Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Mongolian Yurt Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into a review of this hotel, and let me tell you, it’s going to be less a perfectly manicured travel blog and more a chaotic, caffeine-fueled rant (I say that with love, of course!). I'm going to break it down like a badly-organized buffet, hitting all the important bits, the utterly pointless ones, and the ones that made me want to scream with joy (or frustration). SEO? Oh, we’ll sprinkle that in like parsley on a plate – hopefully, Google bots don't have a mental breakdown.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Clumsy
Okay, let's get the basics outta the way. Accessibility? Always a biggie. They say the hotel offers facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start, but the specifics are a bit… vague. I'd love to know more about the ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms. If you need it, ask! It always pays to be sure. The elevator is a godsend, especially after a long day of… well, whatever you do on vacay. And bless their little hearts, they have a doorman – a real-life ambassador of "Welcome, weary traveller!"
Wheelchair accessible – I need more details, people! Is the pool accessible? The restaurants? The lobby? This is crucial. Same goes for CCTV in common areas and outside. Yeah, it’s about safety, but doesn’t make it very welcoming.
Getting Connected: Internet and the Modern Age
Alright, technology time! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! That's the first thing I look for. No one wants to pay extra just to check their Insta feed. They also have Internet access [LAN] which is a throwback, but maybe useful for connecting to a TV or a more stable video connection? And the fact that they offer Internet services is good.
There’s also Wi-Fi in public areas. Again, handy for when you're feeling a bit antisocial and want to ignore your travel buddies.
Cleanliness and Safety: Is It Actually Clean?
Let's talk, because this is a big deal now, especially post-pandemic. Do they take it seriously? They say they do. Here’s the lowdown:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Love to hear it.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Hand sanitizer: Crucial. Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: Okay, show me the certificate.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Yes, please.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I appreciate the option.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Fantastic.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Well, yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Another must.
- Sterilizing equipment: Tell me more.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Bellyache)
Food is life, right? Here’s what they’re promising on the grub front:
- A la carte in restaurant: Nice.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Very accommodating.
- Asian breakfast/cuisine: Maybe.
- Bar: Yes please.
- Bottle of water: Essential.
- Breakfast [buffet] / Breakfast service / Buffet in restaurant: Uh oh.. Can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the type of hotel (crowds).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant / Coffee shop: Caffeine, check!
- Desserts in restaurant: Gotta have 'em.
- Happy hour: Now we're talking.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Good variety.
- Poolside bar: Essential for a chilled out trip
- Restaurants: plural, yay!
- Room service [24-hour]: Now that's what I call a hotel.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy option!
- Snack bar: Always a good shout.
- Soup in restaurant: Comfort food alert.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Yay!
- Western breakfast/cuisine in restaurant: Good for a change.
The overall dining experience? Well, it's gonna depend on YOUR experience.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams!
Okay, the fun stuff. I am all about the pampering, so let's see what we're working with:
- Body scrub/wrap: Yes, please!
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Good if you're into that kind of thing.
- Foot bath: I'm sold.
- Massage: HELL YES.
- Pool with view/Swimming pool/Swimming pool [outdoor]: Sign me up!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Heaven.
A disclaimer here: I can’t personally vouch for the quality of these treatments.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras
Okay, the boring but necessary stuff:
- Air conditioning in public area and rooms: Check and check.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events/Meeting/banquet facilities/Seminars/Wi-Fi for special events: if you’re planning a conference and such.
- Business facilities/Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange: Necessary.
- Concierge/Contactless check-in/out/Doorman/Laundry service: Makes life easier.
- Dry cleaning/Elevator/Facilities for disabled guests/Doorman: Essential.
- Invoice provided/Ironing service/Luggage storage: Good.
- Meeting stationery/Outdoor venue for special events/Projector/LED display/Shrine/Smoking area: for events.
- Exterior corridor
- Terrace
- Xerox/fax in business center:: useful to know it's there if you need it.
For the Kids: Babysitting, Yay or Nay?
- Babysitting service: Helpful!
- Family/child friendly/Kids facilities/Kids meal: If you have a child, this can mean everything.
