Hanoi's HOTTEST 2BR Apartments: Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam, & City Center!
Hanoi's HOTTEST 2BR Apartments: A Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Review (Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam, & City Center)
Okay, buckle up buttercups! I've just spent a whirlwind week bouncing between Hanoi's supposed crème de la crème of 2BR apartments: Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam, and City Center. And let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real Hanoi experience, complete with questionable plumbing, screaming children, and enough pho to make you dream in Vietnamese.
This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. This is me, unfiltered, spilling the beans on these places. So, grab your coffee (or your Bia Hanoi – no judgment!), and let's dive in.
The Contenders:
- Vinhomes Skylake: This place is slick. Modern, shiny, and practically screams "luxury." Think glass towers, manicured lawns, and a general air of… well, pretension.
- Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower: Ah, Keangnam. The giant, imposing monolith that dominates the Hanoi skyline. It's got a reputation for being, let's say, lively.
- City Center (various locations): This is a bit of a catch-all, encompassing a range of apartments scattered throughout the heart of Hanoi. The location is usually the selling point here.
Let's Break it Down (and Get a Little Messy):
Accessibility & Getting Around:
- Vinhomes Skylake: Pretty good. Elevators everywhere, ramps… mostly. The sheer scale of the place can be intimidating though. Finding your apartment felt like traversing a small city. (Accessibility score: 7/10)
- Keangnam: Excellent. This place is built for volume. Elevators, wide hallways, and a general sense of being able to handle anything. (Accessibility score: 9/10)
- City Center: Depends wildly on the location. Some are in modern buildings, others are tucked away in older, more "charming" (read: potentially rickety) structures. Do your research! (Accessibility score: 4-8/10 - a total gamble!)
Getting Around Hanoi:
- Airport Transfer: All offered airport transfers, but prices vary. I opted for Grab (the local ride-hailing app) most of the time. Cheaper and more convenient.
- Car Park: All had parking, but it can be a bit of a free-for-all. Finding a spot wasn't always easy.
- Taxi Service: Available at all locations.
- Bicycle Parking: Limited in some areas. Hanoi traffic is brutal, so I wouldn't recommend cycling unless you're a masochist.
On-Site Amenities: Restaurants, Lounges & More (and My Stomach's Take)
- Vinhomes Skylake: Decent. Several restaurants, a coffee shop, and even a convenience store. Food was… okay. Nothing to write home about. The poolside bar was nice, but the cocktails were overpriced and weak. (Food and Drink: 6/10)
- Keangnam: EVERYTHING. Seriously. Restaurants of every cuisine imaginable, a sprawling buffet (more on that later), bars, and a nightclub. It's a food coma waiting to happen. (Food and Drink: 9/10)
- City Center: Hit or miss. Some had a few restaurants nearby, others were completely reliant on delivery. I ended up eating a lot of street food. Which, let's be honest, is the best part of Hanoi anyway. (Food and Drink: 5-8/10 - totally dependent on location)
Wheelchair Accessibility:
- Vinhomes Skylake: Generally good, but double-check specific apartment details.
- Keangnam: Excellent.
- City Center: Varies wildly. Check before booking!
Internet & Tech Stuff:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Woohoo! Thank goodness.
- Internet: Fast enough for streaming and video calls.
- Internet [LAN]: Available but not always necessary.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Generally good.
- Laptop workspace: Yep.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Available, but I didn't need it.
- Business facilities: Available, including Xerox/fax.
- Projector/LED display: Yep.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or Try To!)
- Vinhomes Skylake: Had a lovely outdoor pool (with a view!), a gym, and a spa. The sauna was okay, but the steamroom was a bit… underwhelming. (Relaxation: 7/10)
- Keangnam: Massive pool (with a view!), a world-class fitness center, a spa with all the bells and whistles (massage, sauna, steamroom, body wraps – the works!). This place is designed for serious pampering. I even considered a foot bath, but chickened out. (Relaxation: 9/10)
- City Center: Depends on the apartment. Some had access to a pool, some didn't. My apartment didn't have any on-site facilities, so I had to venture out for my relaxation needs. (Relaxation: 4-7/10 - again, location dependent)
Cleanliness & Safety (The Important Stuff):
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Seemed to be used.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely happening, especially at Keangnam.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Felt confident.
- CCTV in common areas & outside property: Present.
- Security [24-hour]: Yes.
- Smoke alarms & fire extinguisher: Present, thankfully.
- Non-smoking rooms: Available.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Safe dining setup: Seemed generally safe.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't check but the places looked clean.
My honest opinion about safety: I felt safe at all three locations. Hanoi is generally a safe city, but the extra precautions were reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fuel of My Existence):
- Vinhomes Skylake: Basic. Breakfast buffet was okay, but nothing special. The coffee shop was a lifesaver.
