Luxury Hai Phong Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City: Unbelievable Deals!
Alright, Buckle Up Buttercups: My Unfiltered (and Slightly Chaotic) Review of Luxury Hai Phong Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (with those "Unbelievable Deals" they keep shouting about!)
Okay, so I’m back. Back from the whirlwind that is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. And, frankly, my senses are still swimming in a delicious cocktail of pho fumes, honking motorbikes, and, well… the aftereffects of trying all the things at the Luxury Hai Phong Hotel. They promised "Unbelievable Deals," and let's be honest, that's what snagged me in the first place. But did they deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a rambling, slightly-off-kilter, and hopefully helpful review because, lord knows, I'm still unpacking the emotional baggage (and the luggage, obviously) of this trip.
First Impressions & Getting My Bearings (Accessibility, Internet, & Safety First!)
So, first things first: Accessibility. Honestly? I'm not disabled, but I did observe. The elevator situation looked good, and there seemed to be decent ramps leading to the main areas. While I didn't personally test everything, they certainly appeared to have some accommodations. A big plus for the hotel: security was VERY present. CCTV plastered everywhere (inside and out), and 24-hour security. I felt pretty damn safe.
Now, for the all-important internet situation. Listen, in this day and age, decent Wi-Fi is practically a human right. The Luxury Hai Phong gets it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and it actually works! Praise be! They also had Wi-Fi in public areas and even some Internet [LAN] options for the tech hounds (which, honestly, I am not). I was able to get my TikTok fix (priorities!), and more importantly, kept in touch with the folks back home. Bonus: they also have a business center with Xerox. So, if you feel the need to copy/fax something, you should be good.
COVID-19 & My Anxieties (Cleanliness & Safety - The Over-the-Top Details I Appreciated)
Let's be real: Traveling post-pandemic? Anxiety city. But Luxury Hai Phong seriously took Covid seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere you look. Seriously, you could take a bath in it. I saw staff diligently sanitizing everything; they even had Professional-grade sanitizing services.
And the food safety? Individually-wrapped food options are the way to go. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items - they really seemed to have thought of everything. They removed Shared stationery. I did appreciate that, since I was getting a bit paranoid about touching pens! They also had Staff trained in safety protocol, that was good to see. I have to say, all this really helped put my mind at ease.
Dining, Drinking, & Devouring (Food Glorious FOOD!)
Okay, food. This is where things got… interesting. The hotel had several Restaurants. I mostly stuck to one because, hey, I’m lazy. They had Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant (a classic!), and Western breakfast. The Buffet was a classic buffet. Lots of choices, and it had what I needed, let’s say. And the coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent. Also a Coffee shop - which was important for a caffeine addict like myself.
They also had a Bar and a Poolside bar, perfect for those sunset cocktails. Happy hour was, well, happy. Bottle of water provided daily. I did go for a Dessert in restaurant. Very good. I also liked the Snack bar. A la carte in restaurant was available, but I didn't, honestly. You know?
The Room (My Sanctuary… Mostly)
Let's talk rooms. Honestly, it was luxurious. Air conditioning (a must!), Air conditioning in public area (double must!). Alarm clock (useful). Bathrobes (always a plus!). Bathtub (yes!). Blackout curtains (hallelujah for avoiding the sun's glare!). Coffee/tea maker (essential, again!). Complimentary tea (yay!). Desk and Laptop workspace were on offer - though I probably just used the bed! Free bottled water (essential, again, and again). You get the idea. Basic room stuff: Hair dryer, In-room safe box. Refrigerator. Satellite/cable channels for the TV. They even have a Scale (eek!). There were also Slippers!
But here's a little confession… I did see a minor imperfection. On the first day, the toiletries were a little… minimalist. Like, one tiny bottle of shampoo minimalist. But, I raised a fuss, and things improved.
Ways to Relax (Spa, Pool, & Pure Bliss - or, You Know, My Attempts at Relaxation)
Alright, this is where the Luxury part really kicks in. They have a Pool with view and an Swimming pool [outdoor]. (I am a sucker for a pool with a view!) The Spa was great. After a day of dodging motorbikes, a Massage was a godsend. They had a Body scrub and a Body wrap available. They also have Spa/sauna and a Steamroom. I skipped the Foot bath and Sauna (too much heat for me in the Vietnam heat). They also offer a Gym/fitness, but I was far too busy eating all the spring rolls.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Actually Matter)
Okay, the details… the little things that make travel easier. Concierge: Extremely helpful. Cash withdrawal: Always a good thing! Daily housekeeping: My savior. Doorman: Polite and courteous. Elevator: Necessary. Food delivery: Excellent. Ironing service: Godsend! Laundry service: Another godsend! Luggage storage: Super convenient. Safety deposit boxes: Smart. Taxi Service: easy! Valet parking: Luxury! Again.
