Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Marriott & Keangnam's Secret Neighbor!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Marriott & Keangnam's Secret Neighbor! - A (Mostly) Honest Review
Okay, folks, let's be real. Hanoi. It's a whirlwind. Motorbikes, pho smells, ancient history screaming from everywhere. Picking a hotel there is like trying to find a decent parking spot in rush hour: you gotta fight for it. But I think… I think I stumbled on something pretty special. I'm talking about Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Marriott & Keangnam's Secret Neighbor! (Yes, I know, the name is a mouthful, but trust me).
Now, before you get visions of five-star perfection, let me lay down some truth bombs. This isn't a flawless diamond. This is more like a slightly chipped, but still dazzling emerald. And that's exactly what makes it so charming.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, The Great Elevator Adventure)
Getting there was a breeze, thankfully, after the airport transfer. My heart did a little pitter-patter when I saw the Keangnam Landmark 72 looming overhead, a massive testament to modern Hanoi. The hotel itself… well, it wasn't immediately obvious. It's nestled in amongst the surrounding buildings, giving it that "secret neighbor" vibe.
Accessibility? Here’s the deal: I wasn't specifically looking at how wheelchair-friendly it was, but there is an elevator (thank GOD, because I was on [insert high floor number here]!). Access to the lobby and public areas seemed pretty reasonable, but I'd definitely recommend calling ahead and clarifying if you have specific mobility needs. They do have facilities for disabled guests, but detailed feedback from someone who actually used them would be invaluable.
Room Revelation & Internet Insanity (and Free Wi-Fi God!)
Okay, the room. It was… comfy. Really, really comfy. Clean, well-lit, and with actual blackout curtains – a lifesaver after a day of dodging scooters! And the bed? Divine. Seriously, I sank right in and almost never wanted to leave.
Here’s a shout-out for:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bless. You. This is a must, people.
- Internet Access (LAN Available): Because, let's be honest, sometimes you need a wired connection.
- Air Conditioning: Hanoi heat is no joke.
- Extra Long Bed: Bliss for you tall folk.
- Desk & Laptop workspace: Finally, somewhere to catch up on work.
- Daily housekeeping, Fresh linens & Towels: The basics are a must.
Internet? Well, the Wi-Fi was mostly solid, and the LAN option was welcome when it got a bit patchy (sometimes it was a battle for bandwidth, especially during peak times). But hey, that’s the price of modern travel. The internet was there, and that was good enough for me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Or, Pho-king Delicious Decisions!)
This is where things get interesting. They've got multiple restaurants. The main one (where they served breakfast) was pretty expansive.
- Asian Breakfast? Check. They had noodle soup, and various sides (rice).
- Western Breakfast? Check again. You could gorge on omelets, toast, and the usual fare. I'm a sucker for a good breakfast buffet.
- Breakfast in room? Yes. Awesome after a night out in the city!
There's also a bar. They had a happy hour! (Need I say more?) They have a poolside bar! (Not as good, but still pretty good!). The food? Generally excellent. The a la carte was good, serving Asian and International cuisine, and I enjoyed a pretty good salad on one occasion. They had a coffee shop, but I preferred the cafe in the nearby Keangnam building.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax (Or, Did I Ever Leave My Robe?)
Here's where the "hidden gem" really shines.
- Pool with a view - The outdoor pool has a phenomenal view of the city, providing a much-needed retreat from the chaotic city outside.
- Gym/Fitness Center – Did I go? No. But it was there which is a good sign.
- Spa & Sauna – This, however, I did experience. And it was glorious. The massage was fantastic – I felt like all the stress of travel just melted away. The spa and sauna are a treat.
- Footbath – A great way to unwind!
And the best part? It was mostly quiet. Which is a miracle in a bustling city like Hanoi. I spent a good portion of my trip in my robe, contemplating the meaning of life (or at least which noodle stall to try next).
Cleanliness & Safety (Or, The Sanitizer Situation)
- Anti-viral Cleaning products: Good to know, especially now.
- Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere. Seriously, they were all over the place.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: They seemed to know what they were doing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Another plus in the current climate.
I felt safe and sound, which is a HUGE deal when you're in a new country.
Services & Conveniences (Or, The Little Things That Matter)
- 24-hour Front Desk: Essential.
- Concierge: Super helpful with suggestions and bookings.
- Daily Housekeeping: Because, let's face it, I'm messy.
- Currency Exchange: Convenient.
- Laundry Service: A lifesaver when you've been traveling for a week.
- Cash withdrawal: Definitely handy.
For the Kids (Or, The Babysitter Brigade!)
I didn’t travel with kids, but they do have a babysitting service. They're family/child friendly and have kids facilities.
