Hanoi's BEST Lake View Homestay (717)? You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just stumbled out of Hanoi's "BEST Lake View Homestay (717)? You HAVE to See This!" and I'm still reeling. Honestly? They weren't lying. The view alone… whew. But let's get messy, shall we? This isn't just a hotel review, it's a therapy session for my weary travel soul, and yours by extension.
First Impressions (And My Slightly Dramatic Arrival)
Alright, accessibility first. (Getting that SEO juice flowing, you know?) 717 looks alright for wheelchairs, elevator is there, but I'm gonna be honest; the winding roads of Hanoi might be a different story entirely. No judgement, just, consider your options. I’m talking real Hanoi, not just the hotel. Inside, thankfully, things are smooth.
The check-in? Easy peasy. Contactless, they say. I’m terrible with technology, but even I breezed through. And then…BOOM. Lake view. Seriously, it's the reason you book this place. The first time I saw it, I swear I gasped. Like, a literal "ooooh" escaped my lips. So, yes, the marketing is right. You do have to see it.
Rooms: Luxury or Just…Comfy?
Okay, the room (they give you all kinds of stuff, you get your own private bathroom, there is Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! of course!), the stuff they give you is amazing. Bathrobes? Check. Slippers? Check. Extra-long bed? Bless you, 717, bless you. Blackout curtains are a godsend (essential, people. ESSENTIAL). The room was spotless - and I’m a CLEAN FREAK - so the sanitization is, clearly, on point.
The Stuff I Really Cared About (And Let's Be Honest, You Will Too)
- The View (Again, Because Seriously): Okay, I'm gushing, I know. But picture this: you, a steaming mug of coffee (complimentary, of course. Coffee/tea maker in room - you know, for the essentials. Seriously, there's complimentary bottled water too!), the sun rising over the lake, the sounds of Hanoi slowly waking up… It's magical. It's worth every penny. No joke.
- Spa Time (Or, My Near-Religious Experience): Okay. Okay. I was skeptical. I’m not a spa person. I'm a "sweat it out in the gym" kind of guy. But… the massage. Oh. My. God. (And they have an entire Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Steam room, Spa if you like that sort of thing). I went twice, and I almost cried both times. Seriously. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. The therapists were fantastic, the ambiance… chef's kiss. I emerged a new person. Or, at least, a person with significantly less tension in their shoulders.
- The Food (Because I Live to Eat): Food is a big deal for me. I was very happy with the, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Bottle of water, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, 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 cuisine in restaurant. A la carte in restaurant. The Asian breakfast was a triumph – pho every morning! – and the Western options were solid, but the flavors, oh man, the flavors. I had dinner at the restaurant (the bar is great too!) and was simply delighted.
- Relaxation Station: Things to do, ways to relax, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. There are plenty of things to do, but also plenty of places to just… be. I tried the pool (gorgeous), the gym (decent), and mostly just sat on my balcony, staring at the lake, doing absolutely nothing. And it was glorious.
- Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, Planet Earth): Everything felt spotless. They’re taking it seriously, and it made me feel super comfy. 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, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and I was really impressed. Masks, sanitizer everywhere, and staff who actually seemed to care.
- Internet… Because 2024: I've got to say though, the Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was spotty at times. Fine for browsing, not so great for streaming multiple devices. But seriously, who’s here to be glued to their phone when you have that view?
The (Minor) Gripes (Because Perfection is Boring)
- The noise: Hanoi is a city that never sleeps. You will hear traffic. Especially in the lower floors.
- The mini-bar… I'm not sure what the deal was, but it wasn't as well stocked as it should have been. Very minor quibble, of course.
- The "Fitness Center": Well, it is there. But it's not exactly the best gym.
The "Must-Knows" and Some More Random Stuff (Services and conveniences section!)
