Ho Chi Minh City's HOTTEST 1-Bed Modern Apartment: Landmark Plus Luxury Awaits!
Ho Chi Minh City's HOTTEST 1-Bed Modern Apartment: Landmark Plus Luxury Awaits!
Landmark Plus Luxury Awaits? My HCMC Apartment Adventure - Buckle Up! (Long Review Warning!)
Okay, deep breaths. I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Ho Chi Minh City, and let me tell you, this place is a sensory overload in the BEST way. And the crown jewel of my stay? Supposedly, the Landmark Plus Luxury Awaits apartment in [Landmark 81, I assume] – the hottest one-bed in town. Did it live up to the hype? Mostly. But, as always, the devil's in the detail, and let’s face it, I’m a detail-oriented disaster.
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility, Airport Transfer, Car Park):
Right off the bat, navigating HCMC is… an experience. The airport transfer they offered? Smooth as silk. Seriously, a comfortable car, AC blasting, and a driver who skillfully dodged the motorbike chaos. Five stars for the airport transfer! They understood the assignment. And, blessedly, the apartment had car parking [free of charge], a MUST in a city where parking is rarer than a quiet motorbike.
Accessibility: Now, their website boasted about it, but truth be told, I didn't need full wheelchair access. However, I did notice the elevator was spacious (always a good sign), and the main areas seemed relatively easy to navigate for someone with mobility issues. The elevator definitely had me breathing easier, especially after lugging my ridiculous suitcase around.
Checking In (Contactless, Express, 24-Hour Front Desk):
Okay, this was a win. Contactless check-in/out saved me from awkward small talk after that long flight. And the front desk [24-hour] was a godsend. Especially since, you know, I'm terrible with jetlag. Just the thought of fumbling with keys at 3 am made my heart rate spike. Express check-in/out made things even smoother.
The Apartment Itself (Available in All Rooms!):
Deep breath Here’s where things get… interesting. The view? Spectacular. I'm talking, "jaw drops, phone immediately takes 50 photos" spectacular. The high floor gave me a panoramic view that made me feel like I owned the city. Seriously, the window that opens was a lifesaver to let in the cool breeze and that incredible, humid city air… a true taste of Vietnam.
What's Actually In The Room? (Everything and the Kitchen Sink…Almost!):
Okay, let's get practical.
- Air conditioning? Obvs! Thank god. My soul would have melted otherwise.
- Free Wi-Fi? YES! And free Wi-fi in all rooms! High five Needed. (And I confirmed the strength of the Internet connection – rock-solid. Important for, ahem, working… and streaming videos.)
- Bathroom Treasures: Bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and a glorious separate shower/bathtub. Pure luxury. I even found a scale and, um, let's just say it helped me maintain a healthy perspective after all the delicious food.
- Bedtime Bliss: Super comfy extra long bed, blackout curtains (hallelujah!), and a reading light – perfect for losing myself in a good book.
- Tech Savvy: Alarm clock, a telephone, and a socket near the bed which is essential in the modern world. The satellite/cable channels offered plenty of distractions. And the on-demand movies were… well, let's just say I took advantage after a few late-night pho adventures.
- Nitty Gritty: Desk, closet, in-room safe box, mini bar, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea and water. All the basics, beautifully presented.
- Little Things that Matter: The daily housekeeping felt like a luxury. The bedside table, the mirror, the soundproofing all of it was quite perfect.
The Downsides (Because It's Never Perfect):
Okay, here’s where things get… real. This isn't a complaint, but more of an observation. While the apartment interior was gorgeous, well-laid out, and with every luxury you could want - it felt a tad soulless. It was immaculate, perfectly clean, but a little devoid of personality. Perhaps a few more personal touches would've made it feel extra special. A simple thing, but for me, it would've had a greater home-like feel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Restaurants to Your Heart’s Content):
Alright, this is where things REALLY heated up. Let’s talk about food, because, yes, food is life.