Getting Around (Or, The Great Taxi Tango)
- Airport Transfer: Convenient and hassle-free.
- Car Park [on-site/free of charge]: Good for you if you are driving.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Now, The Gripes (Because I'm Honest)
Okay, let's get to the imperfections. Remember, this is a "mostly honest" review!
- Soundproofing: The hotel is in a busy area. Although they do have soundproof rooms, there were occasional street noises that filtered through. Earplugs are your friend.
- The Name: It's a real mouthful, and I always stumbled when trying to recommend it to someone.
- The Location: The Marriott & Keangnam bit is a bit of a red herring. It's not directly attached, but the Keangnam Landmark is close by, so you can go and eat there if you want. It's a little more out from the Old Quarter than some hotels, so factor that into your travel plans.
The Verdict?
Despite the few minor quirks, I loved my stay. Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Marriott & Keangnam's Secret Neighbor! is a solid choice. It's comfortable, convenient, offers a nice respite from the madness of Hanoi, and has some genuinely lovely features (that pool view!). It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a place to recharge after a day of temple-hopping, street-food-binging, and motorbike-dodging.
SEO-Friendly Summary (Because I Have To!)
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- Highlights: Convenient location, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, great spa, outdoor pool with a view, good food options, excellent value for money, and strong focus on cleanliness and safety.
- Target Audience: Travelers seeking comfort, value, and a convenient base for exploring Hanoi, particularly those who appreciate a good spa, a relaxing pool, and a focus on safety and cleanliness.
My Irregular Offer (The Stream-of-Consciousness Persuasion):
Okay, listen up! Are you planning your Hanoi adventure? Do you want a place that's a little different? Somewhere that lets you escape the chaos, but still be close enough to the action?
Forget the cookie-cutter hotels! Ditch the chain traps! Come to somewhere that feels like a secret. Come to a gem. Treat yourself and book a stay at Hanoi's Hidden Gem: Marriott & Keangnam's Secret Neighbor!
Here's why:
- You Deserve to De-Stress: Imagine yourself after a day of exploring, melting into a soft bed, with a glorious view and no deadlines.
- The Spa? Trust me, you need it. Get your muscles massaged, and then use the footbath.
- The Food is Amazing: They'll feed you well. You'll want to try their pho and fresh fruit juice.
- **You'll
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my disastrous, glorious, and probably caffeine-fueled Hanoi adventure, all centered around the general vicinity of the Stu Near Marriott & Keangnam. Prepare for a trip that’s less "polished travel blog" and more "unfiltered brain dump." Let's go…
HANOI: MY LOVE-HATE AFFAIR
(Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pho Quest…and a Cat Disaster)
7:00 AM (ish) - "Hanoi, We Meet Again (Maybe for the Worst):" Landed, bleary-eyed, in Noi Bai. Immigration was a breeze, thankfully. Last time I practically had to beg for my visa, feeling like I was auditioning for a Vietnamese game show. Grabbed my bag, which weighed approximately the same as a small toddler…how did I pack so much? The flight attendant gave me that look – the one that says, "Lady, you're gonna regret those extra shoes."
8:00 AM - The Taxi Tango: Pre-booked a car, thought I was being smart. Nope. Driver was about as enthused as a wet noodle. And traffic? Oh, Hanoi traffic. Think a swarm of angry bees having a demolition derby. My internal monologue became a symphony of panicked "oh gods" and "hold on to your hats."
8:45 AM - Hotel Check-In (and the First Impression): Got to The Stu Near Marriott. Pretty swanky. But I'm too tired and jet lagged to care (yet!). Dumped all my stuff in the room. I thought, "I deserve a proper meal for surviving the plane and the traffic!"
9:30 AM - The Great Pho Quest Begins (and Ends in Tears/ Joy:): After 10 minutes of trying to use Google maps, I go out. I feel so hungry, it's like I am going to die. I started walking toward the Old Quarter in the hope of finding the best Pho in Hanoi. I see a street food stall. All the locals are there. The broth is so rich and flavorful. I slurp it down like a starving wolf. OMG! It's the best Pho I have ever had! I feel alive again.
10:30 AM- The Cat Disaster: I saw a fluffy cat. It looked so cute! I approached it. The cat then ran in the opposite direction. I was so sad. I then tripped on some kind of loose brick and ended up falling near a pile of trash. I feel I am cursed.
12:00 PM - Recovery and Naptime: Back at the hotel. Need. Sleep. Can't. Think. Straight. This is the part when I realize I should have booked a massage. Maybe tomorrow.
