Ho Chi Minh City's HOTTEST Penthouse: Gym, Pool, Bathtub Views! (Ben Thanh)
Ho Chi Minh City's HOTTEST Penthouse: Gym, Pool, Bathtub Views! (Ben Thanh)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the sensory overload that is Ho Chi Minh City's HOTTEST Penthouse: Gym, Pool, Bathtub Views! (Ben Thanh). Forget the Instagram filters, I'm giving you the real, unvarnished truth. This ain't a perfectly polished travel brochure; this is me, spilling the beans (and probably some pho broth) on my experience.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Rollercoaster of Getting In and Out
Getting there? That’s HCMC in a nutshell. Chaotic, exhilarating, and a test of your sanity. Airport transfer? Absolutely crucial. They had it – thank god. Now, the actual penthouse? Blessedly, the elevator works. Essential for a building crammed into the bustling heart of Ben Thanh. I'm happy to report, they had an elevator! Though its a little tight, and I'm not sure how wheelchair-accessible it truly is. But hey, it's HCMC, you gotta adapt. Finding your way is a adventure.
The Rooms: My Sanity Oasis (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk about the penthouse. The reason you're reading this. The views? Yeah, they're insane. Think jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy, "I can't believe I'm actually here" levels of epic. The bathtub with the views? Sigh. Forget all your worries and relax into a comfortable bath.
Now, the devil's in the details. While the bathrobes and slippers are a nice touch, and the blackout curtains are essential for battling jet lag, there were times when I forgot what time it was. This is how one should enjoy a vacation!
- Good points: Air conditioning (thank GOD), free Wi-Fi everywhere (including the bathtub - yes, I tested it), in-room safe box, mini bar that's not aggressively priced (score!), and decent internet access – wireless. They even had complimentary tea and bottled water – small wins, people, small wins!
- Room for improvement: The soundproofing could be better. You're in the middle of the city, so expect a symphony of horns, motorbikes, and the general hustle and bustle. The lighting in some areas felt a bit sterile. Give me some mood lighting, especially in that bathtub situation! Let's get romantic!
Cleanliness and Safety: Germs, Glory, and the Quest for Hand Sanitizer
Okay, I'm not going to lie, I was a little paranoid about germs. The pandemic is still very much a thing, and the thought of sharing a hotel room with who-knows-what was terrifying. They made a BIG deal about anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, which was a relief. They even supposedly have professional-grade sanitizing services and rooms sanitized between stays. The staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuine. I felt overall pretty safe. They had a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit which is essential if you are traveling.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and the Hangover)
The restaurants were a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was…interesting. Let's just say, not everything was to my Western palate. The Western breakfast was, however, a lifesaver. Coffee/tea in restaurant and coffee shop were essential. The poolside bar was a highlight – perfect for cocktails with a view. They offered A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, they also provided Vegetarian restaurant services.
- Pro-tip: Don’t be afraid to explore the street food scene. It’s part of the experience. Just… proceed with caution and pack some anti-diarrheal medicine.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Living the High Life (Literally)
Alright, here's where the penthouse REALLY shines. The pool with view? Stunning. I mean, absolutely jaw-dropping. I spent hours just floating around, staring at the city. The fitness center/ Gym/fitness was surprisingly well-equipped. They even had a sauna.
And the spa… Oh, the spa. I treated myself to a massage. This was life-changing. I wanted a body scrub and body wrap too, but I had to leave.
- The Anecdote That Sums It All Up: Picture this: I'm lounging by the pool at sunset, cocktail in hand, when suddenly, a flock of pigeons decides to stage a fly-by. Then, the power goes out for a few terrifying minutes. Only in HCMC. It's those moments of unexpected chaos that make the experience so unforgettable.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Sometimes Don't)
- Concierge – helpful. Daily housekeeping – appreciated. Laundry service and dry cleaning – saved my life.
- Cash withdrawal and currency exchange always available. The elevator was never broken (a miracle!), but the facilities for disabled guests felt limited (a potential area for improvement).
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events: If you're planning a corporate thing, great. Otherwise, meh. I prefer just sipping bottle of water on the terrace and people-watching.
My Emotional Verdict
The HOTTEST Penthouse: Gym, Pool, Bathtub Views! (Ben Thanh) is not perfect. It's a little rough around the edges, quirky, sometimes a little frustrating, and occasionally a little scary (the motorbikes are terrifying). But that's what makes it real. It's a taste of the raw, unfiltered energy of Ho Chi Minh City, wrapped in a package of luxury and stunning views.
