Hanoi's HOTTEST Service Apartment? Vinhomes Skylake Revealed!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the shimmering, tantalizing world of Vinhomes Skylake Service Apartments in Hanoi – Hanoi's HOTTEST, apparently! And trust me, after this deep dive, you'll either be booking a flight or saying, "Nope, not for me!" Let's get messy with it.
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First off, accessibility. Okay, this is important. And honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag, as is life, right? The website says "facilities for disabled guests," but specific details are scant. That's annoying. Accessibility, it's a major question mark, really. I'd suggest confirming VERY SPECIFICALLY with the apartment before booking, okay? For real, double-check. Did I mention accessibility? Okay, moving on… (nervous laugh).
(Accessibility, we'll have to loop back on this one later…)
Let's focus on the good stuff. This place is practically overflowing with things to do, or ways to relax. OMG.
The Spa – My Moment of Bliss (and a bit of a disaster)
Okay, I went for the full spa experience. Body scrub, body wrap, massage, the works. I was in. I was ready to be slathered in fragrant goo and achieve maximum zen. The "Pool with a View" was calling. And it. Was. Glorious. Seriously, the view from the pool is absolutely to die for. You're gazing over all of Hanoi. Like, all of it. It's breathtaking. Imagine, bobbing in the water, sipping a something-or-other, feeling like a god/goddess, and gazing at the cityscape.
Now, the "disaster" part? The massage therapist. Bless her heart. She clearly had the strength of a thousand suns, because the massage was… intense. Like, "am I going to be sore tomorrow?" intense. But she was so sweet and tried so hard, so I just grit my teeth and enjoyed the view. Maybe request a "gentle" massage if you're me.
(Spa, massage, pool with a view, sauna, all good! Now, on to the food!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Hiccups)
Okay, food. This is where it gets exciting. Apparently, there are restaurants. Plural! Restaurants in a service apartment? Yes, indeed. And a coffee shop, a snack bar, a poolside bar… the possibilities are endless… or at least plentiful. And yes, they have Asian Cuisine. They also have an international cuisine! You can find your soup, your salad, your desserts, they do have a buffet and they say it has international cuisine. Yes, and you can even order vegetarian options.
I dove headfirst into the buffet breakfast. The buffet game is strong here, for the most part. The Asian breakfast options were phenomenal, but the Western selection? Let's just say, the scrambled eggs were, well, they existed. But the pho? The spring rolls? Divine. Maybe they had a bad day. Everyone has off days, right? I'm choosing to believe this.
(Asian cuisine, international cuisine, buffet, breakfast, the food aspects are generally a win!)
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound (mostly)
Let's talk about feeling safe. They tout "Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitiser everywhere, individually-wrapped food options, and staff trained in safety protocol." That’s reassuring, especially in these crazy times. They are also using “Room sanitization opt-out available,” which is also a really good thing. They offer stuff like “Hot water linen and laundry washing, professional-grade sanitizing services”, they are really going the extra mile to try and keep you safe! Plus, "Room sanitization opt-out available" is a nice touch.
(Cleanliness and safety, they're trying! That’s good to know!)
Internet and Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere! (mostly)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Hallelujah! And "Wi-Fi in public areas" is another check. "Internet access – wireless"? Yep. "Internet access – LAN"? Yep. "Internet services"? They've got the internet. So, yeah, internet is. good.
(Internet, connectivity – check. Good!)
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Fun! (maybe?)
"Babysitting service" and "Kids Meal" are available. That’s really good. They also claim to be "Family/child friendly," which covers about half of the kids facilities.
(Family-friendly? Seems like they trying, and that's more than some!)
Rooms and Amenities – The Nitty-Gritty (and the luxury!)
Okay, the rooms! And they have lots of rooms which they are calling suites. They have "Air conditioning, Alarm clocks, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, and Slippers". They also have "Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes", they have "blackout curtains, carpets, and closet.", all the good stuff! They have "High floor, In-room safe box" and "Daily housekeeping"! Yeah.
They don't skip on the good stuff either, they have "Bathtub, Bathroom phone, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking" They also have "On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale" the list just goes on. They have "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." Wow!
(Rooms: Well equipped! Lots of luxury options, they have the goods!)
Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras (and the not-so-little)
"Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal" wow. That's just the beginning! "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"
(Facilities, conveniences – a lot! They thought of everything, it seems!)