- Getting Started: Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Airport transfer, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Babysitting service, Bicycle parking, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Business facilities, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Cash withdrawal, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Complimentary tea, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Extra long bed, Facilities for disabled guests, First aid kit, Food delivery, Front desk [24-hour], Gift/souvenir shop, Hotel chain, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Non-smoking rooms, On-demand movies, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Projector/LED display, Reading light, Room decorations, Room service [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoke alarms, Smoking area, Socket near the bed, Soundproof rooms, Terrace, Towels, Taxi service, Telephone, Toiletries, Valet parking, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. They have pretty much everything, which is great. But, the key to the room: Take the Lake View Room.
- Cashless Payment: Yes! They also have Cashless payment service.
- Staff: The staff are amazing. Helpful, friendly, and they genuinely seemed to care about the guests.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Unofficial “717 Seal of Approval”
Listen. This place isn’t perfect. But it's damn close. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Am I recommending it? Absolutely. Am I already planning my return? Possibly. I'm still dreaming of that view. Seriously. Book the Lake View Room. You won't regret it.
Now, for the hard sell – the offer that’ll make you book faster than you can say "pho":
Stop Reading and Book NOW!
Are you looking for a luxurious escape in Hanoi, with your private bathroom, complimentary bottled water, desk, complimentary tea, and a staff that’s ready to take care of you? Do you want the view of a lifetime?
Here's the deal:
Book a Lake View Room at "Hanoi's BEST Lake View Homestay (717)? You HAVE to See This!"* within the next 48 hours and receive:
- 15% off your entire stay!
- A complimentary spa treatment for one (up to a $50 value), AND you can use the Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Steam room, Spa.!
- Free airport transfer - that's $25 to get to the hotel!
- **Guaranteed Early
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-ironed, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL – a Harmony Homestay, Lake View (717) Hanoi, Vietnam adventure, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pho Debacle
- Morning (ish): Flight lands. Okay, let's be honest, it was a rough flight. Three screaming toddlers, a guy who kept taking off his shoes (the smell…oh, the smell), and turbulence that made me question every life choice that led me here. Thankfully, I survived. Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Find the pre-booked transfer (phew!), thankfully the driver was a legend, weaving through the chaos like a majestic, horn-honking swan.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Harmony Homestay, Lake View (717). The view? STUNNING. Seriously, the lake! The buildings! I immediately ran to the balcony and just… breathed. Beautiful. But then… the check-in. Took like forever. Apparently, my name is a common one in Vietnam. Three different people, six computers, and a lot of giggling later, I'm finally in my room. It's cozy, not luxurious, which I love. That's what I am looking for, and the staff? Sweet as sugar, even though maybe a little TOO eager to help (but hey, I can live with that).
- Evening: Pho time! Oh, the anticipation! Read reviews about a place called "Pho Bo Hanoi" recommended by some blog somewhere and thought I'd give it a try. Found the place after a lovely stroll around the lake. And the pho… well. Let's just say it was a humbling experience. The broth was amazing, the noodles perfect, but I accidentally ordered a dish with a LOT of chili, and let me tell you, my mouth felt like I'd swallowed a small volcano. Tears streamed down my face, not from emotional joy, but actual, fiery pain. I managed to choke down about half before, defeated, I signaled for the bill and ran off to wash my face in the bathroom to cool down my stinging mouth. Sat on a bench nearby, staring at the lake for a while to recover. First day, and already a culinary catastrophe. I'll get that pho right, eventually.
Day 2: The Temple of Literature and Buying EVERYTHING
- Morning: Today is all about the Temple of Literature. Walk of about 20 minutes, enjoying the lake view. The only thing that makes it a little bit tricky is the traffic. No rules, only chaos. I did it, though! The temple itself? Absolutely breathtaking. Those courtyards, the quiet, the history… it was a welcome respite from the Hanoi hustle. I spend hours there, the energy just feels different. Makes you want to get a little smarter, and pay attention to your surroundings.
- Afternoon: Okay, so, shopping. I may have gone a little crazy. The Old Quarter is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Silk scarves, ceramic dragons, those cute little conical hats… Suddenly, my bag is overflowing. Negotiating prices? Challenging. Let's just say, I’m sure I overpaid for at least half of my treasures. But hey, souvenirs, right? And the people watching! I think I saw a whole family crammed onto one motorbike. It’s the wildest thing.
