Hanoi's HOTTEST 2BR Apt (90m2!) - Laa's Service Haven!
Laa's Service Haven: Hanoi's HOTTEST 2BR (90m2!) – My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review!
Alright, alright, alright! You're looking for a place to crash in Hanoi that's HOT? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I just spent a week at Laa's Service Haven, and let me tell you, it’s a whirlwind. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter hotel review; this is real, unfiltered, and probably a little too honest. So, let's dive into this 90m2 beast of a 2BR apartment and see if it lives up to the hype.
(I’m thinking of calling this the “Honest Guide to Hanoi’s Hidden Gems” or something… but let's be real, that's still work. We're just here to chill.)
The 2BR, 90m2 Dream (and Sometimes Nightmare):
First things first: the size. DAMN. 90 square meters is LUXURIOUS in Hanoi. Seriously, my tiny apartment back home feels like a glorified shoebox compared to this. The apartment itself? Honestly, it's a mixed bag. The decor? Let's just say it's… "eclectic." Think modern with a touch of "Grandma's house," but in a good way? Maybe? Okay, the point is, it's clean, well-maintained, and the air conditioning? Spot on! Especially after a sweaty day exploring the Old Quarter. (Air conditioning in all rooms? YES. God bless.)
Available in all rooms (the essentials): Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check (though I never actually used it, because… vacation). Bathrobes? Score! Bathroom phone? Uh, okay? Bathtub? YES! (Important for long soaks after walking miles). Blackout curtains? A lifesaver for catching up on sleep after those late-night street food adventures. Coffee/tea maker? Fuel for the day! Desk? I actually used it for a bit of work (don't tell anyone!). Free bottled water? Thank you, Laa! Hair dryer? Yup. In-room safe box? Always a good thing. Internet access - wireless AND Lan?! Score. Linens? Cozy. Mini-bar? Decent selection. Mirror? Multiple. Non-smoking? A MUST. Private bathroom? HELL YES. Reading light? Very convenient. Reading light? Very convenient. Refrigerator? Always need that cold beer. Satellite/cable channels? Plenty to watch. Shower? Works perfectly. Slippers? Another bonus. Smoke detector? Safety first, folks. Sofa? Huge and comfy. Telephone? Didn't use. Toiletries? Fine. Towels? Plentiful. Umbrella? Appreciated on a rainy day. Visual alarm? Don't need. Wake-up service? Never got to try it. Wi-Fi [free]? Absolutely! Window that opens? Fantastic to let that fresh air in.
Here's the thing: They really do think of everything!
Accessibility & Safety First (and the things I didn't need):
Now, I thankfully didn't need to use all the accessibility features, but it's great that they're there! (Facilities for disabled guests? Big thumbs up.) The elevator was reliable (essential!), and the 24-hour security gave me peace of mind. (CCTV in common areas and outside? Good to know I'm watched.) Did I mention the Smokle alarms and Fire extinguisher? Also, I didn't need the Doctor/nurse on call. But it's cool to know they're looking out for me.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessibility.
- Elevator.
- Facilities for disabled guests.
Safety:
- CCTV in common areas.
- CCTV outside property.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Front desk [24-hour].
- Safety/security feature.
- Security [24-hour].
- Smoke alarms.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Stomach Ache):
Okay, now we're talking! The food scene at Laa's is… comprehensive. The Asian breakfast was a solid start to the day. The Breakfast [buffet] was good. There wasn't any Breakfast takeaway service, but I made it work. I'm a huge sucker for trying everything and I'm not too sure about my health practices! They had a Coffee shop, Poolside bar, and Restaurants. I saw Vegetarian restaurants, but didn't dare to try them. It was great to see that there was Alternative meal arrangement, but I didn't dare to try it. I got a Bottle of water, but didn't drink it. And I wasn't in the mood for the Snack bar!
Breakfast [buffet]: Asian cuisine on the menu.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- A la carte in restaurant.
- Alternative meal arrangement.
- Asian breakfast.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Bar.
- Bottle of water.
- Breakfast [buffet].
- Breakfast service.
