Hue's Hidden Gem: METTA Homestay - Your Dream Vietnamese Escape!
Hue's Hidden Gem: METTA Homestay - My Dream Vietnamese Escape (With a Side of Chaos!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from what I can confidently declare was a vibe. And that vibe was all about METTA Homestay in Hue. Seriously, this place isn't just a hotel; it's a freaking experience. And yes, I'm still buzzing from it, even after a 24-hour travel marathon.
Let's get this straight: I'm the type of traveler who usually ends up in some sterile, soul-less chain hotel. I’m talking beige carpets, identical lampshades, and the faint aroma of institutional disinfectant. But this time? This time, I lived. And METTA Homestay? It was the damn portal.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack about Accessibility)
Arriving at METTA, you immediately get that "Wow, this isn’t a cookie-cutter place" feeling. It's got a gorgeous, slightly overgrown (in a good way!) courtyard, and a real sense of peace that just washes over you. Now, I'm not personally in the market for wheelchair accessibility or anything like that, but glancing around, I realized there might be some issues for those with mobility needs. ( Accessibility: I'm going to have to research this further, as the initial impression isn't super clear. I see an elevator, which is a huge win, but I didn't get a sense of the full scope during my stay. Facilities for disabled guests is listed, and I'd definitely need to check that out. I'll update this as soon as I can).
The Room (and the Battle with Blackout Curtains)
My room! Oh, god, my room. It wasn't just a room; it was a sanctuary. I’m guessing it was one of the Non-smoking rooms, because, you know, rules. And thank god for that! Air conditioning? Check. Air conditioning in public area? (Also check, because Vietnam heat is serious.) Free Wi-Fi? YES! Wi-Fi [free] in the room? Double YES! Seriously, I needed those insta-stories to go wild! Internet access – wireless was flawless. Shoutout to the Wake-up service that actually worked! (Unlike that one time in Paris…)
Okay, so the Blackout Curtains…they were a challenge. I'm a light sleeper, and the fight to get those babies completely closed was a daily war. Maybe I'm a dummy, but honestly, they seemed to have a mind of their own. (My verdict: mostly effective, but don't expect complete darkness at 6 am.) But the Extra long bed was a godsend (I'm a tall gal). The plush Bathrobes and the Slippers? Pure luxury. And the Seating area? Perfect for plotting world domination…or, you know, eating a mango. I had a Desk, but I mostly just Instagrammed from it. Complimentary tea? Sold.
Cleanliness and Safety – Important Stuff (and a Tiny Grumble)
Listen, in the current climate, Cleanliness and safety are everything. And METTA totally crushed it. I am a germaphobe, let's be honest. I saw Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, and even Sterilizing equipment. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere. Seriously, I could bathe in the stuff. (Don't worry, I didn't.)
While Room sanitization opt-out available offers flexibility. The fact that they're actively wiping down surfaces everywhere made me feel incredibly safe. They also seemed to really pay attention to Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. My only minor complaint? The hand soap dispensers were a little old-school. But hey, they're keeping things clean, that really matters.
Food, Glorious Food! (and the Breakfast Buffet's Secrets)
Okay, let's talk food. Vietnam! The food is why you go, right? METTA did not disappoint. Breakfast [buffet] was a morning highlight, an absolute assault on my taste buds in the best possible way. It was a classic Asian breakfast, including a variety of local dishes and of course, a wide variety of tropical fruits. They also had Western breakfast options for the less adventurous (or hungover). If you're like me, you'll be loading up on the local delicacies. Coffee was a must, and I think I practically inhaled the coffee/tea in the restaurant the entire time. I even had Breakfast in room one glorious morning where I was still stuffed from the night before. I didn't bother with Breakfast takeaway service (see above, stuffed).
During the day, I grabbed a snack in the Snack bar for some quick fuel before heading to the spa. There was also A la carte in restaurant and a Buffet in restaurant so you can definitely find something to suit your mood. Restaurants galore, and I even contemplated the Vegetarian restaurant because the produce was just so damn good.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and Pure Bliss
My God, the spa. The spa! I'm drooling just thinking about it. They offer a mind-blowing array of treatments. Massage was my go-to (because, duh). I had a Body scrub that left my skin feeling like a baby's bottom (seriously, smooth AF). I also had a Body wrap, which was an experience. They have a Sauna, and Spa, and Spa/sauna. If you need it, they've got it. It even includes a Foot bath. My favorite part? The whole area's super serene, with a stunning Pool with view. Heaven.
