Hanoi's Hidden Gem: 3BR StarLake Apartment - Unbelievable Comfort!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: 3BR StarLake Apartment - Unbelievable Comfort! (Or, How I Almost Moved to Vietnam)
Okay, buckle up, because this is less a review and more a love letter, a cautionary tale, and a slightly manic confession all rolled into one. I just got back from Hanoi, and I’m still half-expecting to wake up in that ridiculously comfy bed. And honestly? I nearly considered selling everything and just… staying. This 3BR StarLake Apartment? It's not just good. It's dangerously good.
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- Meta Description: Unforgettable stay at Hanoi's 3BR StarLake Apartment! Read my detailed review: accessibility, on-site dining, incredible spa, and all the amenities you could dream of. Seriously, I almost didn't leave.
The Awful Truth (and the Glorious Truth): Accessibility – Did they think of everyone?
Alright, let's start with the practical stuff, because that's what I, a semi-sane traveler, appreciate first: the apartment's layout was surprisingly good. I didn't have any reason to use a wheelchair, but I noticed wide doorways, good maneuverability, and an elevator. And bonus points for having accessible routes around the property including the outdoor pool area. They seem to have thought about accessibility. Now, did I check every single corner for super specific things? No. BUT! Initial impressions are great. I might even recommend it to my wheelchair-using friend, even though their standards are beyond mine.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Food, Glorious Food! (And the occasional hiccup)
The on-site restaurants kept my belly and soul incredibly happy. We are talking Asian cuisine, western cuisine, buffet, you name it! It's truly amazing! I particularly enjoyed the Asian cuisine in restaurant and the Western cuisine, there was something for everyone. I have to say, the food was generally fantastic but the service was sometimes a bit… slow. Like, “let’s contemplate the meaning of life while waiting for our soup” slow. BUT the food was always worth the wait. The coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings, and the Poolside bar was my personal happy place. You know how sometimes it would seem like it wasn't so accessible, maybe a slight bit of a walk, but honestly, after a couple of Banh Xeo and Beer, you barely notice. I'm not sure, though, if the Happy hour was worth it compared to the prices for the food.
Wheelchair Accessible: (See above – looks promising!)
Living the Dream (and the Laundry): Internet, Entertainment & Convenience
Okay, let's be real: the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet [LAN]. It was fast, reliable, and I may or may not have spent an unhealthy amount of time streaming shows. Okay, I definitely did. The Internet services were flawless. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also great. So, no complaints on this end!
And the convenience! Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store! These are the things that make traveling a breeze. The Daily housekeeping was a godsend, especially after I spilled pho broth all over the sofa (long story). The Laundry service saved my travel wardrobe. And the Elevator? Essential. Particularly when I am carrying my bags!
Pampering Paradise: Ways to Relax (and Spend All Your Money)
This is where it gets… dangerous. The spa! The glorious, heavenly, money-sucking spa! They had everything!
- Body scrub: yes, please! I felt like a new person after.
- Body wrap: I'm not sure I knew what I was getting into, but after, I was SO SO RELAXED.
- Fitness center: (Tried it once – felt guilty the rest of the trip)
- Foot bath: A pure bliss!
- Gym/fitness: See the response to "fitness center"
- Massage: Oh. My. God. The best massage I've ever had. Seriously. I went back three times. Their masseuses are magic. I kind of wanted to smuggle one home in my suitcase.
- Pool with view: Stunning. Just… stunning. Watching the Hanoi city from the pool at sunrise was something else.
- Sauna: Perfectly heated. I felt so good that I wish I had been there longer.
- Spa: (See above)
- Spa/sauna: (Get the idea?)
- Steamroom: Another hit.
- Swimming pool: (See above under "pool with view")
They had all the bells and whistles. Okay, maybe not all the bells, but a crapton, and it was all amazing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Hand Sanitizer Galore!)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I was thrilled about the cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer everywhere! Professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt incredibly safe. The Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. They really care for their guests. I have to say they took things very seriously and that really made my trip perfect.
Food, Glorious Food: The Buffet Binge (and The Secret Ingredient)
The dining options were epic. The Asian breakfast was fantastic (pho, anyone?). The Western breakfast offered everything you could want (okay, maybe not everything; the bacon situation wasn't perfect, but hey, this is Vietnam).
- Breakfast [buffet] & Buffet in restaurant: I spent almost an hour per day at the breakfast buffet, a testament to how good it was.
- A la carte in restaurant & Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: These were my go-to spots for a quick bite.
- Bar & Happy hour: Excellent, but can get expensive.
- Bottled water: Always provided, a godsend in the Hanoi heat.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were… dangerous. I may have eaten a few too many.