For the Kids (The "Family-Friendly" Factor)
I’m not traveling with kids, but I did notice they had Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids Meal. Well done, Hotel.
Things to Do (Beyond the Hotel Walls)
They, as always, have a Bicycle parking.
The "Unbelievable Deals"… Actually Believable?
So, about those “Unbelievable Deals.” Did they deliver? Well, let’s put it this way: I got a fantastic rate for the quality of the hotel. The location was amazing. The service? Top-notch. The food, pretty good. My room? Clean and comfortable. So, yes. I’d say they were telling the truth.
Anecdotes & Random Thoughts
- One morning, I woke up and ordered Breakfast in room. It felt absurdly decadent. Like, "I'm a queen!" kind of decadent. Do it. Treat yourself.
- The staff were universally lovely and incredibly helpful! Especially considering how annoying I probably was.
- The hotel is right in the heart of the action but somehow still manages to be quiet and peaceful when you return to the hotel.
- They had an Invoice provided. Again: good.
- They have a Gift/souvenir shop, which, I'm sorry, I don't even understand. Who buys souvenirs at hotels?
The Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely.
Look, this review might sound chaotic, but that's because my experience was a whirlwind of delicious food, incredible sights, and a whole lot of relaxation. Luxury Hai Phong Hotel isn't perfect (no hotel is!), but it's a damn good choice, especially if you're looking for a comfortable, well-located, and safe stay in Ho Chi Minh City. The "Unbelievable Deals" are legit. So, book it. You won't regret it. Just… maybe pack an extra dose of patience for the traffic outside.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to blast off on a chaotic, possibly ill-advised, but definitely human adventure through Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City. And yes, I fully anticipate this itinerary will fall apart at least twice. But hey, that’s life, right? Trip Title: The "Pretty Sure I Pack Too Much" Edition: Vietnam
Duration: 10 Days (And potentially, 10 days of pure chaos)
Focus: A slightly ambitious blend of culture, food coma, and trying not to get lost (again).
Accommodation: (Because I need a place to crash!)
- Hai Phong: We're starting our Hai Phong adventures at the Hai Phong Hotel. Honestly, the reviews are a bit…mixed. But hey, it's central, and hopefully, it'll have air conditioning that actually works.
- Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): We'll then wrap things up at a centrally located hotel (I might go on Booking.com to find a decent one). Looking for a pool, because sweating is a lifestyle.
Day 1 (Hai Phong - Arrival & Instant Regret - The "Am I Even Speaking the Right Language?" Phase)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up…ish. Ugh, packing. I told myself I'd travel light. Nope. My suitcase looks like I'm preparing for a three-month trek through the Arctic. Already regretting packing those stilettos. Seriously, what was I thinking?
- Anecdote/Rant: Okay, the packing thing? Disaster. I swear I'm a chronic over-packer. Three pairs of shoes I'll probably never wear, two books I'll pretend to read, and a first-aid kit that could probably handle a zombie apocalypse.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Arrive at Cat Bi International Airport (HPH). Breathe. Don't panic. Find taxi. Negotiate price (or pretend to because I'm terrible at it).
- Quirky Observation: Vietnam is so humid! My hair immediately frizzes up into a magnificent (and by magnificent, I mean terrifying) afro. Fashion icon, I am not.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Check into the Hai Phong Hotel. Hope for functional AC. Unpack. Immediately realize I forgot something important. Probably socks. Or sunscreen. Or, knowing my luck, my passport.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief that I arrived! And possibly a tiny, nagging fear that I booked the wrong hotel. Let's hope not.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Wander around the hotel area. Find a "pho" place. Eat Pho (it is Vietnam, after all).
- Rambling: Honestly, the first few hours of a trip? Always the worst. The jet lag, the unfamiliar sights, the overwhelming smell of… well, everything. It's sensory overload, but in a good way, like when you were a kid, and a new flavor exploded in your mouth.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Explore the local markets. Buy something I don't need (guaranteed). Get completely, hopelessly lost.
- Messy thought: Okay, the markets… I'm going to attempt to bargain. But let's be real, I'll probably get completely ripped off. My negotiation skills are about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
Day 2 (Hai Phong - Delving Deeper and the Struggle is Real)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Attempt to embrace the day. The hotel breakfast! Will it be a culinary delight or a sad collection of lukewarm mystery items?
