoring Troubles and Karaoke Catastrophes
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Went to a tailor to get a suit made. Thought I looked like a suave, sophisticated traveller. Ended up looking like a scarecrow. Turns out, I'm terrible at choosing fabrics. My new suit is now the colour of a particularly sickly avocado.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Unleashed my inner rockstar at a karaoke bar. (Note: My inner rockstar has the vocal prowess of a dying seagull). Absolutely butchered every song. The locals seemed to enjoy it, though. Or maybe they were just being polite. Either way, it was a liberating experience.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Wandered around the city, got lost, and finally found a rooftop bar near the city hall. The cocktails were good, the view was spectacular, and I felt a genuine sense of peace. Didn't last, but it was nice while it did.
Evening (9:00 PM - Bedtime): Talked to the tailor about changing the colour of my suit. I was feeling like a mess. Fell asleep without doing anything special.
Day 6: The Cu Chi Tunnels and a Meditation on Mortality (and Humidity)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visited the Cu Chi Tunnels. Crawling through those claustrophobic tunnels was an intense experience. The heat was oppressive. The history was sobering. Started to appreciate the things I take for granted. Decided to start appreciating air conditioning from now on.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a roadside stall. The food was simple and delicious. Got chatting with a local who shared some life stories. Realised that I actually know nothing about anything.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Went
Luxury Saigon Penthouse: 2-Bed Shared Haven Awaits! - (Okay, Let's be Real About This Thing)
Is this place *actually* luxurious? Or just like, REALLY nice compared to a hostel?
Okay, let's get *this* out of the way first. Luxury is subjective, right? My idea of luxury is a working espresso machine and a balcony I can actually stand on without fear of immediate collapse. But YES. It *is* genuinely luxurious compared to most things in this city. Think: sweeping city views (seriously, they're breathtaking!), fancy-schmancy appliances, and a rooftop pool that actually LOOKS like the pictures. I mean, it's no Burj Khalifa, but it's definitely a step up from that cramped, cockroach-infested "hotel" I stayed in last time. I nearly cried tears of joy when I saw the rain showerhead. *Tears of joy, people!*
"Shared haven"? So, what, I'm living with strangers? Send help.
Yes. But look, it's not *necessarily* the end of the world. Think of it as a built-in adventure. You *could* end up with a serial fridge-raider who leaves cryptic notes about your cheese selection. (Hypothetically speaking... ahem). Or, you could meet someone who becomes a lifelong travel buddy. I've done both. The key is communication. Establish boundaries. And, for the love of all that is holy, LABEL YOUR DAMN FOOD. Seriously, the cheese thing… I’m still not over it.
What's the deal with the "2-bed" part? Are we fighting over beds? Is there only one bathroom? (Panic intensifies)
Alright, breathe. "2-bed" means, shocker, there are two bedrooms, presumably with *two* beds. And I *think* (crosses fingers, prays) there is more than one bathroom. I'm pretty sure. Okay, I *know* there's more than one bathroom because I vividly remember the sheer, unrestrained joy of having a bathroom *entirely* to myself one glorious morning. The relief... it was a spiritual experience. Anyway, yeah, you'll have a bed (hopefully a comfy one), and hopefully, a bathroom you don't have to share with a line of grumpy tourists. Just… don't expect your roommate to be a morning person. Or maybe *do* expect it, so your expectations are low.
What kind of people usually stay here? Am I going to be surrounded by influencers taking selfies all day?
Oh god, I hope not about the influencers. Look, it varies. It's usually a mix. Maybe digital nomads, people on extended work trips, or just people who want a taste of the good life without paying a ridiculous hotel bill. You'll find all types, from the overly-zen yoga enthusiast to the guy who thinks he's a DJ and blasts EDM at 3 AM. (I'm not saying *I* was the latter, but... let's just say I have a newfound appreciation for soundproofing). The best advice? Pack earplugs. And maybe a healthy dose of tolerance. And maybe some spare cheese.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because, let's be real, I need it to survive.
Okay, so I am not a tech expert. I swear the most complicated I've gotten tech-wise is switching to night mode on my phone (which I did a while back). But I *can* tell you that the Wi-Fi was generally pretty solid. I mean, I managed to stream a whole season of some trashy reality show while getting work done. So, yeah, it's probably good enough. But don't blame me if you experience lag spikes during your crucial video conference call. I'm just a humble traveler. Blame the router gods. Or the person downloading the entire internet on their laptop. One of those.
How close is it to the *good* stuff? Like, the food, the nightlife, the places I *actually* want to go?
"Good stuff" is so relative, isn't it? (And honestly, I am getting hungry and all this talk of cheese has me in a *mood*). But generally, the location appeared to be pretty convenient. Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Grab, I'm looking at you) are super cheap and easy to use. You could walk SOMEWHERE, but look, it’s Saigon. The heat is relentless. Walking far isn't fun unless you are a masochist. I'd say, you'll be close to the action. The heart of it all. But not necessarily *in* the chaos. That's a win, really. Unless you're specifically trying to *be* in the chaos. Then good luck, you crazy cat.
Are there any downsides I should know about? Don't whitewash it!
Okay, real talk. Let's see... it's shared, so expect the usual shared-living drama. You might have to wrestle the shower schedule. The noise from the street could be a thing, depending on your room and how sensitive you are to city sounds. The cleaning situation... well, it's Saigon. It will be at least clean, maybe not *immaculate*. And, the biggest downside? Leaving. Once you get used to the rooftop pool and the fancy coffee, you're not going to want to go back to reality. That's the true luxury curse. Consider yourself warned.
Rooftop pool? Tell me more! Is it crowded? Is it Instagrammable? Is it, you know, *clean*?
The rooftop pool... okay, I'm getting a little choked up just thinking about it. It was the *best* part of staying there. Usually, it wasn't overly crowded. (There was one weekend, a particularly scorching one, when it felt like a sardine can, but that was the exception). Instagrammable? Oh, absolutely. You could practically build a career just from taking photos of that pool. Clean? Yes! Shockingly, wonderfully clean. I spent hours there, just staring out at the city. In fact, the best memory here? One hazy sunset with a cocktail in hand and the city spreading everywhere. I've got a picture somewhere, I'll add it later, okay?
Is it worth the money? I'm a budget traveler at heart.
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