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (hopefully)
"Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking." Looks like getting around is easy.
(Getting around - good facilities! Another win!)
My Final Verdict?
Okay, here's the truth: Vinhomes Skylake is trying really hard to be amazing. And honestly, it mostly succeeds. The spa, the pool, the views, most of the food… all fantastic. The rooms are well-equipped and luxurious. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. Overall, the service apartment sounds like it could offer the ultimate vacation.
BUT: That accessibility thing? Still a concern. Research that thoroughly before booking if you have any mobility issues. This is a must!
My Emotional Reaction? I'm torn. I want to scream about how awesome it is. I want to gush about the pool. I can also be annoyed about the accessibility issues.
So, is it worth it? With all its flaws? YES. Especially if you book those spa treatments. And request a "gentle" massage!
The Quirky Observation: The elevators. They're fast. Like, impressively fast. Prepare to feel some G-force!
The Imperfection I'd Embrace: (Beyond the massage intensity) Some of the finer details - the coffee in the restaurant, the perfectly curated buffet.
THE ULTIMATE OFFER – BOOK NOW AND GET…
Okay, here's the deal: Book a stay at Vinhomes Skylake before [Date], and you'll receive:
- A complimentary spa treatment (up to a certain value, of course – gotta keep 'em realistic!) – your choice of massage, wrap, or scrub. I highly recommend the massage. Just, you know, maybe ask for gentle.
- A free upgrade to a higher floor suite (subject to availability!). More views, more luxury!
- A voucher for a free meal at the restaurant (for lunch or dinner). Try the pho!
- A discount of 15% off on all your bookings!
**But wait
Malacca Family Paradise: 2BR Beachfront Bliss at P. Puteri Mutiara!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel brochure itinerary. This is ME, trying to figure out life, mostly in Hanoi's swanky Vinhomes Skylake apartment complex. And it’s going to get real. Fast.
Vinhomes Skylake, Hanoi: My Existential Adventure (and the occasional Bun Cha craving)
Day 1: Arrival - Oh God, the Traffic!
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown at Noi Bai airport. Honestly? The airport was surprisingly… well, modern. Okay, maybe I'm just used to the chaos of Bangkok. But still! A small victory for Vietnam. The real test? The taxi. I’d heard the stories. And, oh sweet Buddha, the stories are TRUE. It’s bumper-to-bumper, motorbike-to-motorbike, chaos-glorified-by-honking. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Felt my heart actually leap into my throat about five times. I swear, the taxi driver was weaving through traffic like he’d been born on a scooter.
- 11:30 AM: Arrive at Vinhomes Skylake. Whew. I think I aged a decade in that taxi ride. The apartment itself? Slick. Like, ridiculously slick. Marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking…well, I'm not entirely sure what I'm overlooking, but it looks like a park/lake situation. Fancy. I feel deeply underdressed.
- 12:30 PM: Unpack. Settle in. Panic. I'm alone. In a new country. In a REALLY nice apartment I probably can't afford. I'm already judging myself for my choice of t-shirt.
- 1:30 PM: The Quest for Lunch begins. Google Maps is my only friend right now. I wander outside, ready to find some delicious Vietnamese food! I see Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi restaurants. Oh, the excitement!
- 2:00 PM: "Lost in Translation" moment #1: Attempt to order anything at the nearest street food stall. Fail spectacularly. End up with…something. It's probably delicious. I choose to believe so. Ate it. It was great.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the apartment complex. Pool, gym, the works. I feel like I should be wearing a designer swimsuit and have a personal trainer. Instead, I'm wearing my slightly-stained gym shorts and looking like I’m about to trip over my own feet. Tried the gym but quickly realized I was out of my depth.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Decide I'm embracing my new life here. Try a fancy restaurant. Order way too much. Devour it all.
- 8:00 PM: Collapse on the couch. Stare out at the twinkling lights of Hanoi. Feeling a weird mix of jet lag, mild terror, and utter delight.
Day 2: Art, Coffee and a Near-Death Experience (Again)
- 9:00 AM: Attempt coffee. Hanoi coffee is strong. Like, fuel-for-a-rocket-launch strong. I add milk to stop my hands from shaking.