They also have a freaking Swimming pool [outdoor] and an Swimming pool so you can just lounge around. I mean, I don’t normally get to the gym, but, Fitness center also exists!
Things to Do (Beyond Blissing Out – if you can manage it)
Hue itself is fascinating. There's a lot to see and do, but I'm not going to lie, I mostly wanted to do nothing, and METTA was the perfect base camp for that. They had Sightseeing tours and are definitely willing to help you explore Hue, but I was mostly content to exist in a state of bliss.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras That Make it Special
Alright, this is where METTA really shines. They thought of everything. Concierge service that actually helps you. Daily housekeeping, of course. Laundry service because let's be real, nobody wants to do laundry on vacation. Car park [free of charge] (yay, no parking headaches!). Luggage storage. Currency exchange. Cash withdrawal. Doorman. You name it, they've got it. And, bonus points for Contactless check-in/out! (Because pandemic).
For the Kids (and those of us who are Kids at Heart)
I didn't bring any kids, but I did see a Babysitting service and Family/child friendly offerings. Kids can definitely have a blast here. From what I saw, it's set up for families, and I'm sure they will love it!
The Quirky Bits, the Imperfections, and Why I'd Go Back in a Heartbeat
Okay, let's get real. Nothing's perfect. (Except maybe that massage, seriously). The Exterior corridor felt a little exposed at times, and the occasional noise from outside (people chatting, scooters whizzing by) did manage to penetrate the Soundproof rooms. But honestly? Those are the small things.
Here's the thing: METTA has heart. The staff are genuinely friendly and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. (They even offered to help me find a replacement for a missing sock – though, I declined, I think they secretly like seeing guests' mishaps). The vibe is laid-back but luxurious. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and recharge.
My verdict? Run, don't walk. Book this place. Seriously. Consider this a personal intervention from moi: METTA Homestay is a must-stay!
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Escape to Paradise: Book Your Dream Vietnamese Getaway at METTA Homestay!
Ready to experience the authentic charm of Hue? METTA Homestay is your gateway to a truly unforgettable Vietnamese escape. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, incredible spa treatments, delicious food, and unparalleled service.
Why choose METTA Homestay?
- Unbeatable Value: Exceptional service and amenities at a surprising price point.
- Prime Location: Explore the historical and cultural highlights of Hue.
- Relaxation Redefined: Indulge in spa treatments, unwind by the pool, and experience pure bliss.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Enjoy a range of activities, from cultural tours to culinary delights.
Book your stay today and discover the hidden gem that is METTA Homestay! **[Insert
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Metta Homestay, Hue: A Whirlwind, A Wallow, and Maybe Some Sunshine (Also, Mosquitoes)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-perfect travelogue. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably slightly mosquito-bitten truth of my Hue adventure, centered around the lovely, but let's be honest, not always perfectly air-conditioned, Metta Homestay.
Day 1: Arrival, Ancient Citadel Dreams, and a Near-Drowning in Pho
Morning (ish): Landed in Da Nang. Airport chaos. Seriously, why do they put the "currency exchange" kiosk way at the back? Was already sweating like a pig before I even saw a cyclops-operated taxi. Finally, haggled my way to a cab (or what I thought was a cab, looked more like a rusty tin can) and the driver, bless his heart, probably thought I was insane for wanting to go to Hue. The drive was long, hot, and involved a near-death experience dodging a scooter weaving through traffic. Arrived at Metta Homestay slightly traumatized, but relieved to see the promised oasis of calm.
Afternoon: Metta Homestay… okay, it's charming. Very charming. Flowers, the aroma of incense, smiling faces. Offered a welcome drink – some sort of hibiscus iced tea – which I inhaled in about two seconds. The humidity was killing me. Dropped my bag in my "deluxe" room (the fan was on, bless them), and then plunged into the Citadel. The Imperial City, forbidden city… it was massive. Walked around, sweating buckets, feeling hopelessly lost. Tried to picture the emperors and their court life… mostly imagined them all fanning themselves and complaining about the heat, just like me.