- Poolside bar: The perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail.
- Restaurants: Plenty of options to eat.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for late-night cravings (which I definitely had).
- Salad in restaurant: Fresh and delicious.
- Snack bar: Great for a quick bite by the pool.
- Soup in restaurant: The perfect comfort food.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Good vegetarian options available, although I did not try any.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: A nice change of pace from the Asian cuisine.
The food was generally exceptional. And the secret ingredient? Probably love. Or maybe just, like, really good chefs.
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond (Seriously)
The Air conditioning in public area was a MUST-HAVE, especially in the humid weather. Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery: The Food delivery was so good that I almost never went out.
I didn't need a lot of those services. But they are there!
The staff were friendly, polite, and always willing to help. Especially important when I forgot my charger at the check-in.
For the Kids (And the Kid in Me):
While I wasn't traveling with kids, I noticed these services were available: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. So if you're traveling with family, this is a massive bonus.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, I have to be brutally honest. The soundproofing in my room wasn't quite perfect. I did hear some street noise at times. Also, the gym equipment felt a bit dated. And the price tag… it's definitely a luxury. But honestly, the comfort, the service, the overall experience… it was worth every penny, at least for once in a lifetime.
Getting Around & The Little Extras
- Airport transfer: Easy and convenient.
- Car park [free of charge/on-site]: A plus. You won't be disappointed.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
The Verdict:
This place? It's addictive. It's luxurious. It's the kind of place where you’ll never want to leave. Honestly, I'm already planning my return. Just be warned: going to the
Beijing's Hidden Gem: Zhong Yi Peng Ao Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get my Hanoi itinerary. Forget the perfectly-polished travel blogs, this is the raw, unedited truth. Prepare for chaos. Buckle up.
Comfy Apartment -3BR★ StarLake Hanoi: My Brainchild (and Home Base) - July 12th - 20th, 2024 (ish)
Okay, let's be real, the "Comfy Apartment" part? Spot on. The "3BR"? Yeah, alright. The "*StarLake Hanoi Vietnam" part? Sold me. I needed a base, a sanctuary, a place to collapse after the inevitable scooter accident/cultural faux pas. This promised that.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic - July 12th (or Whenever the Heck I Land)
- Morning: Ugh. Flights. The bane of my existence. So, I'm picturing myself stumbling out of the airport, looking like a crumpled napkin, jetlag punching me in the gut. Taxi negotiation commences – the first true test of my pathetic Vietnamese skills. I'm already envisioning the "I need more money!" face. Wish me luck.
- Afternoon: Finally reach the apartment. Breathe. Assess. Is it actually comfy? Did the photos lie? (They always lie, right? Like Instagram models and their impossible waists.) Unpack. Discover that I inevitably packed like I'm moving to Mars. Regret the five pairs of impractical shoes.
- Evening: The hunt for food. My stomach is already making threatening noises. Street food is the goal, but let's be honest, I'm probably going to end up hopelessly confused, point at a random thing, and praying it's edible. I'm banking on Bún chả. I've seen pictures. It looks delicious. Hope. Hope springs eternal. Probably cry a little out of sheer overwhelm. Maybe accidentally buy a fake Rolex while I'm at it. (Mom, if you're reading this, I swear I won't!)
Day 2: The Old Quarter Tango & My Existential Crisis - July 13th (or whenever reality allows)
- Morning: Okay, Old Quarter time. This is where I'm supposed to be utterly charmed, right? The charming chaos of the city. (Can I cope?) The maze of streets. The motorbikes. The constant honking. Armed with my carefully highlighted Lonely Planet guide (that's gonna be useless, isn't it?).
- Afternoon: Lost. DEFINITELY lost. Probably sweating profusely. Wondering if I should've just stayed home and binged Netflix. Trying to bargain for something – anything – and failing miserably. Feeling like a giant, sweaty, out-of-place idiot. Okay, maybe I'll treat myself to a Bia Hoi (local beer) to calm my nerves.
- Evening: Trying to find a restaurant my friend recommended. Apparently, it's "just around the corner!" (Famous last words.) End up in a completely different area. Eat a slightly questionable spring roll from a street vendor. Contemplate my life choices. Question the wisdom of this trip. But, the beer kicks in. Okay, Hanoi, you're…growing on me.
Day 3: Halong Bay Bound - The Anticipation (and Anxiety)
- Morning: Prepping for Halong Bay! This is the big one, supposed to be all majestic and Instagrammable. Research booking, check! Pack everything! (I'm starting to wonder if I didn't get enough rest before my flight). But, before leaving Hanoi, I have to find some good Ca Phe Trung (Vietnamese Egg Coffee). I'm told it's amazing. I'm skeptical, but I'm a sucker for anything coffee-related.