- Buffet in restaurant.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Coffee shop.
- Desserts.
- 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.
Cleanliness and safety: Hand sanitizer and daily disinfection in common areas.
Relaxation & Wellness: Spa, Pool, and the Quest for Zen…
THIS is where Laa's really shines. The Pool with view is stunning, and sipping a cocktail there after a long day of exploring is pure bliss. Seriously, I think I spent half my trip lounging by that pool. (Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, and it's gorgeous.) They also have a proper spa, with… let's see… sauna, spa, body scrub, body wrap, massage… I succumbed to the temptation of a massage, and it was exactly what I needed after navigating Hanoi's chaotic streets. (Massage? Absolutely. Needed it.)
- Ways to relax:
- Body scrub.
- Body wrap.
- Fitness center.
- Foot bath.
- Gym/fitness.
- Massage.
- Pool with view.
- Sauna.
- Spa.
- Spa/sauna.
- Steamroom.
- Swimming pool.
- Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Nitty Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety, and the Small Stuff
Laa's knows its stuff when it comes to keeping things spic and span. You can tell they take cleanliness seriously. (Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check.) They even had Anti-viral cleaning products and I could opt-out from Room sanitization opt-out available. The staff was super friendly and helpful (seriously, shoutout to the reception team - always smiling, always ready to help!). (Staff trained in safety protocol? YES!) They offered pretty much everything you could think of! (Laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service, etc.)
- Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Breakfast in room.
- Breakfast takeaway service.
- Cashless payment service.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Doctor/nurse on call.
- First aid kit.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing.
- Hygiene certification.
- Individually-wrapped food options.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services.
- Room sanitization opt-out available.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Shared stationery removed.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sterilizing equipment
Okay, Time for a Bit of Honesty…
- Things that could be better:
- The Wi-Fi, though free in all rooms, was a bit spotty sometimes.
- Finding the place was a bit of a trek initially…
- The food, again, not as good as the street food (but, come on, what is?).
The Verdict: Should You Book Laa's Service Haven?
YES! Absolutely. Especially if you're looking for a comfortable, spacious base to explore Hanoi.
Indonesian Paradise: 2BR Deluxe Pool Villa w/ Breakfast! #ADK
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy travel brochure – this is real life, in all its chaotic, delicious glory. We're talking about a trip based around a cozy 2BR, 90m2 Service Apt in Hanoi, courtesy of Laa. Prepare yourselves for a rollercoaster!
Hanoi Heist (aka My Absolutely Wonderful, Imperfect Adventure at Laa's)
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Regret (and Pho)
2:00 PM: Touchdown! Noi Bai International Airport. Oh man, the humidity hits you like a warm, wet, hug. Immediately start regretting wearing my favorite jeans. But hey, we're in Vietnam! Time to embrace the sweat. Finding a taxi is always a gamble. You get the friendly driver who tries to be your best friend and the grumpy one who pretends not to understand ANYTHING. Today, I lucked out. Got the chatty one. He told me his whole life story in broken English. Blessing and a curse.
3:30 PM: Arrive at Laa's. The apartment… yeah, it's pretty damn sweet. Exactly what the pictures promised, and maybe even a little bit better. Clean, spacious, and that AC is blasting a glorious, welcome chill. Dropped my bags. Time to explore!
4:00 PM: First mission: Find Pho. Seriously, I've been dreaming about it for weeks. Wandered the alleyways around the apartment. The smells… Oh. My. God. Incense, spices, exhaust fumes (hey, it's Hanoi!), and that unmistakable aroma of beef broth magic. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place packed with locals. Score! The Pho was… transcendent. The best thing I've eaten in ages. Seriously considering proposing marriage to the broth.
5:30 PM: Post-Pho Bliss. Wandered the streets, absolutely buzzing. The scooter traffic is INSANE. Like a ballet of near-death experiences. But fascinating! Watched a lady selling fruit, a guy fixing bikes, the whole world going about its utterly normal, beautiful chaos.
7:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Shower, collapse on the couch, and realize I’m already exhausted. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
7:30 PM: Ordered takeout. Bun Cha, naturally. Because, priorities.
