Hanoi's HOTTEST Serviced Apartment: Bong's - Book Now!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, and sometimes slightly bewildering world of Hanoi's HOTTEST Serviced Apartment: Bong's - Book Now! Forget the slick marketing speak, I'm gonna give you the real deal, warts and all. I'm talking raw, unfiltered, "did I just accidentally order a plate of dog meat?" kind of honest.
First Impressions: Stepping into Bong's (and Hoping You Don't Trip)
Alright, so, Bong's. Immediately, let's talk Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, thank heavens, but I did see a few folks using mobility aids, and the elevator situation seemed… well, existent. I’d rate it, tentatively, as "generally accessible, but maybe give them a call beforehand to confirm the ramp situation to the pool with a view because the steps did look a bit… steep." There’s no specific mention of Braille or anything like that, so that area needs improvement, but I saw other accessibility features mentioned, so, maybe they got something!
The Room – Sanctuary or Studio Apartment for a Serial Killer?
Let’s get down and dirty with the actual rooms because, let's be honest, that’s where the magic (or the potential for a really awkward vacation) happens.
Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (THANK GOD! Hanoi humidity is a cruel mistress), Alarm clock (for those early morning pho runs!), Bathrobes (essential for feeling fancy), Bathroom phone (haven’t used one of those since the ‘90s), Bathtub (yes!), Blackout curtains (bliss!), Carpeting (kinda cozy!), Closet (praise be!), Coffee/tea maker (vital!), Complimentary tea (nice touch), Daily housekeeping (thank you, sweet angel!), Desk (for pretending to work), Extra long bed (always a bonus), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer (thank you, again!), High floor (views, baby!), In-room safe box (security!), Interconnecting room(s) available (great for families), Internet access – LAN (for the tech nerds), Internet access – wireless (duh!), Ironing facilities (wrinkle-free travel -ish), Laptop workspace (for procrastinating), Linens (clean!), Mini bar (tempting, especially at 3 am), Mirror (vanity!), Non-smoking (bless!), On-demand movies (binge-watching potential), Private bathroom (essential!), Reading light (good for those who love to read), Refrigerator (for the mini-bar, obviously), Safety/security feature (always good!), Satellite/cable channels (channel surfing!), Scale (don't look!), Seating area (nice to have!), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower (yes!), Slippers (comfy!), Smoke detector (safety first!), Socket near the bed (perfect!), Sofa (for napping!), Soundproofing (pray it works!), Telephone (who uses these anymore?), Toiletries (convenient!), Towels (clean!), Umbrella (Hanoi rain!), Visual alarm (for those who need them!), Wake-up service (if you hate the alarm clock), Wi-Fi [free] (thank you!), Window that opens (fresh air!).
My Personal Room Experience: Okay, so I snagged a room on a high floor. When I say high floor, I mean it was… high. The view? Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, jaw-dropping. I could see the Old Quarter stretching out below, the shimmering lakes… I even think I saw a cyclo driver wink at me from a mile away! (Okay, maybe not, but I felt like it.) The room itself? Clean, bright, and surprisingly modern. The bathtub was glorious. I took a bath with all the bubbles! The bed? Like a cloud. I slept like a baby. And I appreciated the mini bar, but, oh my god, the prices! The coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver because the Vietnamese coffee outside was stronger than my grandma’s grip at the bank door.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Aka, Where My Money Went)
Food. Let’s talk food, because if you don’t get food right in Hanoi, you've failed.
Restaurants (Yes, MANY!): A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, 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 breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
My Grub Situation: Breakfast was buffet style. It was… fine. Standard stuff. Eggs, bacon, pastries. I found the Asian breakfast section, a bit more interesting with some delicious pho, which perked me up! Honestly, after a night of exploring I wanted something hearty. The coffee, though? Heavenly. Absolutely heavenly. The poolside bar was a highlight. I spent a solid afternoon sipping cocktails, pretending I was in Monte Carlo. The a la carte menu was a tad pricey, but sometimes you have to treat yourself, I guess. There was a snack bar too, for when I needed a little something more inbetween meals. 24-hour room service? Don't mind if I do!