- Opinionated Language: I'm expecting pho, but I'm preparing myself for instant noodles. If there’s instant noodles, I’m going to walk out. No, wait, I'm going to whine… I'm going to cry… Okay, I'll eat the noodles, fine.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Explore Hai Phong's architecture, the colonial influences. Take tons of pictures!
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, pictures. Always a disaster. I take a million pictures that look exactly the same. I have NO idea how to use my camera. Honestly, I should probably just bring a disposable instead of all this gear.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant. Try a local specialty. Get adventurous. (Or order the chicken and rice because I'm a scaredy-cat).
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, this food is actually amazing! I should've been adventurous from the start.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): This one is dedicated to the Do Son beach. A beach day!
- Doubling Down on an experience: Beach. Okay, the beach! This is why you came, right? You wanted the beach, sunshine, and no drama. That's what I have right now.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Evening at the pier of Hai Phong city. Watching the city lights sparkle.
- Messy Thought: Wow, the pier is one of the best parts of my trip. I should have come here earlier.
Day 3 (Hai Phong - Cat Ba Island - Attempt Number One: Epic Fail or Glorious Success?)
- Morning (8:00 AM): The big one! A day trip to Cat Ba Island. This requires preparation. Google maps. Good shoes. Breakfast. And a strong dose of optimism.
- Opinionated Language: I'm expecting this to be a logistical nightmare. Ferries, buses, possibly a small boat operated by a gruff fisherman… and I’m going to love every minute of it. Because I am the boss!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Travel to Cat Ba Island.
- Rambling: This trip is supposed to be a highlight. But, well, transportation is often a comedy of errors. I am ready (or I think I am) for anything.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Food in the island.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Travel back to Hai Phong.
- Messy thought: I hope that this entire trip is worth it. I'm ready to take it on.
Day 4 (Hai Phong to HCMC – The Great Escape & Airport Shenanigans)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Check out of the Hai Phong Hotel. Hopefully, the AC did its job.
- Anecdote: I’m sure I’ll have a story about forgetting something in the hotel. Probably my toothbrush. Or my dignity. Possibly both.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Head to the airport. Flight to Ho Chi Minh City!
- Quirky Observation: The airport is a microcosm of everything. People rushing, people sleeping, people eating questionable looking snacks.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Land in HCMC! Surviving the airport process again, a small victory!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy at arriving. I always have this "I made it!" reaction.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Check in to the hotel. The hunt for a decent room will begin.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Explore the area around the hotel. Get a feel for the city.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: So many taxis everywhere. And motorbikes! I can't even begin to imagine crossing streets here. Actually, maybe I can.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant. (Hopefully, not the "chicken and rice" place).
- Messy Thought: Should it be Pho or something else? Decisions, decisions. The pressure!
Day 5 -8 (Ho Chi Minh City - The Adventure Continues, Maybe With More Planning (Ha!)
It's Ho Chi Minh Time! Okay, the next few days are flexible, because let’s face it, flexibility is key.
- I'll be visiting: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, and possibly the Cu Chi Tunnels (if I can find a tour that doesn't terrify me).
Food Adventures: Trying all the street food I can stomach (and probably regretting some of it later). Pho, banh mi, spring rolls, all the things.
- Stream of Consciousness: I'm going to eat so much food! So much! And I'm going to love it. Probably.
Shopping, exploring, and getting hopelessly lost. Again.
- Opinionated Language: HCMC is amazing and chaotic. It's like the soundtrack of my life.
**Day 9: (Ho Chi Minh City - Reflection & Sou
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So, "Luxury"? Really? Is the Hai Phong REALLY Luxury?
Okay, let's unpack this "Luxury" thing. My honest opinion? It's... *aspirational* luxury. Picture this: You’re scrolling through Instagram, drooling over infinity pools and marble bathrooms. Hai Phong is definitely… not *that*. But! (And this is a big BUT) it's leagues above the backpacker hostels I've accidentally stumbled into in my life. They *try*. The lobby had some nice, slightly dusty, orchids. The staff were always smiling (bless them!). The rooms, while not exactly the Taj Mahal, *were* spacious. And the air conditioning? Oh, the air conditioning! A lifesaver in the Ho Chi Minh heat. So… yes. Luxury-lite. But hey, for the price? I'm not complaining... *too* hard.
What's the Deal with These "Unbelievable Deals"? Are They Actually *Unbelievable*?