- Keangnam: The buffet at the restaurant was a beast. Seriously, a mountain of food. Everything from Asian breakfast to international cuisine. I may have overeaten. Several times. (My experience: I ate so much at the buffet I could barely walk. It was a glorious, carb-loaded disaster.)
- City Center: Relied on room service and local eateries. Found some amazing pho stalls.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning: Essential in Hanoi's heat.
- Daily housekeeping: Appreciated.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Available.
- Doorman: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Room service [24-hour]: Available at all locations.
- Cashless payment service: Yes.
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Convenience store: Yep, a life-saver.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service: Available at some locations.
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
Available in all rooms (The Essentials):
- Air conditioning: Check.
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathrobes & Slippers: Check.
- Bathtub: Yes.
- Blackout curtains: Thank goodness.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Desk: Yes.
- Extra long bed: Yes.
- Free bottled water: Yes.
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- High floor: Yes.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes.
- Ironing facilities: Yes.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Mini bar: Yes.
- Mirror: Yes.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Seating area: Yes.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yes.
- Shower: Yes
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Hanoi adventure. Forget the pristine brochures, this is the real deal. We're going to experience Anrooms - 2BR Vinhomes Skylake/ N Keangnam/ Center Hanoi, Vietnam, and it's going to be… well, it's going to be something.
The "Plan" (More Like a Suggestion, Honestly)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Pho-nomenal Expectations
- Morning (Or, More Accurately, Whenever My Body Decides to Cooperate): Land at Noi Bai International Airport. Pray the immigration line isn't a soul-crushing vortex of bureaucracy. I'm already picturing myself haggling with a taxi driver, losing, and then feeling simultaneously ripped off and strangely charmed by the whole experience.
- Mid-Morning (Assuming I haven't collapsed from exhaustion): Taxi to Anrooms at Vinhomes Skylake. Fingers crossed it looks as good in real life as it does in the photos. I’m half-expecting a hidden camera show at this point. The reviews were stellar, but you know how that goes.
- Lunch (Around 2 PM, Maybe?): First Pho experience! I’ve been dreaming of this. I'm already mentally preparing for the scalding broth, the slippery noodles, and the overwhelming deliciousness. Google Maps better have some trustworthy recommendations. I'm picturing myself slurping loudly and embarrassing myself in front of everyone. It’s going to be great.
- Afternoon: Nap. Mandatory. Jet lag is a beast. And I am, admittedly, a rather pathetic beast when sleep-deprived.
- Evening: Wandering around West Lake. Maybe a sunset cruise (if I'm feeling ambitious and not completely comatose). Or, let’s be honest, maybe just finding a rooftop bar to watch the chaos unfold from a safe distance, cocktail in hand. The views better be worth it.
Day 2: Old Quarter Frenzy and Coffee Coma
- Morning: Attempt to navigate the Old Quarter. This is where the real adventure begins. I'm mentally preparing for dodging motorbikes, getting lost (inevitably), and the sheer sensory overload of it all. I want to get a sense of the place, and I'm expecting to be overwhelmed.
- Mid-Morning: Coffee break! Vietnamese coffee is legendary. I'm picturing myself with a ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), eyes wide with caffeine-fueled enthusiasm. I'm going to need at least three. Maybe four. Don't judge me.
- Lunch: Street food extravaganza! I'm talking bun cha, banh mi, spring rolls… the works. I'm fully embracing the risk of food poisoning. It's all part of the experience, right?
- Afternoon: Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of the Jade Mountain. Trying to find some peace amidst the chaos. I'm half expecting to get chased by a flock of pigeons.
- Evening: Water Puppet Theatre. This is supposed to be a must-see. I'm intrigued and slightly skeptical. Will the puppets be adorable? Will I understand a word? Only time will tell.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Spiritual Awakening (Maybe)
- Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. This is going to be a somber experience. I'm trying to be respectful, but let's be honest, I'm also a little morbidly curious.
- Mid-Morning: One Pillar Pagoda. Another attempt at finding some peace. I’m going to need it after Ho Chi Minh.
- Lunch: Back to street food! Gotta squeeze in as much as possible before I leave.
- Afternoon: Cooking class! Time to learn how to make some of these amazing dishes myself. I'm anticipating a disaster, but a delicious one. Maybe I’ll actually learn something.
- Evening: Dinner in the French Quarter. Something a little more upscale. I'm hoping for a romantic evening, but more likely I'll be battling mosquitos and wishing I'd brought bug spray.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay (The Big Question Mark)
- Morning: Early start for the Ha Long Bay cruise. This is the centerpiece of the trip, and I'm both incredibly excited and slightly terrified. I've heard the views are breathtaking, but also that it's a tourist trap. We'll see.