Ways to Relax (Beyond Eating and Drinking)
Spa Time! Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
Spa Breakdown: The pool with a view? Stunning. Seriously, it's Instagram-worthy. I spent an entire afternoon swimming and staring at the Hanoi skyline. The gym looked decent, but I, uh, may have skipped it. (Vacation calories don’t count, right?) The spa? Worth every penny. I got a massage that melted years of stress and my bad posture away. They even had a sauna and a steam room.
Cleanliness and Safety – Gotta Keep the Germs at Bay!
Safety Gear: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
My Thoughts: Everything felt clean and safe. They were definitely taking things seriously. Lots of sanitizing going on, staff with masks, and the whole shebang. I felt comfortable.
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier (And My Stay Longer)
Air conditioning in public areas (YES!), Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping (amazing!), Doorman (always a nice touch!), Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments (yes, please!), 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 (beautiful!), Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The Good Stuff: The daily housekeeping was a godsend. My room always smelled fresh. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations and booking. The currency exchange came in handy. The elevator was a lifesaver (especially after all that pho).
The Quirks: The "shrine" was a tiny little Buddhist altar. I’m not sure why, but it was there. Don't ask. The smoking area? You could smell it from a mile away.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Kid-Friendly? Seemed it! I didn't have kids but the hotel had kid friendly stuff, so, win-win!
Getting Around (Because You Gotta Escape Sometimes)
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- My Travels: The airport transfer was a lifesaver after a long flight. The car parking was free of charge. Taxi’s were easy to find, and reasonably priced.
Overall Verdict: Bong's - A Hanoi Home Run?
Okay, so, Bong's isn't perfect. There are minor imperfections. But, overall, it's pretty damn good! It balances luxury with a relaxed vibe. It's clean, the staff are friendly, the food is decent, and the spa is top-notch. It’s a solid choice for your Hanoi adventure.
My Score: 8 out of 10. (Would be a 9 if the mini-bar prices weren't so eye-watering.)
**My
Perhentian Islands Paradise: Quiver Dive's Epic Dorm Experience!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn’t going to be your perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is going to be a messy, glorious, slightly chaotic glimpse into my time at Bong’s Serviced Apartment 1 in Hanoi. Prepare for rambling, opinions, and probably way too much coffee.
Bong's Bungled Bliss: Hanoi Itinerary (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pho Broth)
Day 1: Arrival, Jetlag, and the Great Pho Predicament
- Morning (6:00 AM): Landed in Hanoi. Or, more accurately, stumbled out of the plane feeling like I’d been wrung through a pasta machine. The humidity hit me like a wall. Straight to Bong’s, a tiny, promised oasis amidst the city's chaos. Finding the place was a mini-adventure. Google Maps was my (unreliable) guide.
- Mid-Morning (8:00 AM): Check-in. Bong was…well, let's just say welcoming isn’t her strong suit. She handed me the keys with a look that suggested I was personally inconveniencing her and my luggage. The apartment itself? Surprisingly…okay. Tiny, yes, but clean. And the air con blasted like a hurricane. Thank god.
- Early Afternoon (12:00 PM): The Pho Quest Begins! I wandered into the Old Quarter, lured by the siren song of steam and spices. I'd read dozens of raving reviews, but deciding where to go felt like being trapped in a delicious deathmatch. Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan was top-rated. I stood in line for what felt like an eternity, squashed between motorbike exhaust and a line of locals who looked way more prepared than I was!
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM): Pho: The Revelation (and the Stomach Rumble). Finally, my bowl. The broth…oh, the broth! That deep, savory hug of flavor. Noodles that practically melted in my mouth. I slurped it down, utterly oblivious to the chaos around me. The first time I've ever felt truly happy in a foreign city. Note to self: Learn to wield chopsticks with more grace. and buy a pack of wet wipes.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Attempt at Sightseeing - Hoan Kiem Lake. Or, more accurately, a confused shuffle around Hoan Kiem Lake. Jetlag plus food coma equals a slow, blurry walk. The red bridge was lovely, though. And I managed to take a decent photo, which is a small victory in my book.