- Evening: Found a rooftop bar with a view of the lake. Beer's cheap, the music is great, and the people-watching is even better. I'm a sucker for a good sunset, and this one did not disappoint. I sat there for hours, lost in the magic of it all.
Day 3: The Halong Bay Adventure (and Seasickness Shenanigans)
- Early Morning: The Great Halong Bay Trek. Pre-booked the tour. Picked up at the hotel at an ungodly hour, like, before the sun even knew what it was doing. The drive was long, the roads were bumpy, and I was seriously regretting that extra beer last night. I made the journey, however!
- Mid-Morning: Arrive at Halong Bay. I've seen the pictures. Everyone has. Nothing prepares you for the reality. The towering limestone karsts, the jade-green water… it's just insane. Pure, unadulterated beauty. Hop on the cruise ship, and it was all very luxurious. I got a great view of everything.
- Afternoon: Boat trip, kayaking, and… seasickness. Ugh. Let's get this out there: I get motion sick. I've tried everything; pills, ginger, positive thinking. Halong Bay? A challenge. The boat rocked, I turned a delightful shade of green, and spent most of the time on the deck, trying to focus on the horizon. The kayaking was a disaster. I spent as much time paddling in circles as I did actually seeing the bay. Seriously. I really lost focus and decided to go back. Back on the boat! Sigh. Some people got on it. It was the most amazing thing I have seen. The other passengers? Pretty sure they were starting to think I was possessed.
- Evening: Back on the return bus to Hanoi. Exhausted, slightly queasy, but still in awe of what I'd seen. I devoured a whole baguette to recover.
Day 4: Cooking Class and the Coffee Conundrum
- Morning: Cooking class! This was the highlight, definitely. We made spring rolls, bun cha, and a delicious mango sticky rice. I learned how to use chopsticks (sort of) and, more importantly, how to recreate these amazing dishes back home. I feel like a chef, at least for a day.
- Afternoon: Coffee time! Hanoi coffee is legendary. The egg coffee is amazing, but I tried the Ca Phe Trung. The first sip was… strange. Custardy. But then… delicious. It’s a total mind-bender. I spent the afternoon wandering the streets, cafe-hopping, and attempting to absorb as much caffeine as humanly possible. I think I found my happy place.
- Evening: Re-visited the lake. Went to a Vietnamese movie to experience some tradition. After all the action, this was exactly what my spirit needed.
Day 5: Departing and the Unexpected Longing
- Morning: Last breakfast at the hotel. Tried to eat more chili pho (I'm a glutton for punishment). Said goodbye to the friendly staff, packed my bags (stuffed with souvenirs, of course), and took one last long look at that beautiful view.
- Afternoon: Transfer to the airport. The flight home. As the plane took off, I felt a surprising pang of sadness. Hanoi, you wild, chaotic, beautiful place… You got under my skin.
- Evening: Back home. Jet-lagged, slightly sunburnt, and with way too many bags. But happy. Absolutely, unequivocally happy. Now, where's the cookbook so I can start making those spring rolls…
This travel schedule might not be a perfect itinerary, but it's my itinerary, and it was, without a doubt, an adventure. And you know what? I wouldn't trade all its flaws for anything. Now go and get yourself a big bowl of Pho! (And maybe bring some antacids.)
Escape to the German Alps: Your Dream Oberwiesenthal Chalet Awaits!
So, what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing even about? Like, why are we here? Seriously?
Alright, alright, settle down. Good question! Well, it's "Frequently Asked Questions," or at least, that's what the acronym stands for. Basically, it's a collection of common questions people have about...well, *this*. Whatever "this" happens to be. In our case, we're answering questions about... life? Existential dread? My questionable taste in coffee? (It's strong. Very strong.) The *real* reason is, you're probably staring at this because you're confused or looking for answers. And hey, that's fine! We all are at some point.
Are these FAQs *actually* "frequently" asked? Or is this just a convenient excuse to ramble?
