Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Bao Anh Hotel, Hai Phong's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "unbelievable luxury" of the Bao Anh Hotel in Hai Phong. Honestly, after slogging through this list of amenities, I need a vacation from the vacation review. But hey, somebody's gotta do it, right? Let's see if this place lives up to the hype… or if it’s just another Instagram filter for a mediocre travel experience.
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Already!
Okay, so Accessibility. They claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests." (Insert hopeful emoji here). But specifically how accessible? I need specifics! Ramps? Elevators? Braille signage? This review is already giving me anxiety imagining the nightmare of trying to navigate a place that says accessible but really means "we have a ramp leading to a door that's too narrow for a wheelchair." We'll get to the "elevator" bit later, because I'm already picturing that thing smelling of stale cigarette smoke and regret.
And while we're on the subject of "getting around," the mere mention of "Airport transfer" and free "car park" is music to my tired ears. So, points for convenience, at least. But parking? Is it a free-for-all with a swarm of impatient drivers, or a well-managed system? This is vital information, people!
The All-Important "Cleanliness & Safety" – In These Times…
This is where things get interesting, and by interesting, I mean potentially terrifying. They boast of "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and even "Professional-grade sanitizing services." Okay, good. But, are they actually doing it? I've been to hotels that say they're clean, and then you touch the remote and your hand develops its own ecosystem. I'm cautiously optimistic. The fact that they have "Hygiene certification" might count for something, but I'm still bringing my Clorox wipes. I'm a nervous Nellie when it comes to germs, what can I say?
Also, the mention of "Room sanitization opt-out available" is… weird. Why would I opt out of cleanliness? Is this some kind of existential hotel rebellion? "Nah, give me the germs, I crave the chaos!" I'm not judging, you do you.
They do seem serious about safety, with "CCTV in common areas" and "Security [24-hour]." This is always a plus, makes me feel safe enough to actually relax. Oh, and "Smoke alarms." Because, you know, fire is bad. Very bad. They also have "Fire extinguisher," good, good.
The Foodie Fiasco: Restaurants, Lounges, and the Eternal Search for a Decent Meal
Okay, let's talk food. This is crucial. "Restaurants," plural? Promising. "Asian cuisine," "International cuisine," "Vegetarian restaurant"? Okay, we're starting to build a picture. "Breakfast [buffet]" and "Breakfast service" are standard. "Coffee/tea in restaurant" and "Coffee shop" are basics. But, oh boy, here comes the deluge of options…
“A la carte in restaurant”, “Alternative meal arrangement”, “Asian cuisine in restaurant”, “Bar”, “Bottle of water”, “Breakfast [buffet]”, "Breakfast service", "Buffet in restaurant", "Coffee/tea in restaurant", "Coffee shop", “Desserts in restaurant”, "Happy hour", "International cuisine in restaurant", "Poolside bar", “Restaurants”, "Room service [24-hour]", "Salad in restaurant", "Snack bar", "Soup in restaurant", "Vegetarian restaurant", "Western breakfast", "Western cuisine in restaurant",
Deep breath. That's…a lot. Honestly, the sheer number of options is a little overwhelming. Does this mean quality, or just sheer quantity of…stuff? I envision a massive, chaotic breakfast buffet, with lukewarm eggs and soggy bacon. BUT…they do have a "Poolside bar." Sigh. I'm picturing myself, drink in hand, by the pool, ignoring all the potential food disasters. Priorities.
The Spa & Relaxation Gauntlet: Promises, Promises…
Here’s where the “unbelievable luxury” tag should kick in. Let's see… "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Fitness center," "Foot bath," "Gym/fitness," "Massage," "Pool with view," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]". Wow. That's a serious commitment to relaxation. I mean, all of that sounds pretty amazing, right? A pool with a view, a sauna to sweat out all my worries… if it's actually as good as it sounds, this place might redeem itself.
I will say this - I’m particularly intrigued by the "Foot bath". I have a thing for foot baths and the promise of "unbelievable luxury", is just shouting at me to book a treatment, ASAP. IF they've got a decent foot bath, I might forgive a lot of sins.
The Rooms: Comforts and Quirks (Hopefully More of the Former)
Okay, this is where you actually live in a hotel. Let's hope it's not a nightmare. "Additional toilet," "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Bathrobes," "Bathroom phone," "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains," "Carpeting," "Closet," "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea." Okay, so far, so good. All the basics are covered. "Daily housekeeping" and "Desk" are welcome inclusions, as is "Extra long bed"! Finally, they have "Free bottled water".