5:00 PM - Exploration and the Unexpected Beauty of Trash: Okay, I'm back in action (thanks, nap!). Started wandering around the area. Surprisingly, the "Keangnam" part is… well, it's a giant skyscraper. It's kind of jarring, considering the more traditional Hanoi vibe. The surrounding neighborhood? Gritty, real, and full of life. Found a tiny alley with clotheslines strung across, kids playing, and a sweet old lady selling Banh Mi. Absolutely divine. The contrast is incredible! I felt an unexpected sense of peace amidst the controlled chaos.
7:00 PM - Dinner and a Beer…or Two…or Three…: Found a local restaurant and tried some Bun Cha. Delicious, but the chili sauce had me sweating like I was running a marathon. Followed that up with a few Bia Ha nois (local beer) at a little street-side joint. Learned some basic Vietnamese phrases by watching a guy. He was teaching me how to say "cheers."
9:00 PM - The Night Market (And a Case of Buyer's Remorse): Wandered through the night market in the Old Quarter. Overwhelmed is an understatement. So many people, so much… stuff. Bought a cheap t-shirt (which I'll probably regret tomorrow), and haggled over a "genuine" knockoff watch (also probably a mistake). The air was thick with the smell of street food, incense, and the general buzz of a city awake after dark. Feeling a weird combination of excitement and sensory overload.
10:30 PM - Back to The Stu Near Marriott. Need sleep:
(Day 2: History, Humidity, and a Motorcycle Near-Death Experience)
8:00 AM - Failed Attempt at a "Healthy" Breakfast: Decided to try the hotel's breakfast buffet. Ended up piling my plate with pastries. The healthy eating plan starts…later. I tried to have my first coffee for the day, but I ended up dropping my cup!
9:00 AM - Hoan Kiem Lake & Turtle Tower:
- The lake is beautiful. But the heat!! It's like walking through a wet sauna. I started sweating after like 3 minutes. And yes, I saw the turtle. (Well, I think I did. It was a dark shape in the murky water). The Turtle Tower is beautiful, but my sunglasses are fogging up from the heat.
10:00 AM – The Temple of Literature: The crowd is so big, I thought I'd die. But the architecture is so beautiful, that it's all worth it. A nice break from the madness of the city. Feeling a sense of calm. It's strange and beautiful. I enjoyed my few hours here.
12:00 PM - Lunch (and a Surprise): Found a tiny little restaurant near the Temple of Literature. I order a dish, but the waiter brings me a very weird looking thing. I don't know what that is, but I'm too hungry to care. Turns out it was quite good.
1:00 PM - The One-Hour Massage: Decided to book my massage. And so I get it. And I felt reborn after it. So good.
3:00 PM - The Motorcycle Tango (aka Near-Death Experience, Part 1): Okay, maybe I over-estimated my adventurous spirit. Decided, in my infinite wisdom, that I needed to see the city "like a local." Hired a motorbike taxi. The guy. Drove like he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. Weaved in and out of traffic like a crazed mosquito. Almost got squashed by a bus (twice!). Screamed a series of expletives that would make a sailor blush. Survived. Regret. Never again
4:00 PM - The Prison Museum:
- Not my favorite, but I feel I should. I feel a bit sad, I feel emotional.
6:00 PM - Sunset on the Lake
- Gorgeous and beautiful.
7:00 PM - The Water Puppet Theater:
- I want to have fun, or I won't make it through the next day. I watched the show. It was beautiful.
(Day 3: FOOD, and (Maybe) Growing Fond of Hanoi)
- 9:00 AM - The BEST Pho EVER…again?: Determined to find another delicious pho. This time I have to go back to the restaurant, the one that almost got me killed yesterday. The bowl of pho is so exquisite.
- 10:00 AM - Learning to Cross the Street (and Almost Failing Miserably): Hanoi's traffic is a beast. My strategy: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and walk confidently (and quickly!). Still, it feels like playing Frogger every single time. I almost jumped on the side.
- 11:00 AM - Egg Coffee Bliss: Found a tiny cafe and tried egg coffee. That stuff is pure heaven. It's even better than I thought.
- 1:00 PM - Last Meal, One Last Chance: I have to eat one last time. My journey is almost over. I feel a little bit sad, but I know I can come back.
- 2.00 PM - Goodbye!
Final Thoughts: Hanoi: You're a whirlwind of chaos, beauty, and deliciousness. You've pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me laugh, made me cry, and almost killed me with a motorbike. But against all odds, I think I'm starting to like you. And I'll definitely be back… eventually. Maybe. After I recover. Probably. Let's see what the next adventure brings!
Escape to Paradise: Uvongo River Resort Awaits!
Ugh, Sourdough. Why even bother? Isn't it just… bread?