Alright, here's the juicy bit. The deals? Yeah, they're pretty darn good. I swear, I felt like I was practically *stealing* a room. I booked during (what I later learned was) the off-season, and the price was ridiculous. Like, "Is this a typo?" ridiculous. BUT! (Remember the big BUT?) I also suspect that they were clearing out the cobwebs and hoping to attract *anyone* willing to brave the potential chaos. Which, okay, might have been me. And honestly, I was pretty thrilled with the "unbelievable" price. Just don't go expecting a spa day on a budget. The "unbelievable" part, is the value, not the experience of being pampered.
What's the Food Like? I'm a Bit of a Foodie...or, You Know, Just Hungry.
Okay, the food. Ah, *the food*. The breakfast buffet was... an experience. Let's call it that, shall we? There was a lot of bread. A *lot*. And some questionable looking sausages. The omelet station was manned by a lovely, perpetually-smiling woman who clearly had seen things. Made to order, though! And the fruit? The mangoes were fantastic. Beyond fantastic. I may or may not have eaten my weight in mangoes every morning. The coffee was… coffee. Not great, not terrible. Let's just say I made a serious effort to explore all the street food options Ho Chi Minh had to offer, which, by the way, are *amazing*. So, plan your meals accordingly. Hotel breakfast? Fuel. Street food? The real deal.
The Location! How Convenient (or Inconvenient) is This Hotel?
Location, location, location! The Hai Phong Hotel is… well, it’s *in* Ho Chi Minh City. Seriously, that’s the best I can do. It's not smack-dab in the middle of the tourist craziness, which, honestly, was kind of a relief. It was near the central market, which was great for stocking up on souvenirs (and haggling like a pro, baby!). Walking to the main attractions? Doable, but potentially sweaty. Grab a Grab (the local ride-sharing app) or a taxi. I'm usually a walker, but in that heat... well, let's just say I embraced the air conditioning. It's not perfect, but it's not a disaster, either. And let's be honest, you're in Ho Chi Minh City! Everywhere is *interesting*.
Okay, Spill the Tea! What's the *Real* Vibe Like? Any Quirky Observations? Any Disasters?
Alright, this is where things get interesting. Buckle up, because I'm about to get *real*. Okay, so the pool… the pool was supposed to be a highlight. In the pictures, it looked amazing! In reality? It was… fine. A bit… small. And the tiles, let's just say, they'd seen better days. But, it's so hot, and the water is cool. And honestly the view from the rooftop bar, which overlooked the city and was probably the best part of the whole joint, was worth the price of admission alone.
The "disaster" came on day two: I woke up to what sounded like… *someone* was *inside* my air conditioning unit! Scratching, banging... it sounded like a tiny raccoon convention was happening above my head. I freaked. Of course. I ran to the front desk, wide-eyed and babbling about a rodent invasion. The staff, bless their hearts, were incredibly apologetic. A repairman came and… fixed (or maybe just hid) the problem. I never saw it again. But for a couple hours in my room, I was convinced I was in a horror movie. And, you know, that's fun and makes an interesting story. So there's that.
The most quirky? There was an elevator, *the elevator*. It was slow. Really slow! And it had a strange fondness for stopping randomly between floors. I actually had a chat with a tiny Vietnamese woman, on one such occasion, who was *very* used to it. We bonded over our shared elevator purgatory while she taught me a new Vietnamese greeting! The elevator, in a weird way, kind of became the heart of the hotel. It wasn't a highlight but it really gave character to the place. You know, in a way that only things that break always can. I miss that elevator...
The staff? Absolutely lovely. They were always helpful, always smiling, always trying their best. And honestly, that goes a long way. Even if the hotel isn't perfect - and it wasn't - the kindness and the genuine attempts to make your stay pleasant genuinely made my experience special, despite the questionable breakfast sausages and the potential rodent infestation. So yeah. The Hai Phong Hotel in Ho Chi Minh. Definitely an experience. But one I wouldn't trade.
Would You Recommend it? (Be Honest!)
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend the Luxury Hai Phong Hotel? Hmm... *with reservations*. If you're looking for a five-star luxury experience? No. Go spend the big bucks somewhere else. But if you're on a budget, adventurous, and appreciate a bit of character (and a good deal!), then yeah. I'd say, give it a go. Just go in with realistic expectations, bring your own snacks (and earplugs, because, you know, the city), and be prepared for a few unexpected adventures. And definitely pack some bug spray. You'll thank me later. And maybe, just maybe, you'll end up with a few good stories to tell. And that, my friends, is priceless.
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