“High floor”, “In-room safe box”, “Interconnecting room(s) available”, “Internet access – LAN”, “Internet access – wireless”, “Ironing facilities”, “Laptop workspace”, “Linens”, “Mini bar”, “Mirror”, “Non-smoking”, “On-demand movies”, “Private bathroom”, “Reading light” “Refrigerator”, “Safety/security feature”, “Satellite/cable channels”, “Scale”, “Seating area”, “Separate shower/bathtub”, “Shower”, “Slippers”, “Smoke detector”, “Socket near the bed”, “Sofa”, “Soundproofing”, “Telephone”, “Toiletries”, “Towels”, “Umbrella”, “Visual alarm”, “Wake-up service”, “Wi-Fi [free]”, “Window that opens”.
Look, I’m not going to lie; the mention of “Bathtub” AND “Separate shower/bathtub” is just…chef’s kiss. I love a good soak in the tub, especially after a long day of…well, anything. And a window that opens? Bliss.
The "Services and Conveniences" – The Little Things That Matter
Okay, the "services and conveniences" section… it’s a long list, so I'm just gonna skim because I'm already exhausted. "Air conditioning in public area," "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," (always useful), "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning." Sounds good! "Elevator." Please let this elevator function! "Facilities for disabled guests" (again, let's hope it's more than just a ramp). "Laundry service." "Luggage storage" (essential). "Meeting/banquet facilities," because apparently, you're expected to work even on vacation.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
"Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal." Alright, Bao Anh, you’re starting to sound good. This makes me think this hotel is doing everything to accommodate families and, by extension, me. I love the "Babysitting service" because as a parent, I can finally have some me-time to get a massage, swim and eat in peace and quiet.
The Verdict: Is it Really "Unbelievable?"
Honestly? I'm… cautiously optimistic. There are a lot of potential pitfalls. The food situation is a gamble, the "accessibility" needs a serious look. But the spa, the rooms, and the sheer amount of amenities are tempting. The pool with a view is calling my name.
Here's the Deal - My Offer: "Book Now & Get a COMPLIMENTARY Foot Bath! (A $50 Value!)"
Why this offer? Because, from reading this review, you should already know that the foot bath is the most interesting thing about this hotel. I believe this is what sets this hotel apart from others, and this is why this offer is compelling.
Why You Should Book Now:
- Embrace the Anticipation: Let’s face it; the uncertainty of Bao Anh Hotel is fun. You will be excited to find out if this place is as great as it sounds; or if it’s a total disaster!
- You deserve a TREAT: Just because it's a gamble, doesn’t mean it won't be worth it; remember, if it's not fun, you don't ever have to go back.
**Click the link and book now! Bao Anh Hotel, Hai Phong's Hidden Gem… or maybe just a slightly
Ottawa's BEST Hotel? Delta Marriott City Centre Review!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-ironed travel itinerary. This is… well, it’s my messy, beautiful, slightly-unhinged attempt to get through a few days at the Bao Anh Hotel in Haiphong, Vietnam. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride.
Bao Anh Hotel: My Vietnam Diaries (or, How I Tried Not to Lose My Mind in Southeast Asia)
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (and Pho)
- Morning (8:00 AM - "ish"): Landed in Cat Bi International Airport. Flight was long. Like, make-you-question-the-meaning-of-existence long. Met a surprisingly cheerful (and maybe slightly unhinged) taxi driver who blasted cha cha cha music the entire way to the Bao Anh. I’m pretty sure he honked at least 50 times. The city is…an assault on the senses. In a good way? I think so.
- 9:00 AM: Checked into the Bao Anh. First impression: cleanish. Second impression: the air conditioning is a godsend. Third impression: I may have forgotten to pack my adapter. Face palm.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The "continental breakfast" is… well, it's there. Let's just say the coffee is strong. Like, "I'm pretty sure this could power a small town" strong. The omelet? Questionable.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Great Adapter Hunt. Okay, so this was a mission. Wandered around the bustling streets, dodging motorbikes that seem to have a death wish (and probably a high-five from my taxi driver). My attempts at Vietnamese were… a disaster. One guy just stared at me with a bewildered expression, another offered me a durian (NO.). Eventually, I found a tiny shop, spent a small fortune, and secured electricity. Victory!