8:30 PM: That moment when you realize all those translation apps are useless when the wifi is down, and you can't watch any of your shows. Okay, okay, time to meditate!
Day 2: The Old Quarter Shuffle & the Coffee Crawl
9:00 AM: Breakfast. In-home dining, not a cafe experience (even though cafes are right there on a short walk too). My attempt at cooking a simple breakfast. Not successful. Burned the toast. Cried a little. Fine, fine, let's order food! This is much easier.
10:00 AM: The Old Quarter. Okay, this is where the "organised" part of the itinerary goes right out the window. Aimless wandering. That's my plan. Got utterly, gloriously lost. Found a silk shop. Bought a scarf I definitely didn't need but absolutely had to have. Tried to haggle. Failed miserably. Learned a valuable lesson: I'm a terrible negotiator.
11:30 AM: Coffee time! Hanoi's egg coffee. This is another level of magic. Thick, sweet, creamy, and utterly unforgettable. Found a tiny cafe tucked away from the chaos. Sat and watched the world go by. Pure bliss. This city has me hooked.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the street food! This time, Banh Mi. The BEST Banh Mi I've ever had. Crusty bread, perfectly seasoned pork, fresh herbs, a kick of chili… My taste buds are officially in paradise.
2:00 PM: Attempted to visit Hoan Kiem Lake. Got sidetracked by a water puppet show. Went to watch this too. It was corny, it was loud, it was utterly charming. And I loved every minute of it.
4:00 PM: Coffee Crawl… Round Two! This time, a different cafe. More egg coffee. More happiness. Seriously considering moving to Hanoi just for the coffee.
6:00 PM: A massage! Omg, my aching limbs. Finally! Found a clean and affordable spa. One hour of pure, blissful torture. My masseuse was tiny but mighty. She kneaded away all my stress. I almost fell asleep.
8:00 PM: Back home, ordered more takeout (because, priorities). Tonight, it's Banh Xeo. Crispy, savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Folded in lettuce. Incredible.
9:00 PM: Trying to organize some pictures and video, and failed again.
Day 3: The Temple Pilgrimage & The Temple Pilgrimage (and the Banh Mi)
8:00 AM: The smell of Pho still lingers from yesterday, I'm still dreaming of it.
9:00 AM: Visiting another temple. And finding more food!
10:00 AM: Taking photos from all the tourists sites, including some pictures of myself and the food.
11:00 AM: Back to the service apartment, this time not to rest, but to prepare myself for the afternoon journey.
12:00 PM: Checking out, and preparing for the next journeys.
The Verdict:
This trip to Hanoi with Laa's Service Apt was a whirlwind. The apartment? Fantastic. The food? Life-changing. The chaos? Part of the charm. The scooter traffic? Terrifying, but undeniably cool. The people of Hanoi? Warm, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And next time, I’m definitely bringing a better translator app and a whole lot more stretchy pants. This city has stolen a piece of my heart. I'll be back, Hanoi. You glorious, messy, delicious, beautiful place.
Indonesian Paradise: 3-Bedroom Pool Villa V219 Awaits!
Laa's Service Haven: The Honest FAQ (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, so you’re thinking about Laa's Service Haven, eh? The "Hottest 2BR Apt in Hanoi" (their words, not mine... mostly). Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to spill the tea. I'm talking *real* tea, not that fancy lemongrass stuff they probaby serve in the lobby. This is the lowdown, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
1. Is it *really* the "hottest" apartment? Because, let's be honest, Hanoi humidity...
Alright, "hottest?" That’s a bold claim. Look, it's a nice apartment. It's big, yes, 90m2 is generous. And hey, the aircon *works*. Praise be. But "hottest" conjures images of, like, a supermodel strutting into your life, not – y’know – a well-maintained apartment. During the peak of summer? Yeah, it'll still get a bit clammy if you're not careful with those AC settings. I'm talking about the kind of clammy that makes you want to take a cold shower every five minutes. But! The breeze from the balcony actually *does* help, sometimes. So I'd say "Pretty Darn Comfortable, Mostly" is more accurate.