- Afternoon: The bus ride to Halong! I'm expecting either a very scenic experience. I'm bringing motion sickness pills just in case. (I'm a wuss, I admit it.) I want a good book but I feel like I'll get lost again in the bus.
- Evening: Arrive at Halong. Oh, that views, but I'm tired as hell! I'm just going to rest in my hotel to recharge.
Day 4: Halong Bay - The Dream (and the Dread)
- Morning: Waking up in a junk (that's a boat, to the uninitiated). The photos! Oh, the photos! The emerald waters, the limestone karsts, the perfect blue skies… except it's probably going to be cloudy. Or raining. Or both.
- Afternoon: Kayaking. Or attempting to kayak. Probably capsize. Probably make a fool of myself. Possibly see some actually stunning scenery and think, "Wow, Hanoi… you did good." Also, a cave! Definitely a cave. Feeling a flicker of genuine wonder.
- Evening: Dinner on the boat. Seafood, hopefully not the questionable kind. Chat with the other tourists. Pretend I'm effortless and worldly. Secretly miss my comfy apartment.
Day 5: Halong Bay - The Farewell (and the Hangover)
- Morning: Another day of sea, but also a bittersweet feeling. It's time to go to Hanoi.
- Afternoon: After getting back to Hanoi. I need a quick lunch, just to find some energy.
- Evening: Going for a walk in the evening. Finding a bar, taking a few beers and relaxing.
Day 6: Culture Shock, Round Two (and the Search for Pho) - July 18th
- Morning: I can't avoid it any longer: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Attempt to act respectful. Probably fail. Feel vaguely guilty about not knowing more. Struggle with the heat. Wonder if air conditioning was ever invented.
- Afternoon: Intense Pho hunt. This is a mission. I'm hunting down the perfect bowl of Pho. The one that will change my life. The one that will justify all the travel stress. The one… that's probably going to be miles away.
- Evening: After the Pho, I will be going to the water puppet show. And I will be crying. Yes, I am a grown man. So what? It's water puppets! It's cultural! It's…probably going to be weird. But I can't not go, and I'm ready to enjoy it.
Day 7: Cooking Class & Street Food Mania - July 19th
- Morning: Cooking class! Attempt to master the art of Vietnamese cooking. Fail miserably (again, probably). Accidentally set something on fire. Get covered in turmeric. Realize I could've just watched a YouTube video.
- Afternoon: Street food bonanza! Armed with newfound confidence and a complete disregard for hygiene, I'm hitting EVERY stall. Banh Mi, spring rolls (again, because I just can't resist), maybe even a bit of… something… from a cart. The chaos, the smells, the constant buzz – I feel alive!
- Evening: Back at the apartment. Reflecting on the week. Feeling oddly…content. Maybe Hanoi isn't so bad after all.
Day 8: Departure & The Great Unpacking - July 20th (or whenever I have to leave)
- Morning: The dreaded packing. Try to fit everything back into my suitcase. Fail. Leave behind a mountain of souvenirs I'll probably regret. Say a reluctant goodbye to my comfy apartment.
- Afternoon: Last-minute Pho run! Just one more for the road.
- Evening: Airport. Sadness. Planning my triumphant return to Hanoi. Dreaming already.
- Late Night: Flight home. Exhausted. Grateful. Vowing to learn more Vietnamese… eventually.
Important Notes on Imperfection:
- Transportation: Motorbikes, scooters, taxis – chaos, chaos, chaos. Embrace the chaos.
- Food: I will eat ALL the things. I refuse to be a picky eater. (Except durian. That's where I draw the line.)
- Emotions: Expect highs, lows, confusion, and moments of sheer, unadulterated joy.
- Flexibility: This itinerary is a suggestion. I will get lost. I will change my mind. I will probably end up in a completely random place at any given time. That's okay. That's the fun of it.
- The Comfy Apartment: Promise yourself a good rest. Maybe the view is beautiful. And, of course, I have a lot to look forward to.
And that, my friends, is my Hanoi adventure in a nutshell. Wish me luck. I'm probably gonna need it.
Unbelievable Bellevue Luxury: The Westin Bellevue Awaits!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: 3BR StarLake Apartment - Unbelievable Comfort! (FAQ - The Real Deal)
Alright, listen up, because I'm about to lay down the TRUTH about this StarLake Apartment thing. Forget the glossy brochures and the perfectly-posed photos. This is how it *actually* went down. Buckle up.