- 10:00 AM : Uber to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. The Uber driver was a saint, navigating the traffic in a much calmer fashion. The museum was seriously great. The art was incredible, really evocative, and I spent far longer in each exhibition than I thought I would, I'm not normally a museum person but in that place, I felt moved.
- 1:00 PM: Street food craving hits. Head to the Old Quarter…on a motorbike taxi. My life is flashing before my eyes. Again. They weave in and out of the traffic like it's the most natural thing in the world. I think I’m starting to actually enjoy the chaos, though, I keep thinking of my death and how dumb it would be.
- 1:30 PM: Found a ridiculously good Bun Cha place. Ordered about three portions (it was THAT good). Sat on a tiny plastic stool with the locals, devouring noodles, grilled pork, and spring rolls. This is the life.
- 3:00 PM: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. It's beautiful, serene, and surprisingly devoid of traffic-induced anxiety. Walked around and saw the Turtle Tower. It was a good walk.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to shop for souvenirs. Get completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of vendors, the noise, and the persistent hawkers. Bought a silk scarf, because, I need a silk scarf.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a restaurant with live music with a cool vibe.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Stare at the city lights, and I realize I'm really starting to like this place.
Day 3: The Deep Dive - Cooking Class, and the Soul-Crushing Beauty of the Internet
- 9:00 AM: Coffee. Still strong. Still shaking a little.
- 10:00 AM: Cooking class! Finally, some practical life skills. Learned how to make Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and spring rolls. The class was fun, a little messy, and I accidentally set off a fire alarm when I tried to sear some garlic. My cooking skills improved. I'm now slightly less likely to starve.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch, part two. I get to eat the meals I made! It was amazing. Clearly, the chef was doing all the heavy lifting, but hey, I helped.
- 2:00 PM: "Work" time. Trying to get some work done. The apartment's internet is patchy. Why, oh WHY, does the universe hate me? I am trying to write and all I want to do is eat street food and stare at buildings.
- 4:00 PM: Decide that self-inflicted misery is more enticing. So, I walk around the lake again. This time, I sit on a bench and watch the people. The mothers with their children, the teenagers on their scooters, the elderly men playing chess. Life. It's all there, right in front of me.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Try to cook something in the apartment. Fail. Order takeout. Settle for some dumplings, and watch a movie.
- 8:00 PM: Question everything. The meaning of life, my career choices, whether or not I should get another coffee.
Day 4: Departure (and a lingering sadness)
- 9:00 AM: Last coffee. Cherish the strength.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute scramble to pack. Wonder if I'll ever wear that silk scarf.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the marble floors and the fancy views. I actually found myself enjoying the little things, like the silence, the peace.
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. That final, terrifying ride. I'm practically a local at this point, dodging motorbikes.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. Security. Boarding.
- 2:30 PM: On the plane. A strange mix of relief and a nagging sense of loss. I actually grew to love this place. Hanoi, you beautiful, chaotic, delicious beast. I’ll be back. I promise.
- And then? Well… back to the real world. But with a taste of Bun Cha still on my tongue.
This is just a glimpse into my rambling, slightly-neurotic, and occasionally food-obsessed experience in Hanoi. This isn't about ticking off boxes. It's about the little moments, the messy bits, the things that make travel…well, human.
Czech Republic's Hidden Gem: Prezident Drevenice Luxury Stay!
So, is Vinhomes Skylake *actually* the "hottest" service apartment in Hanoi? Or is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, let's be real. "Hottest" is subjective. It's like saying *your* mom makes the best pho (though, I bet she does!). But, yeah, the marketing is pretty strong – gleaming towers, a gigantic lake, the whole shebang. But is it deserving of all the hype? Honestly… it’s complicated. I've got some *strong* feelings about this place, and they swing wildly from "Wow, this is luxury!" to "OMG, I'm trapped!" (More on that later, the "trapped" part involves a grumpy security guard and a malfunctioning elevator. Classic Hanoi, seriously.)
What's the *actual* vibe like at Vinhomes Skylake? Is it all sleek and modern, or is there a soul?