Who should stay here?
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway (hello, bathtub views!).
- Wellness enthusiasts who appreciate a good gym and spa.
- Anyone who wants to experience the city's energy from a unique perspective.
Who should not stay here?
- Those who demand absolute perfection (you'll be disappointed).
- Someone who is extremely sensitive to noise.
- Those who prefer a predictable, sterile hotel experience.
My Offer
Stop Wasting Time! Live the HCMC Dream, NOW!
Tired of bland hotel rooms? Craving Insta-worthy views and a plunge into the city's heart? Our HOTTEST Penthouse: Gym, Pool, Bathtub Views! (Ben Thanh) is screaming your name!
Here's why you need to book NOW:
- Unrivaled Views: Witness the sunset over the city from your private bathtub.
- Luxury & Comfort: Enjoy all the amenities you need to relax and rejuvenate.
- Prime Location: Explore Ben Thanh, the heart of HCMC, while staying in a private sanctuary.
Book now and get a a special discount for our readers!
Don't wait! Book your stay today and experience the magic of Ho Chi Minh City!
(Link to Booking Here – Get Clicking!)
P.S. Bring earplugs. And maybe an adventurous spirit. You'll need both!
Paris: The Ultimate Guide (You WON'T Believe #3!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Luxstay gig in Ho Chi Minh City is not going to be a perfectly sculpted travel brochure. Expect less "precise timings" and more "holy crap, did I really eat that much pho?" This is gonna get messy, real quick. Luxstay Penthouse Pandemonium in Saigon: A Semi-Planned Chaos
(Day 1: Arrival and Utter Exhaustion – Or, "Where's the freaking pool?" )
- 14:00 hours (ish): Touchdown at Tan Son Nhat. Jet lag is a lying, thieving bastard. I swear, I packed my brain cells in the wrong suitcase. Finding the Luxstay key and navigating the elevator… challenging. The lobby smells faintly of jasmine and desperation (mine).
- 15:00 hours (maybe): Penhouse discovery! The view tho. Okay, wow. Ben Thanh market in my sights, the chaotic street life of Saigon spread below. Slightly terrifying and utterly breathtaking all at once. Immediately, though I see the gym. I think "after the pool" but…
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Is the pool actually real? Photos always lie. This is important. What if its colder than it looks? Im tired, the sweat and smell of 2 flights will haunt me until I leave.
- 15:30 hours: Pool checked. Gorgeous. A tiny bit greener than the photos suggested (maybe the lighting?), but still, I'm in. This is going to be my happy place, I can feel it. Spent far longer floating and staring at the skyline than I am comfortable admitting. The silence, save for the distant honking, was… almost overwhelming after the airport ordeal.
- 17:00 hours: Bathtub check! Oh, the bliss. Hot water, fancy bubbles. Finally, a moment to unpack my brain and try to think about the day. This is what I came for.
- Anecdote Alert: Tried to use the bath bomb I brought. Turns out, it was way too strong, and the bathroom now smells like a sugar factory exploded. Oops. Definitely a rookie mistake.
- 19:00 hours: Pho! Finding a place, ANY place, for authentic pho is no easy task. Went through a few streets, ended up in a small "local" place, which turned out to be a glorious greasy spoon of pure deliciousness. I swear, I slurped down the whole bowl in record time. My face is probably covered in broth, and I couldn't care less.
- 21:00 hours: Back at the Luxstay. Currently fighting the urge to pass out. This jetlag is seriously kicking my butt. "Planning for the next day"… not sure. Maybe. Definitely.
(Day 2: Ben Thanh Market Mayhem and Gym-Induced Regret)
- 09:00 hours: Wake up! The view still takes my breath away. Coffee time. Seriously contemplating just spending my whole trip sipping Vietnamese coffee and watching the city wake up.
- Observation: The traffic chaos in Saigon is a work of art. Total anarchy, yet everyone seems to know exactly what they're doing. Me? I'm lost.
- 10:00 hours: Ben Thanh Market: Okay. This is sensory overload. Bright colors, shouting vendors, the smell of spices that hit you in the face like a flavor explosion. Bought a hat. Probably overpaid. Don’t care!