1. So, StarLake Apartment... Really "Unbelievable Comfort?" Or just another overhyped place?
Okay, "Unbelievable Comfort" is... well, it's marketing, isn't it? BUT, and this is a big but, it's pretty damn close. I mean, after dodging traffic that would make a demolition derby look tame, and breathing in that Hanoi air (delicious, but…intense), walking into StarLake felt like stepping into… a fluffy cloud of… clean air? The AC was legendary. Seriously. It was like they had a personal Arctic blast on tap. I'd say overall, the comfort level is HIGH. Think five-star hotel, but with a kitchen full of instant noodles. (More on that later...)
**My Anecdote:** Arriving after a 14-hour flight from hell, all I wanted was a shower. The water pressure? Glorious. I stood there for, like, a solid twenty minutes, just letting the hot water melt away the travel stress. That, my friends, is a sign of “unbelievable-ish” comfort. Now if only they had a slightly better selection of Shampoo. I am not gonna lie, my hair felt a bit… straw-like after day one...
2. Is this place actually *hidden*? Because, you know, Google Maps lies sometimes.
Hidden? Hmm. Not exactly. It's not like you need a compass and a Sherpa to find it. But it's definitely not smack-dab in the middle of the Old Quarter chaos, which, honestly, is a huge plus. The StarLake area itself is nice. A bit...corporate maybe? Lots of sleek high-rises. But, and this is crucial, it's quiet. Serene. You can actually hear yourself think! Which is a rare commodity in Hanoi.
**The Imperfection I Gotta Mention**: Okay, the taxi drivers. They *knew* where it was, mostly. But a couple of times, I had to wave frantically and point at the general direction, which ended the discussion. So: Make sure you have the address *and* a visual. Trust me. That's how you survive.
3. Three bedrooms. Who are you, a Kardashian clan? Was it actually *spacious*?!
Alright, listen. I'm not a Kardashian. I was traveling with a couple of friends. And YES, it WAS spacious! More than spacious. Luxurious. Like, "can I get lost in here for a week?" spacious. Each bedroom felt genuinely private. (A HUGE plus, when you're sharing a space with people who snore like chainsaws). The living room was massive. Plenty of room for us to have a chaotic game night. And the kitchen? Well...
**My Quirky Observation (and Slightly Messy Revelation):** The kitchen was… beautifully equipped. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops… all the fancy stuff. And yet… it mostly became a landing zone for snacks and instant noodles. We *tried* to cook, we really did. But the street food was so impossibly delicious and cheap, that effort quickly went out the window. So, I guess it could be the perfect kitchen or the perfect counter space, depending on whether you're feeling the cooking side or the eating side.
4. What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Wifi that actually works? (I need the truth!)
Okay, the amenities. This is a crucial question, because this is the dealbreaker. The pool? Yep, there was a decent-sized pool. Clean, refreshing after a day of haggling over scooter prices. I didn't use the gym though, because, well, Hanoi street food. It was an option, but the pull of pho was stronger.
**Emotional Reaction (and a bit of a rant):** The Wi-Fi? It got a bit sketchy at times. Drops. Interruptions. The kind of thing that makes you want to scream when you’re desperately trying to upload a video that documents the greatest Pho you have ever eaten, mind you! Honestly, in this day and age – and with how advanced everything felt otherwise- it was a bit of a downer. They really need to iron out the kinks. But, I survived. I eventually found a coffee shop with solid Wi-Fi (and even better coffee) close by.
5. Location, location, location! How easy is it to get around from StarLake?
Alright, the location. It's not *in* the thick of the action, which can be a good or bad thing. It's not right in the Old Quarter. But taxis and Grab (the ride-hailing app) are readily available and cheap. Getting to the key sights was easy. It took us about 20-30 minutes to the main tourist spots.
**More Rambling and Honest Feelings:** Yeah, it was convenient enough. I preferred being a little removed from the constant hustle. The trade-off is that you're not stumbling out of a bar and directly into your apartment. But honestly, I think the peace and quiet were worth it. Plus, the taxi rides gave you a chance to people-watch. Which is ALWAYS entertaining in Hanoi.
6. Is it worth the money? Give me the financial gut check!
Listen, I'm not made of money. But, considering the space, the comfort, and the relative tranquility, yes. I'd say it was a good value. Splitting the cost with friends definitely made it affordable. Sure, you could find cheaper, more basic accommodation. But if you want something that’s a step up, something that offers a little bit of breathing room, the StarLake apartment is a solid choice.
**Opinionated Language and Real-World Pacing**: Honestly, if you're traveling with a group and you’re looking for a bit of luxury, this is the place to be. Sure, the Wi-Fi could be better. But that’s a small price to pay, when you weigh in the other pros.
7. Any hidden drawbacks? Spill the tea!