The Rooms Themselves: My Home Away From Slightly Stressed Home
Okay, time for the room breakdown. What are you getting for your money?
- Available in all rooms: All the essentials.
- Additional toilet/Air conditioning/Alarm clock/Bathrobes/Bathtub/Blackout curtains/Carpeting/Closet/Coffee/tea maker: Yes!
- Complimentary tea/Daily housekeeping/Desk/Extra long bed/Free bottled water: Gotta have it.
- Hair dryer/High floor/In-room safe box/Interconnecting room(s) available/Internet access – LAN/Internet access – wireless: good details of a hotel.
- Ironing facilities/Laptop workspace/Linens/Mini bar/Mirror/Non-smoking/On-demand movies: Love.
- Private bathroom/Reading light/Refrigerator/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]: All the basics covered.
My Verdict (aka. The Opinionated Ramblings)
Okay, so here's the deal. This hotel has a LOT going for it on paper. They've thought of a whole bunch of things. However it's not perfect, because… who is? The devil is in the details, so ASK about the accessibility, the safety measures, and the exact offerings.
Final Rambling and the Offer (aka. Why You Should Book Now!)
Look, travel is all about expectations. Set yours right, and you will have a much better time. So make it clear what is most important to you.
FOR YOU: Alright, here's my personal take on this hotel with a special offer:
Book your stay to enjoy:
- Amazing access
- Daily breakfast
- Wi-Fi is on the house, in your room and public areas!
- Bookings are available now!
Ready to feel like a pampered queen/king?
D1MENSION Riverside: Ho Chi Minh's Hottest New Hotel! (Angia Hospitality)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to embark on a very unofficial, probably slightly deranged, and definitely opinionated travel itinerary for Lều Mông Cổ - My Little Dong Mo, Hanoi, Vietnam. I'm aiming for messy, honest, funny, and human. Think less Captain's Log, more… rambling therapy session at a Mongolian yurt.
Subject: Operation "Escape the Concrete Jungle (and Find My Inner Yurting Enthusiast)"
Phase 1: Pre-Trip Panic & Packing "Essentials" (because let's be honest, they're not):
- Days Before: Researching "My Little Dong Mo." Google Images is simultaneously amazing and terrifying. So many perfectly Instagrammed yurts. Ugh. Gotta remember my "anti-Instagram-perfection" mantra: "Embrace the chaos!" I'm thinking I'll pack more snacks than actual logical clothing.
- Packing "Must-Haves":
- The "I'm-Not-Going-to-Look-Like-a-Tourist" Kit: (aka, a single, slightly worn, but cool-looking hat).
- The "But-What-If-It-Rains?" Arsenal: (That's three jackets. And a small umbrella, that I'll probably leave behind.)
- Snacks, Glorious Snacks: Dried mango (because Vietnam!), a family-size bag of chips (always!), and a secret stash of dark chocolate (because, you know… emergencies).
- The "Reading Material I'll Probably-Not-Read" Pile: One book on local folklores, one trashy novel, and that travel magazine from last year (in case of total Wi-Fi apocalypse).
Phase 2: The Great Trek (and the Near-Death Experience on a Motorbike?)
Day 1: Hanoi City to the Mongolian Dream (or Nightmare, Depending on the Traffic):
8:00 AM: Wake up! Actually, more like drag myself out of bed. The Hanoi heat is already attempting to melt me.
9:00 AM: Taxi to the bus station. The driver is clearly auditioning for a Formula 1 race. Praying to the gods of public transportation that I make it.
10:00 AM: Bus. Hopefully not next to a crying baby or the durian aficionado.
12:00 PM: Arrive in Dong Mo. Breath, in. Breath, out. The air feels different. Cleaner. Or maybe it's just relief at surviving the bus ride.
12:30 PM: The final stretch. Taxi/Grab/Whatever-I-Can-Find to My Little Dong Mo. The road? Let's just say "rustic" is being kind. I'm pretty sure I saw a chicken wearing a tiny hat, and a few near misses with rogue scooters. (I swear I saw a dog driving a scooter… or maybe I'm hallucinating from the heat.)