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Pho time. Found a little street stall that looked promising. Sat on a tiny plastic stool, sweating like a pig (apologies to any pigs out there). The pho… oh, the pho. Absolutely heavenly. The broth was complex and fragrant, the noodles perfectly slippery, the meat tender. Everything that ever existed, or ever would exist, was perfect in that moment. I could have happily stayed there all afternoon, lost in a delicious haze.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempted to take a nap. Failed. The street noise (those damn motorbikes again!) was relentless. Spent an hour trying to figure out how to use the TV remote. Gave up.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner: Wandered around the neighborhood. Felt a little lost, a little overwhelmed. The smells, the sounds, the sheer energy of the place…It's just…a lot. Found a small, very local restaurant and ordered… well, I pointed at something on the menu and hoped for the best. Turns out, it was delicious! Even if I have no idea what it was.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Crashed. Jet lag is a B*.
- Quirk: The hotel room had a tiny balcony. Sat there for a while and watched the world go by. Felt a weird mix of exhilaration and utter exhaustion. Also, the mosquito situation? Concerning.
Day 2: The Haiphong Hustle and a Deluge of Durian
- Morning (8:00 AM - "ish" ): More of the hotel's "continental breakfast" (it's getting less "continental" every day). Today's special: a slightly suspicious-looking sausage. Decided to skip it.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Hoped on a public bus. The bus was like a scene out of a chaotic comedy movie. Cramped, loud, dusty, and a sensory overload. But also, a total blast. The friendly locals smiled and tried communicating at me. I am pretty sure they are all laughing at me.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I had a very strong craving for some ice cream.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Spent a while trying to recover from the bus.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Durian. Oh, god, it was the dreaded Durian. This was a major miscalculation. Someone (not naming names, probably a fellow traveler) kept raving about this "delicious" fruit. I, being the adventurous soul I think I am, decided to give it a try. The smell? Like a gym sock that's been marinating in something… organic. The taste? A bizarre combination of sweet, savory, and utterly confounding. I took one bite, and I was overwhelmed. I was not okay.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Tried to rid my tongue of the durian taste with coffee. It failed miserably.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Tried again to find a good restaurant. There were so many restaurants. There were so many choices. I felt lost, again. I ended up going to the same restaurant from day one, I just couldn't figure anything else out.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Tried once again to go to bed.
- Quirk: I am pretty sure it is impossible to learn to ride a motorbike in Haiphong. The locals would probably just laugh at me the entire time.
Day 3: Departure (and Maybe a Bittersweet Goodbye)
- Morning (8:00 AM - “ish”): Managed to actually eat what I ordered at breakfast, it was actually pretty good.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Checked out of the hotel
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Went on one last walk
- 11:30 AM: Headed of To Cat Bi Airport for my flight back home.
- Quirk: I was going to miss Vietnam. Even with the Durian!
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a picture-perfect vacation. I got lost, I struggled, I tasted a fruit that shall forever haunt my dreams. But it was real. It was messy. It was mine. And despite all the chaos, the noise, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by a particularly potent cup of Vietnamese coffee, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Haiphong, you crazy, wonderful city, you definitely left a mark. I'll be back. Maybe… after I've recovered from the Durian incident.
Indore's Hottest Hotel: FabHotel Prime The Euro Awaits!
Bao Anh Hotel: Seriously, Is It *That* Good? (My Rambling FAQs)
Okay, so "Unbelievable Luxury"? Is that marketing fluff or the real deal at Bao Anh? I'm skeptical. Tell me the TRUTH.
Alright, alright, let's cut the crap. I went in expecting...well, *something.* Hai Phong isn't exactly known for its over-the-top luxury, you know? But then I walked into the lobby...WHOA. It's like they just decided to go HAM on the marble and chandeliers. It's impressive, no doubt. But it’s the kind of impressive that makes you raise an eyebrow and whisper, "Did *I* come to the right place?"
The 'unbelievable' part? Depends on your definition. If you're used to staying in places where the towels are as thin as paper and the coffee tastes like old socks, then yeah, it's unbelievable. If you're a regular at the Ritz? Maybe not *unbelievable*, but still pretty darn good. I'd say the reality is probably closer to 'extremely pleasant, with some serious wow factor.'
The truth? Look, I dropped my phone checking in and nearly broke it. Smooth? Not always. Luxurious? Absolutely. Just… be prepared for some genuine Vietnamese charm, which, let's be honest, can sometimes mean a little bit of glorious chaos.
The rooms. Spill. Are they actually comfortable? And are they as fancy as the photos? I saw a picture with a bathtub *in the middle of the room*...
The rooms, oh the rooms. That bathtub? Yeah, I saw that too. And, I'll be honest, I *almost* booked a room just for the Instagram potential. Ultimately, I chickened out and went for a more...sensible option. (My bank account is thanking me.)