- Restaurants Galore: The complex had a mind-boggling array of choices. Restaurants, poolside bar, coffee shop, snack bar, and a bar. You were pretty much guaranteed a good time.
- Types of Cuisine: I saw International cuisine, Asian cuisine, and even some vegetarian restaurant options.
- Service: Room service [24-hour]. Absolute lifesaver for those jet-lagged nights.
- Specifics: A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast takeaway service, Happy hour, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant. I did take advantage of the bottle of water.
The Pool & Relaxation (Pool with a View, Spa/Sauna!)
Oh, the pool. The photos don't do it justice. The swimming pool [outdoor] was magnificent. The pool with view gave me serious James Bond vibes (minus the danger, thankfully). And the sauna and steamroom? Pure bliss after a day of exploring.
Spa & Wellness (Body Scrub, Massage, Spa, Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness):
I definitely used the fitness center, and the gym/fitness was perfect for a quick workout. I almost indulged in a massage, and I’m still kicking myself that I didn't.
Cleanliness & Safety (Anti-Viral Cleaning, Hand Sanitizer, Safe Dining!):
Look, safety is paramount. I was REALLY impressed with the precautions. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, hand sanitizer, individually-wrapped food options, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol, which was a big comfort.
For the Kids (Babysitting, Family Friendly):
I didn’t bring any kids, bless them, but I did notice the apartment promoted family/child friendly services. I also saw services like babysitting service.
Services & Conveniences (Concierge, Currency Exchange, Dry Cleaning, Everything!):
The concierge was incredibly helpful. Daily housekeeping was a luxury, and that dry cleaning service? Saved my bacon (and my best travel blazer). Currency exchange, luggage storage, doorman. The list goes on!
Getting Around (Taxi, Airport Transfer):
As I said, the airport transfer was top-notch. I did use a taxi service a couple of times. And the car park [on-site] made renting a scooter much more useful!
Quirks & Ramblings:
Okay, here's where I get REALLY honest. One morning, I ordered room service. I was starving, I was jet-lagged, and I saw that they offered "International Breakfast." The food, when it arrived, was lovely. But the server, bless his heart, seemed a bit bewildered by my request for extra hot chili sauce. This is a tiny detail, I know, but it's the kind of thing that sticks with me. I should have known better.
Overall Verdict - Should You Book It?
YES. For the stunning views, the luxurious amenities, and the convenience, the Landmark Plus apartment is worth it. It's not perfect – there are a few minor improvements they could consider – but for the price, the location, and the overall experience, it's a winner in my book. It’s modern, it’s comfortable, and it's perfectly positioned to soak up the energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Just remember to pack your own chili sauce. You'll thank me later.
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- Keywords: Ho Chi Minh City, HCMC, Vietnam, Landmark 81, Landmark Plus, Luxury Apartment, One-Bedroom Apartment, Travel Review, Hotel Review, Accommodation, Pool, Spa, Fitness Center, Airport Transfer, Wi-Fi, Modern, Clean, Safe, Top Rated, Best Hotels, Things to do in HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City Hotels, Ho Chi Minh City Travel, Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Title: Ho Chi Minh City's HOTTEST 1-Bed Modern Apartment: Landmark Plus Luxury Awaits! (My Honest Review)
- Meta Description: Is the Landmark Plus Luxury Apartment in HCMC worth it? A detailed, honest and, often hilarious review of the amenities, location, and overall experience. Find out if it lives up to the hype
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious chaos that is… my Ho Chi Minh City adventure! Landed the perfect 1-bed in a place called Landmark Plus (fingers crossed it actually feels luxurious, unlike some "luxury" Airbnbs I've booked… ugh, the memories). Here's the itinerary, or, should I say, the suggestion of an itinerary, because let’s be honest, I'm a master of winging it.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and a Desperate Search for Pho
- 06:00 - 09:00: Ugh. Flight. Airport. The usual soul-crushing ballet. Landed at Tan Son Nhat International, and the humidity hit me like a warm, smelly hug from someone I didn't invite to the party. Immigration was… surprisingly smooth. Thank the gods. (Pro tip: pack a pen, because the forms are relentless.)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Grabbed a grab (the local ride-sharing app, basically Uber) to Landmark Plus. I'd specifically requested a driver who wasn’t going to try and sell me a tour of the city before I'd even seen my bed. Success! (Small victories, people, small victories.)