Important note: They've got those weird, designer-y ceiling fans. They look cool, *but* they're basically useless unless you're a dedicated wind-tunnel enthusiast. Just crank up the AC, trust me. Learned that lesson the hard way.
2. The service...is it truly Haven-like? The reviews are *so* glowing.
Okay, the service. Here’s where things get...interesting. Let's call it a mixed bag, shall we? The staff are generally lovely, *genuinely* friendly. They're the kind of people who remember your name (sometimes), and are always ready with a smile. And the cleaning service? Top-notch. Seriously, my place was *sparkling* after the cleaning. I swear, they probably found dust bunnies I didn't even *know* existed.
But. There's the occasional, shall we say, "miscommunication." I ordered extra towels one time. Ended up with enough towels to wrap the *entire* apartment. I'm not kidding. Mountains of towels. It was hilarious, in a slightly overwhelmed-by-fluffy-cotton kinda way. And sometimes, the concierge seems a bit…distracted. Like, they’re thinking about their lunch or something. Which, honestly, I get it. Being cheerful all day is exhausting!
Overall: Good, with a healthy dose of charmingly chaotic. Lower your expectations a *smidge* and you'll be golden. Embrace the unexpected towel avalanche.
3. What’s the deal with the location? Convenient? Or a nightmare for a foreigner?
Location, location, location! This is crucial, people. Laa’s is in a pretty decent spot, I'd say. It's not *slap-bang-in-the-middle-of-the-Old-Quarter-madness*, which is a *good* thing. Trust me on this. The Old Quarter is awesome, *but*…it's intensely…vibrant. So! This place? It's a little more chill, a *bit* more residential. Which, as a foreigner, is a definite plus. Easier to navigate, calmer streets. You can actually *breathe*.
Pros: Lots of little cafes and restaurants nearby. Easy access to taxis (or Grab, your new best friend). Walking distance to some cool markets. Quieter nights.
Cons: It's not *right* in the action. You'll need to take a taxi or a scooter (if you're brave) to get to some of the major tourist attractions. And sometimes, the traffic can be…well, let's just say it's an *experience*. Prepare for a symphony of honking. Embrace the chaos! It's part of the charm (eventually).
4. The Internet. Is it reliable? Work-from-home-able? Because my job is basically the internet.
Oh, the internet. This is critical for me, too! I tried to video call my parents one time, and it turned into a pixelated slide show. The internet *can* be a bit…temperamental. It's usually fine for browsing and emails, but if you're relying on crystal-clear video calls or constant uploads... Well, pack your patience.
It's not awful. It's just...not perfect. I think I averaged a dropped call every other day. It's workable, but don't expect blazing speeds all the time, especially during peak hours. Get yourself a local sim card with data as a backup plan, just in case. Seriously. You'll thank me later.
5. The kitchen. Is it functional? Can I actually, you know, *cook*?
The kitchen…ah, the kitchen. Alright, so it's *there*. It *has* a stove, and a fridge, and a…sink. So, in theory, yes, you can cook. In practice? Well, let's just say it's more "microwave-and-occasional-stir-fry" capable than "Julia Child, take note." The equipment's a little basic. The pots and pans? Don't expect Michelin-star quality. The countertop space is…limited. Actually, scratch that, non-existent. Prepare to chop vegetables on the, um, *breakfast bar*. Just kidding, there isn't one. I made do. I made a simple pasta. It was fine.
Important Tip: The grocery stores near the apartment are decent, but don't expect every ingredient under the sun. Embrace the local produce! And maybe learn a few basic Vietnamese cooking terms. Asking for "more cilantro" in broken Vietnamese is always a fun experience – even if you *do* end up with an entire *bunch*.
6. Okay, so, the *real* question: Would you recommend it?
Ugh, the million-dollar question. So, warts and all… Yes. I would. With caveats. It’s a good value for the space, the service, and the location. Don't go in expecting perfection, and you'll be fine.
What I *loved*: The size, the cleanliness (seriously, that cleaning crew is magic!), the friendly staff (mostly), and the general feeling ofFind Hotel Now