Sleek and modern? Absolutely. Soul? That's where things get interesting. Picture this: you walk in, and BAM! Polished marble floors, a lobby that could house a small aircraft. Then there's the lake. It's HUGE. You can't help but be impressed. It *feels* fancy. But then you start noticing the little things. The echoing hallways. The overly-attentive security. The almost *sterile* feeling, sometimes. There's a definite "expat bubble" vibe. You're surrounded by other expats. A very nice, well-dressed, possibly-a-little-too-wealthy expat bubble. Which can be great, if you're into that! (I'm a bit of a messy, street-food-loving type, so… I'm still figuring out if I fit in.)
The apartments themselves – are they worth the premium price tag? What kind of view can you expect?
Okay, the apartments. Here's where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where the marble meets the... well, the slightly overpriced furniture. They *are* nice. Modern appliances, good-sized kitchens, often with balconies overlooking the lake. The views… are breathtaking if you pick the right unit.
I booked a place with a lake view, and let me tell you, waking up to that vista? Pure bliss. Until it rains, and the clouds obscure everything and you're just staring at a grey wall of mist. Then, it's back to reality.
The price, though? It stings. You’re absolutely paying a premium for the 'Vinhomes' brand name and the amenities. I'm talking seriously-consider-eating-instant-noodles-for-a-month premium. But everything in Hanoi is getting expensive, and location, location, location is a major factor.
The amenities! The swimming pool! The gym! Tell me about the good stuff!
Ah, the amenities! This is where Skylake *really* tries to win you over. The swimming pool? Gorgeous. Infinity edge, overlooking the lake. It *screams* Instagram-worthy. The gym? Well-equipped, but always busy. And the spa? I haven’t been yet, but from what I hear, it's pure indulgence. And here's a weird thing: I have the impression there are a *lot* of kids. Everywhere. You can't swing a cat (metaphorically, people, please don't swing cats) without hitting a stroller. But hey, family-friendly is a plus, right?
Okay, spill the tea! What are the *downsides* of living at Vinhomes Skylake? The dirty little secrets?
Alright, here's where the love affair *starts* to curdle, and I start muttering darkly to myself in the elevator. (See, I told you we'd get back to that!)
* **The Noise:** Despite being a seemingly-isolated paradise, construction. CONSTANT construction. They're always building *something*. So, your tranquil lake view might come with the delightful soundtrack of jackhammers.
* **The Security:** Overzealous. Like, they're watching you. ALL. THE. TIME. The security guards once gave me serious side-eye for carrying a takeaway *banh mi* (which, let’s be honest, is a national treasure). And the parking system... don't even get me started.
* **The Isolation:** While it's a beautiful bubble, it's a bubble. Getting *out* of Vinhomes Skylake can be a pain, especially during rush hour. You're reliant on Grab or taxis, which can add up. Plus, you kind of miss the chaos and charm of the Old Quarter.
* **The Elevator Incident:** Okay, this deserves its *own* section. Picture this: I'm rushing to a meeting, late as usual, clutching my trusty coffee. The elevator doors close. And… nothing. No movement. Just a cold metal box of impending doom. I press the emergency button. Nothing. I start pounding the door. Nothing. After a good 15 minutes of claustrophobic panic and muttered curses, I finally got rescued. It wasn't the most comfortable experience, or one that inspires a lot of confidence in the building's systems. It was more of a "welp, I'm going to be late for my meeting, and I'm also going to run screaming from the elevator for a while, which will be a slight challenge" moment. I will never look at an elevator the same again.
**Side note:** Now, I'm not saying *all* of this happens *every* day. Sometimes things work perfectly! But these annoyances are a constant underlying current, and after a while it adds up.
Is Vinhomes Skylake good location for transportation?
Vinhomes Skylake is decent for transportation, but it's a bit of a mixed bag.
* **Pros:**
* Relatively close to a few main roads, making it easier to catch a taxi or Grab.
* Lots of parking, if you have a car.
* It is not located in the heavy hustle of Hanoi.
* **Cons:**
* Traffic can be terrible, especially during rush hour. Getting in and out can take forever.
* Public transport isn't ideal. You're better off with taxis, Grabs, or even motorbikes.
What about food and dining? Are there good restaurants nearby? Is it all Western food?
Food options are *okay*, but there's room for improvement.
* **Pros:**
* There are a few restaurants and cafes within the complex.
* You'll find places that deliver.
* **Cons:**
* Not a huge variety, especially if you crave authentic Vietnamese food.
* You might get bored with the options quickly.
* You mightThe Stay Journey