- Anecdote: Got seriously haggled over a silk scarf. I think I ended up paying twice what it was worth. But the vendor was so charming, and I was so overwhelmed, I just surrendered. Now I have a beautiful, probably overpriced, scarf.
- 12:00 hours: Lunch. Street food somewhere. Trying to be brave. Feeling a little bit of food bravery. Stomach-related anxiety starting to ramp up.
- 13:30 hours: Gym. This is a mistake. I should have known. My legs are jelly. The treadmill. Maybe I should just go back to the pool…
- Emotional Reaction: Gym is small, functional. But feels like a room of judgement. (I am the judgement and am judging myself!)
- 16:00 hours: Back to the pool. And this time, I earned it.
- 18:00 hours: Dinner at a restaurant that's supposed to be "fancy." Dress code is not enforced. Went there once and realised that the pool, the tub and even my bed have a better view than this restaurant.
- 20:00 hours: I don't know. Something casual. Maybe find another pho. Or maybe just collapse in my bed and watch all the lights go on.
(Day 3: Mekong Delta Misadventures and the Bathtub's Embrace - Doubling Down!)
- 07:00 hours: Mekong Delta tour. Sunscreen? Check. Bug spray? Check. Stomach of steel? Pray for it.
- Anecdote: Got talked into a boat ride by some very persuasive ladies. It was beautiful, but way more crowded than I expected. Also, got chased by a monkey. Definitely not on the itinerary.
- 16:00 hours: Back at the Luxstay, utterly exhausted and slightly sunburnt. This is when your bathtub plan suddenly becomes a necessity.
- 17:00 hours: Bathtub. Round two. This time, no exploding bath bombs. Just pure, unadulterated relaxation. Added some essential oils. This is heaven.
- Rambles: Thinking about life, the universe, and everything. Why is the water so good? Why does the jet lag still haunt me? Am I getting enough vitamin D? Do I need a new scarf? Saigon is overwhelming, but also beautiful. This apartment is amazing. I think I could live here.
- 19:00 hours: Order in. The thought of leaving the apartment is too much. Trying to find something non-pho-related. Failing slightly.
- 21:00 hours: Planning (maybe) for the next day. Or maybe just another long soak in the tub. It's all good.
(Day 4: Departure and Last-Minute Tears (Probably))
- Morning: Wake up. Savouring the last moments in this apartment. Take a last look at the view.
- Packing: Attempting to fit all my newfound treasures into my suitcase. Failing.
- Bathtub: One final, lingering soak. Goodbye bathtub, you beautiful, restorative thing.
- Check-Out: Leaving. Tears. Seriously, I'm probably going to cry.
- Departure: Off to the airport. Already planning my return.
(Important Notes:)
- This itinerary is subject to drastic change based on mood, weather, and how many delicious things I manage to eat.
- Expect lots of spontaneous adventures. Saigon demands it.
- Provisions for copious amounts of coffee and random street food.
- The gym may (or may not) be re-visited. Depends on the level of guilt.
- The pool and bathtub are non-negotiable.
- Remember to buy the scarf.
- Enjoy! Don't forget, it is alright to be lost for a moment, or even a day
Ho Chi Minh City Penthouse: Your Burning Questions Answered (and Possibly a Few Rants)
Alright, spill it – is this penthouse *really* as amazing as the photos? The internet lies, you know!
Okay, deep breath. Honestly? Yeah, mostly. The photos *mostly* don't lie. That view of Ben Thanh Market? Jaw-dropping. Like, I spent a solid hour on the balcony just staring at the city sprawl, feeling this weird combination of awestruck and slightly terrified. It's HUGE. It's swanky. It's the kind of place you'd expect to see a Bond villain plotting world domination. (Though, if I'm honest, I mostly plotted what snacks I was going to raid from the mini-fridge).
But let's be real. Everything's *slightly* less glamorous in real life, right? The marble floor in the living room? Beautiful, yes. But also…slippery! I nearly took a faceplant trying to do a smooth entrance. That would have been a *great* story. Oh, and the 'cutting-edge' sound system? Worked perfectly... until I tried to connect my phone. Turns out, I'm apparently a millennial who can’t operate Bluetooth. So, yeah. Amazing, but with a side of minor tech failures and the constant threat of a bruised ego.
The pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it actually swim-able, or just a tiny, Instagram-baiting puddle?