- 10:00 - 12:00: Check-in. Praying to the hotel gods that the 1-bed is actually what I booked (and not smaller than my closet). Unpacking. A brief moment of existential dread about how many clothes I actually need for a week. I probably overpacked, typical.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Okay, jet lag is kicking in BIG TIME. Brain fog. Stomach rumbling. The only thing on my mind: Pho. The quest began. Wandered haphazardly, feeling utterly lost and vaguely judging everyone's scooter skills. Finally stumbled upon a steaming bowl of the holy grail – Pho Bo (beef pho). LIFE. SAVED. It was… perfectly okay. Not mind-blowing, but the broth was warm, and the noodles… well, they were noodles. Fuel!
- 14:00 - 18:00: Napping. Glorious, guilt-free, jet-lag napping. Dreamt of more pho. And less humidity.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Failed attempt at a rooftop bar. Turns out, I'd misunderstood the reviews. Apparently, "stunning views" translates to "slightly elevated view of a busy street." Drinks were overpriced. Left feeling slightly deflated, and definitely craving more Pho.
- 20:00 - Bedtime: Watched some TV at the apartment. Gave up trying to understand Vietnamese television. Went to bed.
Day 2: War Remnants, Colonial Grandeur, and a Terrible Taxi Driver
- 08:00 - 09:00: Coffee. (Needed it. Badly). Ate breakfast at the apartment, which consisted of the instant noodles I brought instead of the promised Vietnamese coffee. Regrets.
- 09:00 - 12:00: War Remnants Museum. Wow. Just… wow. Emotionally heavy. Brutal, honest, and genuinely heartbreaking. The photos. The stories. It's a place that demands respect and reflection. Not easy to just see. I was definitely feeling the weight of the history. I thought a lot about the war, and how I don't know anything about it.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. Found a tiny local place near the museum. Delicious spring rolls, perfectly crispy. Small victories, yet again. But the emotion from the museum still lingered.
- 13:00 - 15:00: Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Colonial vibes! Beautiful architecture, albeit a bit… crowded. A quick stop to admire the grandeur and soak it all in.
- 15:00 - 16:00: The worst taxi ride of my life. The driver, bless his soul, decided to get "creative" with the route. Basically, a scenic tour of every single traffic jam in the city. And the meter… well, let's just say it mysteriously increased at an alarming rate. I was pretty tired. And frustrated. And sweating.
- 16:00 -18:00: Relaxing. (required). A cold shower, and a vow to stick to Grab from now on.
- 18:00 - 21:00: Dinner. Tried to be brave and experiment with street food (Banh Mi). It was amazing! Even the slightly questionable hygienic conditions couldn't touch the Banh Mi. I ate 2!
- 21:00 - …: Crashed. Exhausted but happy. The city had started to grow on me. I'd lost the jet lag.
Day 3: The Ben Thanh Market, Cooking Class, and a Monsoon
- 09:00 - 12:00: Ben Thanh Market. Sensory overload! So many sights, smells and people. Haggling for souvenirs was quite an adventure. I tried to get a good deal, but I don't think I won at all. Bought a fake t-shirt, because I was swept away in the chaos.
- 12:00 - 16:00: Cooking Class! This was the highlight of the trip so far. We made spring rolls, Pho (this time, really good!) and some other Vietnamese dishes. The teacher was lovely, even when I nearly set the kitchen on fire. (Okay, maybe I exaggerated a tiny bit. But there were flames!) The food was great!
