ISTAY Hanoi: Luxury 5-Star Apartment - Unbelievable Vietnam Escape!
ISTAY Hanoi: Luxury 5-Star Apartment - Unbelievable Vietnam Escape! - My Messy, Wonderful Review (And Why You NEED to Book!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from ISTAY Hanoi, and my brain is still buzzing with… well, everything. This isn't your cookie-cutter travel blog review. This is raw, unfiltered, and hopefully, HELPFUL. We're talking messy hair, questionable decisions on the street food front, and definitely a few too many cocktails by that amazing pool. This is ISTAY Hanoi, dissected.
First Impressions – The Grand Entrance (and My Mild Panic)
Let’s be real, arriving in Hanoi is a sensory overload. The scooters, the smells, the sheer volume of people… it's glorious chaos. But ISTAY? Ah, ISTAY is a calming oasis in the eye of the storm. The lobby is sleek, modern, and actually smells good – a crucial detail after a long flight. The elevator whisked us up (thank god, because trying to haul luggage up stairs in that humidity… no thanks!), and the 24-hour front desk was a godsend because, let's just say, we arrived a bit… after the scheduled time. They were super friendly, even when I was probably a grimy mess from travel. Contactless check-in/out was a breeze, which I appreciated after fumbling with my phone for the nth time.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (But Improving!)
Now, I don't personally need wheelchair access, but accessibility is a HUGE deal. And I gotta say, ISTAY is working on it. I saw a few facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is obviously a must-have. BUT, and it's a "but" that needs addressing, I didn't see extensive accessible features in all areas. I'd say inquire specifically if full accessibility is your priority. The car park is thankfully free of charge.
Rooms – Apartment Living, But Fancy
Okay, the rooms. Let's get into the nitty-gritty. I booked a regular apartment, and it was huge. Think, sprawling, like you could do laps inside. It came with all the essentials - air conditioning (essential!), free Wi-Fi, a comfy sofa, a desk for those "I'll just answer this email real quick" moments (which always turn into hours), and a surprisingly comfortable extra long bed. I’m talking, I'm a restless sleeper and I didn't once fear falling out of bed. Plus, there was a mini bar(which, let's be honest, got a good workout). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping off those jet lag induced naps.
And the private bathroom? Bliss. Separate shower/bathtub, pristine towels, fluffy bathrobes, and even (oh, glorious day!) a hair dryer that actually works! Also the complimentary tea, and bottled water. I swear, a bottle of water can solve almost all of travelers' mild panic.
But here's my minor gripe: The lighting in the room was a little too…corporate. Some dimmer options for evenings would truly elevate the ambience.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound… Mostly
Let's talk COVID (ugh, I know). ISTAY takes it seriously. They offer professional-grade sanitizing services, with rooms sanitized between stays. I saw evidence of daily disinfection in common areas, and hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE (good!). I appreciated the hand sanitizer readily available everywhere. The staff is trained in safety protocol. I felt pretty safe, even with the general craziness outside.
Bonus points: The smoke detectors, fire extinguisher and the CCTV in common areas (and outside… so many cameras!). There was also a doctor/nurse on call.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – Foodie Heaven (and a Few Hangry Moments)
Alright, foodie time! ISTAY has a decent range of options, but it’s not a Michelin-starred experience. There's a restaurant (with Asian cuisine and International cuisine), a coffee shop, and a snack bar. I took advantage of the 24-hour room service, which was a life-saver after a long day of exploring.
The Asian breakfast was solid – Pho for days! – and I loved the fact that you could get it as room service or breakfast takeaway service. They also do a Western breakfast, but honestly, when in Vietnam…
My rant: The coffee was decent, but I'm a coffee snob, and it didn't quite hit the mark. I'd definitely take advantage of the local coffee shops nearby. The poolside bar was fantastic though – especially during happy hour.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Poolside Paradise & Beyond
The swimming pool [outdoor] is AMAZING. Seriously, the pool with view is worth the price of admission alone. I spent hours lounging there, sipping cocktails, and pretending to be glamorous. There’s also a fitness center (which, let's be honest, I glanced at but didn't use - the pool was just too tempting!), and a spa with a sauna and steamroom. I may or may not have indulged in a massage – it was divine, and completely necessary after battling the motorbike madness outside. They also have services like a body scrub and body wrap… maybe next time!