- Night (7:00 PM): Dinner attempt in the Old Quarter. After all that Pho I ordered some spring rolls. It smelled amazing, and I ate them all!
- Night (8:00 PM): Crashed. Hard!
Day 2: Motorbike Mayhem, Water Puppets, and the Great Coffee Caper…
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up surprisingly refreshed! Hadn't expected that. Time to conquer the city. Or, at least, try to.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Motorbike Madness! I'd foolishly decided to try and navigate the city via Grab (ride-sharing app). This involved holding on for dear life (literally! They drive like lunatics) and screaming internally. I think I aged five years in the first hour.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Thang Long Imperial Citadel. So much culture…so much walking. By this point I was hungry again and had to find my savior from the previous day again, Pho.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Water Puppet Show! Quirky, charming, and surprisingly emotive, even though I didn't understand a word. I found myself surprisingly moved by the tiny, wooden puppets.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): The Great Coffee Caper. Hanoi coffee is legendary. I found a tiny café off the beaten path. The woman who ran it looked like she could stare down a typhoon. She made me ca phe trung (egg coffee). It looked…interesting. But OMG. Sweet, creamy, and unbelievably delicious. I'd almost sell my soul for another cup!
- Evening (7:00 PM): Street Food Exploration. More spring rolls! More Banh Mi! And I got a bit lost, which led me to an incredible little restaurant run by a family who barely spoke English but were unbelievably kind. The food was a revelation. Or, if my stomach is to believed, the next day was a disaster. I'm never ordering street food again.
- Night (9:00 PM): Back to the apartment to rest and rehydrate.
Day 3: Halong Bay (ish), Regrets, and Packing
- Morning (6:00 AM): Up and out.
- Midday (12:00 PM): I arranged a boat trip to Halong Bay. It was beautiful, but everything feels the same after two days of non-stop touring.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back to the apartment. Exhausted. Spent the evening repacking my bags. This proved to be more challenging than I had thought.
- Night (9:00 PM): Goodbye Bong's.
Things I Learned:
- Embrace the Chaos: Hanoi is a glorious, chaotic mess. Go with the flow. Get lost. Say yes to the food, even if your stomach hates you later.
- Learn a Few Phrases: "Xin chào" (hello) will get you far. "Cảm ơn" (thank you) is essential. Attempting to speak Vietnamese, even badly, made a huge difference in how people treated me.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will walk. A lot. Trust me on this.
- Bring Wet Wipes: They're a lifesaver.
- Don't Overplan: Some of the best experiences happen when you just wander.
Final Thoughts:
Bong’s apartment wasn’t perfect. The location wasn’t ideal. But it was a basecamp for an incredible adventure. Hanoi? It stole a piece of my heart. It’s a city that punches well above its weight, delivering an experience you won’t soon forget. Would I do it again? Absolutely – as soon as my stomach recovers.
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Bong's Serviced Apartments: You Got Questions? I Got (Mostly) Honest Answers!
So, Bong's... Is it REALLY the hottest in Hanoi? Because the internet's a liar, you know?
Hottest? Okay, let's be real. Hottest *right now*? Maybe. It’s definitely got buzz. I mean, I booked it after scrolling through about a thousand photos of other places, all looking suspiciously perfect (red flag!). Bong's photos... well, they looked... *lived in*. Which, for a traveler, often means "actually clean and not staged." So yeah, hot-ish. Depends on your definition. If "hot" means "trendy, well-located, and doesn't make you want to bleach your retinas," then yeah, Bong’s is definitely playing in the big leagues.
Truthfully, I'd say "hottest" probably refers to the location. Getting around Hanoi is a chaotic, beautiful ballet of motorbikes, and Bong's is nestled right in the middle of the action. Good luck getting a Grab at rush hour, though. Oh, and be prepared for the occasional rooster alarm clock. It's part of the charm...or the bane of your existence, depending on your sleep schedule.
The photos look great…but what's the *real* story about the rooms? Is it all Instagrammable perfection? Like, are the towels fluffy?