- 16:00 - 17:00: Monsoon. Yep. Out of nowhere. The heavens opened, and the streets turned into raging rivers. Got absolutely drenched trying to get back to the apartment. Look like a drowned rat.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Drying out, and seriously regretting the lack of waterproof pants.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Decided to risk it, braved the streets for dinner. The weather seemed to calm down.
- 20:00 - bedtime: Ate the rest of the food from my cooking class for dinner in the apartment. Watched a bad movie. It was a great night.
Day 4: Mekong Delta Day Trip – Or, The Day I Almost Drowned in a Rowboat
- 07:00 - 19:00: Mekong Delta Day Trip. I signed up for a tour. Big mistake. The bus ride was LONG. The itinerary was… relentless. But the floating market was cool, even if I couldn't understand a darn thing. The boat ride was beautiful, but… the rowboat… oh, the rowboat. It was a tiny little thing, and the guide, bless his heart, looked like he’d never steered before. We were on the river… I was certain we would tip over. It was terrifying, and amazing. Absolutely epic! The whole time.
Day 5: Saigon's Hidden Gems and the Search for the Perfect Coffee
- 09:00 - 12:00: Wandering around, exploring the neighborhoods. Finding the tiny, quirky cafes that the guidebooks don't mention. Discovering a hidden art gallery. These were the real gems. This is what I lived for.
- 12:00 - 13:00: This time for lunch, I found a place that sold amazing Bun Bo Hue. I made a point to go back the next day.
- 13:00 - 17:00: Coffee hunting!! This place is all about the coffee. I tried a ton of different places. Egg coffee, Coconut coffee, black coffee, iced coffee. It became an obsession. The perfect coffee does exist!
- 17:00 - 18:00. Shopping for gifts. I bought my sister some silk scarves and my brother some coffee.
- 18:00- …: Dinner. Found a restaurant that served delicious local dishes. Ate and watched the city pass me by.
Day 6: Final Day Ramblings, Regrets, and a Last Bowl of Pho
- 09:00 - 10:00: Sat on the balcony of my Landmark Plus apartment, sipping the remaining coffee. Admiring the view (which was… okay, not stunning, but hey, I had a balcony!). Reflecting on the week: I would do it again.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Realizing I still hadn’t bought a decent present for my best friend. Panic
Okay, spill the tea! Is this Landmark Plus place REALLY as amazing as the pictures? Honestly?
Alright, deep breaths. Yeah, the pictures? They're pretty damn good. Like, Instagram filter "dream apartment" good. But here's the real deal: first impressions? WHOA. Seriously. Stepping into that lobby, you feel like you've accidentally wandered into a James Bond movie. Except, you know, without the need for a Walther PPK. (Though, I did briefly consider the practicality of one for, uh, *dealing* with overly chatty elevator neighbors… kidding! mostly.).
The apartment itself? The one-bedroom is surprisingly spacious. I, a chronic collector of "stuff," managed to not feel claustrophobic which is a HUGE win. The views... oh, the views. Nighttime? Spectacular. Daytime? Equally so. You get this incredible panorama of the city; it's mesmerizing. I think I spent the first hour just staring out the window, slack-jawed. My jaw actually *ached* from the staring. Worth it.
But, the catch? Perfection is a myth, right? (My dating history certainly agrees!). The blinds in the bedroom took me a frustrating couple of days to figure out. I felt ridiculously inept. And that "modern" design? Sometimes it prioritizes form over function. The kitchen, while gorgeous, wasn't necessarily designed for someone who actually, you know, COOKS. I nearly set off the smoke alarm frying some dodgy spring rolls! Epic fail. Good thing there are a million amazing food stalls nearby. Thank heavens for that!
What's the deal with the amenities? Pool? Gym? Are they actually any good? Or just there for show?