Evening: Pho. OMG, the pho. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place near Metta, and the broth, the noodles, the herbs… pure bliss. Tried to be all sophisticated and use chopsticks, but ended up splashing pho everywhere. Nearly choked on a chili. Ate so much I thought I might actually drown in it. Stumbled back to Metta, feeling utterly stuffed and utterly defeated by my own clumsiness, but happy. Sat on the balcony, swatting mosquitoes, and watched the city lights twinkle. Started journaling and immediately fell asleep with the pen in my hand. Classic.
Day 2: Tomb Raiding (and Regret), River Rambles, and Karaoke Catastrophe
Morning: The gods of sleep had forsaken me. Woke up early, sun already blasting through the curtains. Decided to conquer the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs. Took a motorbike taxi (risky, but adventurous!). The pagoda was serene, the views were amazing, but the trip was more about seeing something than the experience itself. The Thien Mu Pagoda was great, but the tombs… Hoo boy.
Afternoon: The Royal Tombs. I chose the Tomb of Tu Duc. It was beautiful, sure, grand even, but god, I was not prepared for the sheer… scale. Walked around for hours, scorching in the sun, feeling guilty that my shoes kept crunching on the ancient tombs. It became more about finding shade and water than appreciating the history. Should have brought a hat. Should have brought water. Should have brought a brain. I was seriously considering just collapsing on a tomb and taking a nap when I saw a kid jump in from the top of a pagoda. I wanted to do that to, but with a can of coke. The heat had turned me into a cranky, dehydrated mess.
Evening: More pho. Clearly, I had a problem. Met some other travelers at Metta, and the karaoke thing came up. I usually avoid karaoke like the plague, but the beer was cheap and the group influence was powerful. BIG MISTAKE. My rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" resulted in a chorus of laughter and a sudden exodus from the room. Ended the night hiding in my room, listening to crickets and replaying my karaoke failure. Seriously, I cringed, I hide.
Day 3: The Perfume River & Floating Markets -- Or, The Day I Almost Got Eaten By a Fish
Morning: Determined to have a "cultural experience," I booked a Perfume River boat tour. The river itself was pretty, shimmering in the sunlight. The boat was…rustic. The guide was full of stories, but my mind was drifting - probably from the heat. We went to the floating market. It wasn't what I’d imagined… definitely wasn't the bustling metropolis of produce and boats. More of a… a sad, slightly smelly collection of boats.
Afternoon: After a brief, and thankfully uneventful, visit to a riverside monastery, we stopped for lunch on the boat. Food was passable, the view was nice… but then, THEN, there was the fish. A monstrous, silver fish, lurking in the water around the boat. It got real close to me. I swear, I thought it was going to jump in and swallow me whole. Pure terror. Didn't eat fish for the rest of the trip. Okay, maybe a little.
Evening: The last night at Metta. Had dinner with the other guests, exchanged travel stories. Metta really is a special place. The staff were always friendly, even when I was dripping sweat all over the place. Said goodbye, feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness. The heat was relentless, the mosquitoes were fierce, my karaoke skills were atrocious, but Hue… Hue had gotten to me.
Day 4: Farewell Hue, Hello Next Disaster
- Morning: Packed. Said goodbye to the charming staff. Walked out and got lost in the middle of the road. Found myself again, but sweating as usual. Took a bus. On the way, realized I'd left my favorite scarf. Perfect. Hue, you beautiful, chaotic, mosquito-ridden beast, I will miss you.
Hue's Hidden Gem: METTA Homestay - Your Dream Vietnamese Escape! (Or Is It?) - FAQs!
So, like, what even IS METTA Homestay? Is it actually a 'dream escape', or just… another place?
What’s the vibe? Is it chill? Is it party central? I need to know!
The rooms… what are they *really* like? The website probably lies, right?
Food! The MOST important question. Tell me everything! Is it good? Is it included? Is it… authentic?
Is it easy to get around? And are the owners helpful with arranging things like tours or transportation?
What’s the best thing about staying at METTA? I need to know the deal-breaker!
Are there any downsides? Be honest! I need to know what to actually expect.
Is METTA Homestay suitable for families with young children?
Would you go back? Like, in a heartbeat?