Okay, so you're starting with the real question. Legit. I hear you. The first time I tried to make sourdough, I ended up with something that resembled a brick. Seriously. I almost chipped a tooth trying to nibble a corner. My starter, which I had lovingly named "Bubbles" (yes, I get attached to my food projects, what of it?), looked more like pond scum. So yeah, you're right. You *could* just buy bread. But then you'd miss out on the utter, glorious *adventure*.
It's not just bread. It's a science experiment. It's a lesson in patience (hello, have you *met* me?). It's the smell of baking bread that makes your whole house smell like a hug. And honestly? That first, perfect, tangy slice… the satisfaction is UNMATCHED. It's a life accomplishment. (Don't tell my therapist I said that about bread.)
This "starter" thing… is it some kind of… pet I need to feed? Like a cat but… flour?
YES. Basically. And it's weirder. You cultivate this… *thing*… from flour and water. And it’s alive! It bubbles and fizzes and goes through these weird, moody phases where it’s either ravenously hungry OR sulking in a corner of its jar, refusing to rise. Think of it like a tiny, glutenous teenager.
Feeding it is… a ritual. Every day or so, you "discard" (which means, get rid of some. I usually end up making pancakes. Because, hey, free food!) and then feed it fresh flour and water. If you *don't* feed it? Oh, the horror. You get a grey, almost slimy… well, death. And you have to start ALL OVER AGAIN. Been there. Done that (more times than I care to admit.)
Okay, feeding it is like a pet. What if I go on vacation? Does it need a sourdough sitter?
Ugh, the vacation question. Let's just say, I learned the hard way. My first attempt (Bubbles 2.0, after the brick incident) I was heading off to France for 2 weeks. I, in my infinite wisdom, thought, "Oh, I'll just stick Bubbles in the fridge! It will be fine." WRONG. It was not fine. It was petrifying. It had a layer of… I won't even describe it. The smell alone… just… no.
So, you have a few options. The fridge is *kinda* okay, but needs preparation. You can dry it out (kind of a pain in the rear, TBH). Or, the best option, get a friend to feed it. Bribery? Maybe. Offer them a loaf of bread? Absolutely. Consider this a cautionary tale. Don't leave your starter alone. Seriously.
Right. So *making* the bread. It looks... complicated. All those folds and... things.
Complicated is an understatement. It’s like you're suddenly a yoga instructor, a scientist, and a pastry chef all rolled into one. You've got the initial mix, the bulk ferment (that basically means "wait and see what happens"), the shaping (which is where I always go wrong), the proofing (another waiting game!), and the baking. Phew!
The folds? Oh, the folds. They're supposed to build strength, but honestly, they've left me staring at a perfectly good bowl of dough muttering to myself. My first loaf looked like a flattened pancake with some sad, barely there bumps. It didn't taste bad though, that's the good thing... and honestly, I had a moment of triumph when my kids still ate it.
But the beauty of it is... the more you mess up, the more you learn. And the process itself? Therapeutic, even if the results sometimes aren't.
My bread never looks like those Instagram-perfect loaves. What am I doing wrong?!
Honey, welcome to the club. The sourdough club. Where everyone *thinks* they know what they're doing, and the results can be wildly unpredictable. (That’s mostly me). Stop comparing yours to Instagram. Seriously. Those loaves might be beautiful, yes, but they've probably been made by a professional baker with years of experience. Or, even worse, the photos are staged!
There are about a million things that can go wrong. Your starter might not be strong enough. The flour might be wrong. The temperature might be off. The humidity... Oh, the humidity! It's a fickle beast! Don’t be discouraged. Or at least, be discouraged for a little. Take a breath, and try again. Just… maybe don't post the initial results. (Unless you're like me and find humor in the disaster.)
Okay... after all this drama, should I even bother?
That depends. Are you a glutton for punishment? Do you enjoy feeling simultaneously proud and slightly ashamed of your creations? Do you have a deep-seated need to prove something to yourself (or no one in particular)? If you answered yes to any of those… then YES! You should absolutely bother.
Because, despite the mess, the failures, the emotional turmoil, there's something truly magical about pulling a perfectly baked, crusty, tangy loaf out of your oven. It's a small victory. It's a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. And if you mess it up? Well, there's always next week, right? And the pancakes will always be worth it!
Any words of wisdom you want to share?
Okay, here's the secret. Sourdough is a journey. Not a destination. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the imperfections. And for the love of all that is holy, *take notes*. Trust me. You'll think you'll remember everything. You won't. Keep a record of your starter feedings, your dough temperatures, your bake times… everything. It'll help you troubleshoot later.Find Your Perfect Stay