Okay, let's dissect this. The photos? They're good. I will admit to feeling a little jaded when I walked in, half expecting a bait-and-switch. But honestly? They're pretty accurate. The rooms? They have character – think exposed brick, maybe a quirky piece of art that looks like it was found at a local market (and probably was). And the towels? Okay, full disclosure: they’re… not *super* fluffy. They're functional. They'll dry you. They're not spa-level luxury, but they're clean and plentiful, which, after a day of dodging motorbikes and eating street food that might or might not give you the runs, is all that matters.
They *do* have good water pressure though – a HUGE win in my book. Seriously, after a long day wandering the Old Quarter, a decent shower is pure heaven. And the AC? Stellar. Thank god. Hanoi is HUMID (and I mean, *humid*).
Breakfast included, right? And more importantly, what's the FOOD like? I travel for food, people!
Breakfast? Oh God, yes. Breakfast is included! And it's pretty decent, which says a lot. Forget those sad continental spreads you get at some places. Bong's, from what I recall, offered at least a choice of pho (duh!), some other Vietnamese dishes, maybe some eggs and toast if you desperately need a taste of home. I remember the pho being particularly good. Like, *really* good. That broth… oh man. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
But the real treasure with Bong’s, is that the staff can usually point you towards better food if you want it. They are plugged in, like, it's magical. They just *know* where you can get the best banh mi down the street. (Pro tip: ask specifically for the *banh mi trung*, the one with the fried egg – it's a life-changer.) Or, the best iced coffee. Seriously, they're worth their weight in condensed milk.
What is the location of Bong's? Is it in a convenient area? Are there any good restaurants or bars nearby?
Location. Location. Location. Bong’s nails it. Absolutely nails it. You're close to everything, but not *too* close – you know, you can still sleep at night without a motorbike honking directly into your eardrums. The Old Quarter is basically on your doorstep. Hoan Kiem Lake is a quick stroll away. Basically, you're in the heart of the action. Which also means you can find a restaurant or bar without moving your heels, and you're surrounded by food carts that are the lifeblood of Hanoi. Street food EVERYWHERE. My weakness!
Let’s say you’re a foodie. You're good. Want a rooftop bar? You’re good. Need to buy some silk scarfs for your mum? You're going to become too good to other tourists. It’s a great base to make your own adventure!
What's the Wi-Fi situation? I need my internet fix!
The Wi-Fi? Pretty solid. I mean, this is Vietnam, not the Swiss Alps, so don't expect lightning speed, but it's entirely adequate for streaming Netflix, video calls (I made a few embarrassing ones, sorry, fam!), and uploading those envy-inducing travel photos to your Instagram. I didn't have any major problems with the Wi-Fi, and I NEED my internet fix, so that's saying something. It's probably not the place to try and download a super-massive software update, but for everyday internet use, you're golden.
How's the staff? Are they friendly? Is it easy to ask them for help, or do you need to be a master translator?
Oh, the staff! This is a BIG one. The staff at Bong's are... wonderful. Seriously. They're super friendly, helpful, and have a genuine warmth that makes you feel welcome. Their English is pretty good, too. I'm NOT fluent in Vietnamese, and I got by just fine. They were always happy to help with directions, recommendations, or booking tours. They even helped me haggle at a market (which, if you've ever tried to navigate the art of Vietnamese bartering, you'll understand is a HUGE win). They're the kind of people who remember your name and smile when they see you. It almost felt like staying at a particularly hip and stylish friend's place.
I remember one time, I got completely lost trying to find a specific street food stall I'd read about on some blog. I was wandering around in circles, drenched in sweat, and feeling incredibly frustrated. I stumbled back to Bong’s, defeated, and the woman at reception--I wish I'd remembered her name!--saw my face and immediately knew something was wrong. She helped me find the stall's location on the map, drew me a little map of how to get there, and, I swear to you, I thought she might have been sending me on my own secret quest. I eventually found the stall and ate the best meal of my life. They made my trip. Period.
I'm a light sleeper. Noise levels? Are those motorbikes keeping me awake all night?
Okay, this is a fair question. Hanoi is LOUD. Like, intensely loud. The motorbikes are a constant soundtrack. Bong's does a pretty good job of soundproofing, but you're not going to get complete silence. Bring earHotels Blog Guide