- All Day: Cruising, kayaking, cave exploring. I'm praying for sunshine and no seasickness. I'm also praying the other tourists aren't too annoying. I’m already imagining myself getting sunburnt.
- Evening: Back to Hanoi. Exhausted but hopefully exhilarated.
Day 5: Farewell, Hanoi (Sniffle)
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panicked browsing. Overspending. The usual.
- Lunch: One last bowl of Pho. Gotta get my fix.
- Afternoon: Back to the airport. Wave goodbye to Hanoi. Already planning my return.
Anecdotes, Imperfections, and Emotional Reactions (Because, You Know, Real Life):
- The Taxi Drama: I fully expect the taxi ride from the airport to be a comedy of errors. I'll be staring at my phone, trying to follow the map, while the driver weaves through traffic at breakneck speed. I'll probably end up paying way more than I should, but hey, at least I'll have a story.
- The Food Poisoning Fear: I'm trying to be brave, but the thought of spending a day in the bathroom is… unappealing. I'll be carrying around a stash of Pepto-Bismol like it's gold.
- The Language Barrier: My Vietnamese vocabulary currently consists of "hello," "thank you," and "beer." I'm relying heavily on Google Translate and the kindness of strangers.
- The Coffee Addiction: Seriously, I'm already craving that ca phe sua da. I might need to stage a caffeine intervention.
- The Ha Long Bay Dilemma: The big question mark of the trip. I'm hoping it lives up to the hype. I'm also bracing myself for crowds and the potential for seasickness. Wish me luck!
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: I'm anticipating a mix of awe, frustration, joy, and exhaustion. I'm going to get lost, make mistakes, and probably embarrass myself a few times. But that's all part of the fun, right? I hope so! I'm also expecting to be completely and utterly charmed by Hanoi.
Quirky Observations:
- I'm fascinated by the sheer volume of motorbikes. It's like a river of metal flowing through the streets.
- I'm intrigued by the street food culture. The smells, the sounds, the energy… it's intoxicating.
- I'm already mentally preparing for the humidity. I'm going to look like a drowned rat.
- I'm wondering if I can get away with wearing the same pair of pants the entire trip. Probably not.
- I'm hoping to see a stray dog. I love dogs. And cats. And basically all animals.
Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles:
Okay, so, I'm probably going to get completely sidetracked. I'll probably end up wandering down a random alleyway, getting lost in a market, and spending way too much time people-watching. I’m okay with that. I’m actually hoping for it. This is supposed to be a vacation, right? Not some rigid, over-planned itinerary. I want to be spontaneous. I want to discover things I didn't expect. I want to get lost in the experience.
Stronger Emotional Reactions (Good or Bad):
I'm so excited about the food! I'm practically salivating just thinking about it. And the culture? I can't wait to immerse myself in it. I'm a little nervous about the crowds and the potential for scams, but I'm trying to focus on the positive. I'm hoping to come back feeling refreshed, inspired, and maybe a little bit wiser. I hope I love this place, and I'm expecting to love it.
More Opinionated Language and Natural Pacing:
Let's be real, this trip is going to be a sensory overload. I'm going to be exhausted, but also exhilarated. There will be moments of pure bliss and moments of utter frustration. That's life, isn't it? And that's what makes travel so amazing. I'm going to embrace the chaos, the imperfections, and the unexpected detours. I'm going to eat everything, try everything, and probably fail miserably at some things. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
And finally, I'm giving myself permission to be a complete tourist. I'm going to take all the cheesy photos
Escape to Paradise: Pine Palace Resorts, Gulmarg's Hidden Gem
Hanoi Apartment Hunt: The 2BR Showdown (Vinhomes Skylake, Keangnam, & City Center!) - Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Okay, spill the tea! Which of these 2BR apartments is actually *livable*? I'm talking honest opinions, not just glossy brochures.
Alright, buckle up, because this is where things get *real*. Forget the perfect Instagram shots, I've lived in Hanoi long enough to see the cracks in the facade. Let's be brutally honest, shall we? It really depends on what kind of chaos you thrive in.
Vinhomes Skylake: Look, it's *pretty*. Like, dangerously pretty. Clean lines, modern everything. The lake views are stunning... until you realize you're paying a small fortune for the privilege of looking at them. My friend Sarah, she lived there for a year. Loved the gym, hated the tiny kitchen. Said it felt like living in a show home, not a home *home*. And the elevators? Forget about it during rush hour. Pure madness. One time she was late for a date and ended up taking the stairs down from the 20th floor. She was NOT happy. I'd say, beautiful but a bit...sterile? Unless you're a robot who loves pristine surfaces.
Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower: This place is...an experience. It's *tall*. Like, freakishly tall. The views are epic, no doubt. You can see the entire city. But...it's also a bit dated. Think 2000s glamour. The pool is nice, but the service can be hit or miss. And the traffic getting in and out? Prepare for gridlock. I had a colleague, Mark, who swore he aged ten years just commuting to and from Keangnam. He ended up moving out because he was spending more time in his car than in his apartment. Plus, the gym felt like a forgotten relic from the early 2000s. So, amazing views, but be prepared to fight for your sanity and your time.
City Center (I'm assuming you mean something like a serviced apartment in the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem area): Okay, this is where things get interesting. You're trading space and modern amenities for *location, location, location*. You're in the thick of it. The noise, the smells, the sheer *energy* of Hanoi will hit you like a brick. My first apartment here was in the Old Quarter. It was charming, in a "falling apart but still kinda cute" kind of way. Expect tiny spaces, possibly questionable plumbing, and the constant soundtrack of motorbikes. But the food! Oh, the food! You're steps away from the best pho, banh mi, and bia hoi in the city. It's a trade-off. Do you want comfort and convenience, or do you want to *live* the Hanoi experience? For me? I'm a sucker for the chaos.
Let's talk money. How much are we *really* talking for a 2BR in each of these locations? And are the fees worth it?
Okay, let's rip off the band-aid. Rent in Hanoi is all over the place. It depends on the size, the view, the furniture, and frankly, how much the landlord thinks they can get away with. But here's a rough idea:
Vinhomes Skylake: Prepare to shell out. You're looking at anywhere from $1500 - $3000+ USD per month, depending on the size and inclusions. Plus, expect hefty management fees. Are the amenities worth it? Maybe. If you use the gym, the pool, and the other facilities religiously. If not, you're basically paying for a fancy address. My opinion? Overpriced for what you get.
Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower: Generally, a bit cheaper than Skylake, maybe in the $1200 - $2500 range. The fees are still there, but potentially not as insane. The views are free though! Are the fees worth it? Again, it depends. The pool is nice, but the gym... let's just say it's not exactly a state-of-the-art experience. You're paying for the location and the prestige, more than the actual value of the amenities.
City Center: This is where things get a little more wallet-friendly. You can find decent 2BR apartments in the $800 - $1800 range, depending on location and quality. The management fees are usually lower, or sometimes even nonexistent. But, you'll likely be responsible for your own utilities. Are the fees worth it? Absolutely! You're paying for the convenience of being in the heart of the action, and you're likely getting a more authentic Hanoi experience. You can definitely find a good deal if you look around. Just be prepared to haggle!
The Hidden Costs: Don't forget the hidden costs! Things like electricity, internet, water, and (potentially) management fees. And don't even get me started on the deposit! Always, always, always read the fine print. And if you're not fluent in Vietnamese, bring a trusted friend or translator with you to negotiate the lease. Trust me on this one.
Okay, let's get specific. What are the pros and cons of *actually living* in each location? Like, the day-to-day stuff.
Alright, let's break it down, warts and all:
Vinhomes Skylake:
- Pros: Modern, new construction. Good security. Nice amenities (gym, pool). Convenient access to some shops and restaurants. Generally quiet and clean. The views from some apartments can be amazing.
- Cons: Isolated. Can feel sterile. Traffic is a nightmare getting in and out. Expensive. Limited local food options (you'll probably need to venture out). Elevators can be a battle. Feels a bit like a gated community, if you know what I mean. Like, you're *in* Hanoi, but not *of* Hanoi.
- Personal Anecdote: My friend, the one with the elevator incident, she actually ended up moving out after only a few months. She said she felt claustrophobic. She missed the chaos, the sounds, the *life* of the city. She moved to a tiny apartment in the Old Quarter and has never been happier. Go figure.
Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower:
- Pros: Spectacular views. Good security. Decent amenities. Relatively easy access to some shopping malls and restaurants. Can be more affordable than Skylake, relatively speaking.
- Cons: Dated. Traffic, traffic, traffic! The area around it isn't exactly the most exciting. Service can be inconsistent. Gym is questionable. Can feel a bit isolated from the "real" Hanoi. The building itself is HUGE, so it can take a while to get anywhere.
- Personal Anecdote: I visited a friend who lived there. The view was incredible, I admit. But I got stuck in the elevator for twenty minutes on the way *down*. It was like a bad movie. And the air con in the common areas was blasting! By the time I got out, I was shivering. It kind of set the tone for the whole experience.
City Center:
- Pros: Location, location, locationStayin The HeartAnrooms - 2BR Vinhomes Skylake/ N Keangnam/ Center Hanoi Vietnam
Anrooms - 2BR Vinhomes Skylake/ N Keangnam/ Center Hanoi Vietnam