01:00 PM: Check-in. Yay! The yurt! Okay, here we go.
01:30 PM: First impression of the yurt. It's… cozy. Definitely Instagrammable. Resist the urge to be basic. The view is pretty breathtaking. Seriously. It’s like you just stepped into a postcard, but you can actually touch it. Already imagining my afternoon naps!
02:00 PM: Lunch! (The Moment of Truth). The restaurant. Oh, the restaurant. I'm hoping for some authentic Vietnamese food, not… whatever they're serving at that restaurant. The menu is a little too “international” for my taste. Sigh. I order whatever sounds safest and cross my fingers. But the food is surprisingly good. I get the chicken and it is a delightful experience.
03:00 PM: Nap time. The yurt is dark, the air is cool. I'm already dreaming of a second nap.
05:00 PM: Start exploring the area. I can see from my yurt that there are a bunch of activities that are available to do. I decided to try the kayak because there are a couple of other people doing it and it looks like an amazing way to spend the day. I have never kayaked before and it is a little harder than it looks. But I think I am getting the hang of it. I end up spending an hour on the lake looking for any sign of wildlife. I see a couple of nice birds. I can say it was a pretty amazing experience.
06:00 PM: Dinner. I hope the dinner is just as good as lunch.
08:00 PM: Stargazing by the campfire (hopefully). This is my moment. I'm gonna find my inner peace. And maybe a shooting star (or three).
Day 2: Immersing myself in the experience (and maybe some minor self-discovery):
- 08:00 AM: Wake up and start the day. The sunrise is amazing. I go for a small walk around the area.
- 09:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Hike. I will go hiking today. There are some trails that are available here.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch.
- 02:00 PM: Swimming
- 05:00 PM: Explore the area. I will get to see the landscape around the area.
- 08:00 PM: Dinner
- 09:00 PM: Stargazing. I hope that the stars are as beautiful as yesterday.
Day 3: Saying Goodbye (and plotting a Return Trip):
- 08:00 AM: Waking up and relaxing.
- 09:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Last Minute Exploration! (aka. frantically trying to pack and not forget anything)
- 11:00 AM: Say Goodbye to the yurt, taking a final breath of fresh air (and a few extra snaps for the 'gram, I know, I know).
- 12:00 PM: Head back to Hanoi. Goodbye, My Little Dong Mo! I'm already missing you.
- 01:00 PM: Bus ride back to Hanoi.
- 03:00 PM: Arrive in Hanoi. The city feels even more chaotic than before. But I survived. I experienced something new, and I’m already planning my next adventure.
Post-Trip Ramblings & Verdict:
- Did I find my inner Yurting Enthusiast? Maybe. I liked the yurt, the scenery, and the food. It was a nice escape from the city.
- Biggest Surprise: The quality of the food. Okay, good start.
- What I'd do Differently: Pack more snacks, and less "what if" clothing. Embrace the mess, people! Embrace the snacks!
- Overall Rating: 8/10. Definitely worth it. Would recommend. Just be prepared for the adventure. And be ready to embrace the chaos.
There you have it. My utterly imperfect, totally honest, and hopefully, slightly comedic guide to My Little Dong Mo. Now go forth, explore, and make some memories (and maybe send me some postcards!) Adventure awaits!
Dominica's Hidden Gem: Rejens Hotel Portsmouth - Unforgettable Stay!
So, what ARE we even talking about, exactly?
Alright, alright, simmer down, Sparky. Okay, that's fair. This whole thing's about...life, I guess? Or maybe just *my* life, filtered through a bunch of random thoughts and questions, all jazzed up in FAQ format. Expect tangents. Expect the unexpected. Expect me to contradict myself. (It's a feature, not a bug!) Consider yourself warned!
Why are you doing this? Is there some grand purpose?
Purpose? Hah! If I knew the grand purpose, I wouldn't be here, would I? Probably off, you know, saving baby pandas or something. No, the truth is, I'm probably procrastinating on something *actually* important. Or maybe I just like the sound of my own digital voice. (It's probably the latter. Don't judge!) Also, sometimes, writing things down helps me untangle the spaghetti that is my brain. So... therapy, maybe? Yeah, let's go with that.