Okay, the amenities. This is where it gets interesting. The pool? Stunning. Seriously, it's like something out of a magazine. And the gym? Actually pretty decent. Not a hardcore bodybuilder vibe, more of a "well-equipped and functional" kind of setup. Think: cardio machines, weights, all that jazz. I made an effort to go, like, twice. (Don't judge, the rooftop bar is far more tempting!).
The catch? It CAN get crowded. Weekends, forget about it. You'll be sharing the pool with a gaggle of screaming kids, or people in various states of posing. The gym usually has a few serious-looking folks and the occasional sweaty selfie-taker, which is hilarious! I actually saw a guy doing bicep curls while live-streaming to his phone -- the ultimate display of modern narcissism! (I kid, I kid!). But for the most part, it's functional and generally a good experience. Just pick your times wisely. Otherwise, expect a wait for machines and an increased blood pressure. Take a deep breath and try a new exercise!
The Location! Landmark 81 area -- is it actually convenient to *everything*? Or just a tourist trap?
Okay, location, location, location. This is a HUGE one. Being near Landmark 81 is definitely a double-edged sword. On one hand, you're right in the heart of things! Loads of shops, restaurants, and entertainment are within walking distance. It's super convenient for exploring District 1 and the surrounding areas. Grab a Grab -- easy. Walk? Easy. You're connected to the city and it's energy! The *energy*. The late night noodle shops, the people watching, everything!
But the *tourist trap* accusation? Yeah. Valid. It's a very popular area, so expect crowds, especially around the Landmark 81 building itself. Also, prices can be a bit inflated compared to other parts of the city. However, the convenience factor outweighs the minor inconveniences, in my opinion. You can easily escape the touristy vibes by venturing a few blocks in any direction; the real Saigon is out there! If you are not careful you will be suckered into paying double on anything from bubble tea to taxis. Always, always have a Grab app!
The Price – How much is this luxury hitting the wallet? Is it worth it?
Let's talk money. Because, you know, adulting. This place is not cheap, let's get that out of the way right now. It's definitely on the higher end of the rental spectrum, especially for a one-bedroom. You're paying for the location, the views, and the amenities. The "luxury" label isn't just marketing; it's tangible.
Worth it? That depends entirely on your priorities and budget. If you're on a shoestring, definitely not. If you're looking for something high-end, modern, and convenient, with a touch of 'wow' factor? Then yes, potentially. For me, it was worth it. It gave me a sense of space, inspired my work, and was the key ingredient to a long-term plan. It felt like a reward for all the hard work and a push towards new possibilities. Now if only that rent wasn't so high... I should have negotiated! Maybe I should have asked for some discount, I could have saved quite a bit of cash!
What's the management like, and are there any major problems you've run into? Be honest!
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty, the *real* stuff. Management... It's a mixed bag, honestly. The front desk staff are generally very polite and helpful, especially if you're friendly and smile. (That little bit of extra effort goes a long way in Vietnam, trust me!).
But there are also some things that weren't perfect, let's just say and just some basic things might require a bit of patience and persistence. I had a minor issue with my air conditioning once – it started making this godawful rattling noise. I reported it, and it took a few days to get fixed! Those couple of nights were torture, between the heat and the incessant drone of the mechanical monster. What's impressive is that they even had someone come in to check the situation around 1 AM. If that's not going above and beyond, I don't know what is.
My biggest annoyance? The occasional construction noise. There are ALWAYS new projects going up in this city, so you get used to things! But sometimes, the noise will go on late into the night! Especially when you're trying to have a good nap! I am not sure how much things can be controlled on the management's side, I think that comes from the city's side as a whole. As long as you are not too sensitive to noise, you should survive!
So, overall. Would you recommend living here? Give me the final verdict!
Alright, the final verdict. Would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats. If you value convenience, a modern lifestyle, and stunning views, and you're not overly budget-conscious, then absolutely. It's a great place to live. I can see why people enjoy it so much.London's Hidden Gem: Chic Charlotte Guest House Awaits!
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