Honestly? A bit of both. Some of these are *legit* questions people have. Others? Let's just say I have a tendency to…overthink things. And sometimes, when I overthink, I write things down. And sometimes, those written-down things resemble questions. Look, don't judge me. My brain is a wild and unpredictable landscape, okay? So, yes, some might be “frequently” asked, and some might be more…*frequently pondered by yours truly.* Just enjoy the ride! And maybe grab a snack. This could take a while.
Okay, fine. So, how do I navigate this... *thing* you've created? Is there a map? A decoder ring? Help!
A map and a decoder ring? Oh, you are *good*. Sadly, no. There is no official map, no decoder ring, no secret handshake. It’s more of a… wandering through a jungle. I'm the guide, but I might get lost too. The best way to navigate is to just… read. Let your eyes wander, see what catches your interest. Embrace the chaos. And if you get truly lost, just shout. (Metaphorically, of course. I can't *actually* hear you.) You'll find something useful eventually, or at least something entertaining. Maybe. Heh.
What's the deal with the emotional rollercoaster? Why so much...feeling?
Ugh, don’t apologize for being real! Look, life is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you're riding high on a sugar rush, the next you're face-down in a puddle of existential angst. I'm just…reflecting that. And maybe amplifying it a *tiny* bit for dramatic effect. (Okay, maybe a *lot*.) It's like, if I'm already here, why not? It's about connecting on a human level. Don’t worry, it gets better (and worse), trust me on this.
Are you… *okay*?
...Honestly? Probably not. But who *is*? Okay, jokes aside, it depends on the day. Some days I’m convinced I’m a genius, other days I can barely put two socks on the right feet. But that's the beauty of it! You won't always be okay, and that's okay. You can take a break. You can breathe. And you can find a way to get through the day.
Alright, fine. You've piqued my interest. What *kind* of questions are we talking about here? Is it all existential philosophy and rambling?
Good question! I'd love to say "no," but…yeah, there's a healthy dose of existential philosophy and rambling. Sorry, not sorry. BUT, beyond that, it depends on what you came for. There might be some practical advice. There might be some… stories. Probably more of the latter, actually. Think of it like a rummage sale of my brain. You never know what treasures you might find. Or what dusty, forgotten junk. You're probably the reason I have so much stuff to "rummage" through in the first place!
Sooooo… What's your *favorite* color? Just curious.
Ooh, a classic! What *is* my favorite color? Hmm…that's a tough one. See, my brain works a little differently. I don't just *like* a color, I *experience* it. Like, to me, blue isn't just blue. It's the feeling of being underwater, weightless, the sun dappling through the surface. It's a memory of a perfect summer day and the gentle waves. And then there's red, which is a fiery burst of energy, a warning signal, and a delicious sense of excitement. So, to answer your question directly? I love all the colors, in all their messy glory. Because if you only like one color, you're missing the whole rainbow!
Okay, enough with the philosophical stuff. What do you, like, *do*? What's your job or something?
Ah, the million-dollar question, isn't it? Well, that depends on the day. Some days, I'm a writer, wrestling words into submission. Other days, I'm a… observer of people. A chronic overthinker. Sometimes, I'm just trying to make it through the day without setting anything on fire. You know, the usual. Honestly, I wear many hats, and none of them fit perfectly. It's all about trying to make sense of this beautiful, chaotic mess we call life. And yeah, maybe earning a few bucks along the way.
Do you ever feel like you're just… a complete and utter failure? Be honest.
Oh, absolutely. Every single day. It's a recurring theme, my friend. Sometimes, I look in the mirror and think, "How did I even get *here*?" There's the time I tried to bake a cake and set off the smoke alarm (twice!). The time I tripped walking up the stairs, spilling coffee everywhere. The endless parade of embarrassing moments that keep me up at night. But then… there are the little victories. The moments of unexpected joy. The times when I manage to make someone laugh. And, you know what? It's all messy and imperfect, just like me. And that’s okay. It has to be. Otherwise, I’d go crazy.
What's the *worst* advice you'veOcean By H10 Hotels