Do you have any advice for dealing with rejection? Like, romantically speaking? (Ugh, the dreaded romance...)
Romance? Oh, honey, I could write a novel (a *very* depressing novel) on the topic of romantic rejection. Let's see...First, *breathe*. Deep breaths. Then, pour yourself a giant glass of something strong. (Water is technically fine, but you deserve *something* after that sting, right? I'm partial to a good margarita, personally.)
And the most important thing? Recognize *it's not you*. Okay, a *little* bit of it might be you – we all have our quirks – but mostly it's about the other person. They weren't a good fit. Bullet dodged! (Easier said than done, believe me, I know.) And for the love of all that is holy, *do not* stalk them on social media. It solves *nothing*. Just ends in more tears (probably).
Okay, now for a story. (Buckle up, this is my favorite thing!):
There was this *one* time, okay? I had this MASSIVE crush on a guy. Like, heart-flutters-every-time-I-saw-him massive. I wrote him a stupid poem (cringe, I know), agonizing over every word. I finally worked up the courage to give it to him...and he just looked at me and said, and I quote... *"I...I don't really read poetry."* (I am still recovering from that. Honestly, I should probably consider therapy.)
The point? It SUCKED. It *really* did. But I survived. And I'm still here. And I *eventually* found someone much better. So you will too. Eventually. Maybe. (See? This is why I need therapy.)
What about career advice? Is there a magic bullet?
Magic bullet? Nope. Sorry. If there WAS one, I would probably be rich. Instead of, well, doing *this*.
Honestly, I think the biggest thing is to figure out what you *don't* want. That's half the battle, right? And don't be afraid to try new things. That side hustle you're thinking about? Yeah, do it! (Unless it's pyramid scheme. Then, no. Run far, far away.)
Oh gosh! Okay, personal experience time: I spent YEARS working in a job I *hated*. Like, soul-crushing, Monday-morning-dread kind of hate. It paid the bills, sure, but I was (and still am) pretty much allergic to suits, deadlines, and tiny-talk-of-the-day, coffee in a cup, and the word "synergy". I was miserable. Then… I quit! (It was terrifying!) And yeah, there were some lean times. But honestly? Worth it. Finding something... *better*... even by a margin of 1% is worth trying. The job didn't magically appear. It involved a lot of late nights, a LOT of self-doubt, and an embarrassing number of ramen breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. But it gave me a chance to be myself.
The point here? Life is too short to be miserable at work. (Or anywhere, really!)
What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened to you?
Ooh, good question! There are so many to choose from! Ugh, I'm embarrassed to admit this...
I once got stuck in an elevator with a mime. A *mime*! (It was the late 90s, what can I say?) And he...well, he mimed his way through the entire experience. He acted like he was climbing up a rope, like he couldn't breathe (in the *closed* elevator!), like he was being attacked by a giant invisible monster... It was simultaneously hilarious and the most awkward thing that ever happened to me. I almost died laughing, if I'm going to be honest. And *then* the elevator doors opened to reveal...my crush. (The universe... It must be really, *really* cruel. Or has a sense of humor I am not privy to!) I haven't recovered.
How do you deal with stress? (Because, let's face it, life is stressful!)
Ah, stress. My old friend! First, recognize it. (The big, obvious, *I'm-about-to-snap* kind of stress).
For me? It's usually a combination of things. A good cry once in a while. Chocolate helps (a LOT). Talking to a friend. A walk.
I'm *terrible* at meditation, though. My brain tends to be like a pinball machine. (And the bumpers are labeled "anxiety" and "catastrophizing".) But I try. Sometimes I just have to tell myself to *stop*. And then… I don't. (See? Imperfections!)
What's something you're *really* passionate about? (Besides, apparently, complaining...)
Complaining? Me? Never! (I kid, I kid.)
Okay, deep breaths. I am really passionate about... honesty. Authenticity. People being... themselves. (Even, or maybe especially, when that includes being a little bit messy, a little bit oddComfort Inn