But the rooms I *did* see? Seriously comfy. Think plush bedding, big TVs (I never actually *turned* it on, though), and a general air of 'I could definitely live here.' The fancy-ness? Definitely present. Think dark wood, tasteful artwork, and enough space to swing a cat (though I wouldn't recommend it). The lighting was… interesting. Some areas felt like a nightclub, while others were a bit… dim. A minor quibble, but worth noting if you're a bookworm.
And the noise? Surprisingly quiet, especially considering the location. I managed a full night’s sleep, which is saying something, considering my usual insomnia. Bonus points for a really powerful AC – important in Hai Phong’s humidity.
The Food! What about the food? Don't tell me it's just the usual hotel buffet fare...
Right, the food. Okay, okay, I'll be honest, I have mixed feelings. The breakfast buffet? Fine. Perfectly adequate. The usual suspects: eggs, some suspiciously good looking fresh fruit, a few dodgy pastries, and a frankly disappointing selection of Vietnamese dishes. Nothing *horrendous*, but not exactly a culinary revelation, either. I mean, come on, I came to Vietnam *expecting* to be blown away by the food!
Now, the restaurant… that’s where things get interesting. I splurged on dinner one night. And, well, let’s just say the presentation was *stunning*. Like, Instagram-worthy, which is, admittedly, a factor in my book. The flavor? A little…over-seasoned, in my opinion. (Someone in the kitchen clearly has a heavy hand with the salt.) The seafood, though, was fantastic. Fresh, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. I devoured it and almost licked the plate. (Shhh, don’t tell anyone.) My advice? Stick to the seafood. And maybe bring a bottle of water to help with the salt.
And the service? Varies. Some of the staff are incredibly attentive and eager to please. Others? A little...lost. (Bless their hearts.) Overall? Worth the experience, but don't expect Michelin star level. I suspect there's room for improvement.
What about the location? Is it convenient for exploring Hai Phong? Or are you stuck in a lavish bubble?
Location, location, location! Okay, it's good. Not *perfect*, but pretty darn good. You're not *right* in the thick of the action, which is actually a plus for me, because I like a little peace and quiet. But you're also not miles away from everything. A short taxi ride (cheap, thankfully) gets you to the main attractions, the bustling markets, and all the delicious street food you can handle.
I particularly loved being able to wander off and explore. One afternoon, I just got lost, wandered through a local market, and managed to eat the most incredibly delicious banh mi I’ve ever had. That's the kind of experience you want, right? I found out later it was practically next door, but hey, that’s the point! The hotel provided a convenient base from which to explore the real Vietnam. So, yay for that.
Plus, there's a decent coffee shop nearby for your morning caffeine fix. (Essential, in my opinion.) The hotel staff are pretty good at arranging transportation and giving tips. So, yeah, location is a win.
Okay, so let's get real. What was your *worst* experience at Bao Anh? And be brutally honest!
Alright, brace yourselves. This is where it gets messy. My *worst* experience? Okay, here's the truth. One morning, I woke up. Hungry. *Ravenous*. So, I thought, “Breakfast! Yes!” I went down to the buffet, excited to fill my face. Arrived to find… well, let’s just say it was a bit of a chaotic scene. There were crowds. The food was… depleted. And then, I noticed… the air conditioning was out. It was hot, stuffy, and honestly, a little bit miserable. The scrambled eggs were drying out, the coffee machine was sputtering, and I swear, I saw a fly dive-bomb into a bowl of fruit salad. I swear! (Okay, may have been a bee. Still.)
Now, look, I realize these things happen. But the lack of any attempt to rectify the situation was… disappointing. No apologies, no explanation, just… continued hot, sticky, food-depleted chaos. I mumbled, grabbed a dry croissant and left. It was a pretty awful start to the day. (Especially after spending a small fortune on the room.)
It was a stark contrast to the fancy lobby and all that marble. It was a reminder that, despite the attempt at luxury, hiccups can (and will) happen. It’s part of the “charm.” It's not the end of the world, but it *did* leave a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. (Besides the dry croissant.) Definitely something management could improve on. (And maybe get some fans…)
Would you recommend Bao Anh Hotel? And would you go back? Be honest!
Alright, here's the bottom line. Would I recommend Bao Anh Hotel? Yeah, probably. With some caveats. It's a good hotel, with a lot of potential. The rooms are great, the location is decent, and the staff *generally* try their best. But it's not perfect. There areNomad Hotel Search