Getting Around – Navigating the Chaos
ISTAY offers airport transfer, which is highly recommended. The taxi service is readily available; honestly, just let the concierge sort it out. They can usually book you a ride in minutes.
Now, the really personal, messy bits:
One of the most memorable moments was sitting on that terrace, overlooking the city, with a drink, the air alive with the sounds of the streets. I saw moments of pure Hanoi life: families laughing, vendors calling out, a lone musician playing a haunting melody… that's when it hit me – this is why I travel.
Another funny moment was the incident with the street food. I'm usually pretty adventurous, but that specific noodle stall? Let's say I learned a valuable lesson about the perils of unidentified sauces. (I survived, thankfully!)
Services and Conveniences – All the Small Things That Make a Difference
This is where ISTAY really shines. The concierge was incredibly helpful with everything – from booking tours to recommending restaurants. Daily housekeeping kept the apartment spotless, and the laundry service was a lifesaver. The luggage storage was essential before my flight. They also have a gift/souvenir shop which I appreciated, as I had many thanks to give to relatives and friends.
There's also a convenience store in the building. They also have cash withdrawal which is incredibly useful in a country that is typically cash based, and the fact that they provided an invoice for payment made accounting so easy. Having a doorman was also amazing; it was an added feeling of security and really made the experience feel luxurious.
Things for the kids and couples:
ISTAY is family/child friendly, and they offer babysitting service! They even offer kids meals! Additionally, they have couple's rooms for people looking for something romantic, and also a proposal spot!
My Final Verdict – Book it! (But Maybe Prep for the Chaos)
ISTAY Hanoi is a fantastic option for a luxury stay in Hanoi. It’s clean, safe, well-located, and the amenities are top-notch. Sure, it’s not perfect (that coffee!), but the positives far outweigh the negatives. I would definitely return.
Here's my personal offer for you (based on my experience):
Tired of the Hanoi Hustle? Escape to ISTAY Hanoi: Luxury, Serenity, and That Pool!
Book your stay at ISTAY Hanoi today and get:
- A free cocktail at the stunning poolside bar (because, stress).
- 20% Off any in-house massage to wash away that jet lag. Use the code IEXPLORE at checkout.
- Guaranteed upgrade to a room with a city view (because sunsets are better with a view).
- A personalized itinerary of hidden gems and tips on how to navigate the chaos of Hanoi from the friendly concierge team (because you'll need it).
Don't wait! This offer is only valid for the next week. Click here to book your unforgettable Vietnam escape!
P.S. - Pack your earplugs. The city is LOUD, and it is beautiful!
Adler, Russia Family Suite: Luxury Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-filtered Instagram reel. This is real life, Hanoi, and I'm pretty sure my internal monologue is about to explode. Here's the, uh, loosely planned itinerary for my stay at the ISTAY Hotel Apartment 5 in Hanoi. Consider this a survival guide, written by someone who's probably going to need it.
Day 1: Arrival. Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Chaotic Symphony of Hanoi.
- Morning (or what passes for it after that red-eye): Arrive Noi Bai Airport (HAN). After surviving the luggage carousel - that ancient beast of metal and spinning bags - I'm greeted by the glorious, humid embrace of… well, Hanoi. Seriously, it's like walking into a warm, slightly moist hug. Lovely. Pre-booked a ride, because let's be honest, haggling with taxi drivers right after a flight sounds like a special kind of hell. The ride itself is an experience: scooters weaving through traffic like some kind of synchronized dance of death. Pray for the best.
- Mid-day: Check into ISTAY Hotel Apartment 5. Crossing my fingers that the online photos weren't too misleading. First impressions? Clean-ish. Comfy-looking bed. Thank heavens for air conditioning. I'm already questioning my life choices.
- Afternoon: The "Wander and Get Lost" tour. I meant to be organized and check the attractions beforehand. Instead, I walk into the Old Quarter armed with nothing but Google Maps and a desperate hope for good pho. The streets are a kaleidoscope of colour, smells (good and… less good), and the constant beep-beep-beep of motorbikes. So, so many motorbikes. Okay, maybe I'm panicking a little. I've never felt more alive and terrified at the same time. I find an amazing Banh Mi place hidden in an alley. Pure, unadulterated joy. Almost get run over by a scooter while excitedly taking a photo. Worth it.