Okay, the pool. FINALLY! This is where things get REALLY interesting. It's not a puddle, let me tell you. It's decent sized, actually. You can genuinely *swim* in it. And the view...oh, the view. Imagine swimming laps while staring at the city, the sun setting, casting this fiery glow over everything. It's the reason I almost actually considered becoming a morning person. *Almost*. The water temperature, though? A bit hit and miss. The first day was perfect, warm and inviting. Then...well, the second day was a bit… chilly. Think "refreshing" rather than "tropical paradise." Could be the weather, could be a maintenance issue. Honestly, I'm not sure, I was too busy trying to keep my teeth from chattering.
Here's the truly embarrassing bit though: I tried to get a cool Instagram shot in the pool. You know, the kind where you're effortlessly lounging, looking all sophisticated? I spent a solid fifteen minutes trying to balance on a pool floatie, failing miserably, and ending up looking like a beached walrus. My phone almost took a dip in the water. Social media victory? Absolutely not. Still, the view was worth the humiliation.
And the gym? I need to know! Is it actually functional, or just a room with a treadmill collecting dust?
Okay, the gym. This is where my inner lazy-person battled my outer "I-should-probably-exercise" self. The equipment is legit – treadmills, weights, the whole shebang. And it's *air-conditioned*, which is a lifesaver in that humid heat. I actually *did* use it…once. And I regretted it. Immediately. Okay, maybe twice. The elliptical was calling my name.
The view from the gym is... well, it's a wall. Not exactly inspiring when you're gasping for air on the treadmill. In fact, I'd probably have preferred the view of a wall than watching my own face in the mirror. Still, it's there, and it's a definite perk for those who are more disciplined than I am. If you're one of *those* people, consider it a win. If you're like me, pack a strong dose of willpower and maybe some ear buds.
The bathtub with a view… is it as romantic as it sounds? Or just a gimmick?
OH. MY. GOODNESS. The bathtub. This is where the penthouse truly delivers. It IS as romantic as it sounds. Even more so, actually. Picture this: You're in a HUGE, deep soaking tub. Bubbles. Candles (provided, thankfully, because I'm terrible at remembering to pack those kind of things). The entire city sprawled out before you, lights twinkling. A glass of something bubbly in your hand (I opted for the local craft beer, because, priorities). Pure. Bliss.
Ok, confession. I was a little *too* relaxed. Almost fell asleep in the tub, water sloshing everywhere. Nearly flooded the bathroom. My fault, obviously. So, yes, it's romantic. Just… be careful. And maybe have a towel on standby.
Location, Location, Location! How's the Ben Thanh Market proximity? Is it noisy?
Okay, location. Being right next to Ben Thanh Market is a double-edged sword. AMAZING for exploring. You can literally stumble out the door and be in the heart of the action in minutes. Food stalls, souvenirs, that glorious chaos...it's all right there. The convenience is incredible. I gorged myself on pho at 7 am because I could. Pure gluttony. I loved it.
The downside? Yes, it can be noisy. Especially in the mornings and evenings. But honestly? It's the *good* kind of noise. The hustle and bustle of the city, the motorbikes, the vendors hawking their wares. It's part of the experience. Plus, the windows are pretty soundproof, so you can escape the chaos when you want to. Unless someone in the apartment next door decides to have a karaoke party... which... I might or might not be basing this on a personal experience. Let's just say noise has a high, and can lead to a sleepless night.
Any specific quirks or annoyances I should be prepared for?
Okay, let's be honest. No place is perfect. Besides the aforementioned slippery floors and slightly chilly pool days? The elevator situation could be…interesting. Sometimes you're waiting, sometimes you are just going down, or up, or sometimes nothing at all. And the staff? Super friendly, but communication can sometimes be a challenge. (My attempts to order room service resulted in three different pizzas arriving…eventually. Still delicious, though). I also spent a solid 30 minutes trying to figure out how to turn on the smart lights. In the end I called the staff to turn the lights for me.
And one final, utterly random thing: The air conditioning in the living room had a slightly…unsettling scent, a mix of ozone and something vaguely floral. Not offensive, just… peculiar. Okay, maybe it *was* a bit terrifying on a sweaty night. But hey, character, right? And maybe just get the staff to fix it.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? YES. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. Despite the minor flaws, the potential for near-disasters, and the occasional tech glitch, the good things far outweigh the bad. The view is unforgettable. The bathtub is pure heaven. The location is fantastic. And yes, IEscape To Inns
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