- Evening: Try to find Hoan Kiem Lake. It's supposed to be beautiful. I get distracted by a guy selling ice cream and spend the next hour trying to find him again, because clearly, my priorities are straight. Dinner is a glorious mess of spring rolls, beer, and me attempting to communicate in the most butchered Vietnamese imaginable. Probably offended someone. Sorry!
Day 2: The Relentless Charm of Coffee and Water Puppets (and My Existential Dread).
- Morning: Okay, coffee is going to be my religion in Hanoi. Strong, black, and served on a tiny stool surrounded by locals. The whole atmosphere is absolutely amazing. I found a super-cool spot to drink coffee and watching the world go by. My inner zen master attempts to emerge from the chaos. Fails spectacularly. Consider a second (or third) cup of coffee because, you know, research.
- Later Morning: I attempt to follow the "must-visit" list. I visit the Temple of Literature. It is beautiful, it is grand, but honestly I just want to go back and sit. The crowds are somewhat intense, and I find myself more fascinated by the old men playing chess and the woman with the dog's eyes.
- Afternoon: Water Puppet Theatre. I bought tickets, and I’m doing it. It’s either going to be the most magical experience or the most bewildering. It turns out, it's BOTH. The music is loud, the puppets are adorable, and I have NO IDEA what's going on half the time. But I loved it. Truly. The artistry is mind-blowing. I find myself surprisingly moved. The sheer, unapologetic whimsy of it is perfect. It is so uniquely Hanoi.
- Evening: Dinner at a recommendation nearby. The restaurant is good! I discover delicious food. I attempt to order something adventurous. I should never be left to my own devices with a menu. End up with something I'm 90% sure is chicken. I eat it anyway. The beer is better than the food.
Day 3: The Deep Dive (And Possibly, A Breakdown)
- Morning: Okay, let's be ambitious. Today, I'm going to commit to a cooking class. It promises to be an immersion into Vietnamese cuisine. I also prepare for the possibility I will set the kitchen on fire. It is good! I make spring rolls, and even managed to successfully chop something without losing a finger. The class ends with a fantastic meal.
- Afternoon: I'm going to the Hoa Lo Prison. Okay, the "Hanoi Hilton." Brace yourself, because this is going to be heavy. It is so… real. It’s impossible not to be moved by the stories of the prisoners, the conditions they endured. It is a sobering reminder of the past. I'm also very aware that this is making me think about my own comfortable, easy life. It's a profound and difficult experience, and I am definitely going to need a nap.
- Evening: I wander around my street. I try and find a good street-food vendor. I love, love, love this.
Day 4: Goodbye (For Now). Or, The Bitter-Sweet Symphony of Departure.
- Morning: A final, desperately necessary bun cha breakfast. Trying to soak up as much Hanoi as I can before the final flight.
- Mid-day: Check out of ISTAY. After packing, I stare at my suitcase, filled with souvenirs and memories – the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre. The thought of the airport feels exhausting.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Say goodbye to the city. Maybe this is the end of this journey. But the memories will stay.
- Evening: The flight home. The journey finally comes to a close.
Final Thoughts:
Hanoi… you strange, beautiful, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable city. You tested me, challenged me, and maybe, just maybe, changed me a little. I came here expecting a vacation, and found something more. I'm leaving with a heart full and a stomach that's probably seen things. I'm already plotting my return! And next time, I promise to be a little less lost, and a lot more adventurous. Until then, Hanoi… xin chào (goodbye) for now.
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ISTAY Hanoi: Your Brain-Melting Questions (and My Unfiltered Answers)
So, uh, is ISTAY Hanoi *really* luxury? Like, REALLY really? Because I've seen "luxury" before... and let's just say, it wasn't.
The photos look amazing. Are they… photoshopped? Like, did they CGI in a unicorn or something?
What's the location like? Is it in the middle of some crazy, chaotic Hanoi madness? (Because I'm not sure my nerves can handle that all day, every day.)
The apartment looks fancy. Is it… stuffy? Do I have to be on my best behavior, or can I, you know, actually relax and be myself? (I'm a notorious slob.)
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Or are they just… there?
Is it worth the price? Because "luxury" usually comes with a serious price tag...
Okay, fine, you've convinced me. Anything to watch out for? Any tiny, nit-picky flaws you can share? (Because nothing's perfect).
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