Da Nang's Orient Hotel: Your Dream Vietnamese Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into this hotel review. This ain't gonna be your average sterile, yawn-inducing checklist. We're going full-on, unfiltered me. This is going to be messy, opinionated, and hopefully, a little bit hilarious.
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Right, the hotel. Where do we even start? Let's just say I’m fresh off the plane, and my brain is still marinated in airplane peanuts and the existential dread of having to share a tiny bathroom. But hey, travel, right?
Accessibility: (A good place to start, I guess… gotta be responsible!)
Okay, I'm not exactly rolling around in a wheelchair myself – though after some of my dance moves, you might think otherwise – but I did make a point of sniffing around the accessibility situation. And honestly? It felt…decent. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" after all! The website promised wheelchair accessibility, which is fantastic because you know, inclusivity is key. I saw elevators (thank the gods!), and they claimed to have accessible rooms. I didn't personally check them out, but the presence of this is good! I'd definitely suggest calling ahead and confirming specific room features if you need that level of detail. **On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: ** I didn't dive into the lounges with my camera, but I did notice elevators to help anyone get around.
Internet: Oh, the digital tether…
Listen, I'm a digital nomad wannabe, so internet access is practically oxygen for me. And praise the Wi-Fi gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And in public areas! Hallelujah! That means I could actually, you know, work without having to huddle by the router like some digital Gollum. The speed was… okay. Let’s just say it wasn't supersonic enough to handle streaming high-definition content and downloading the entire internet at once. However, it was enough to check emails, upload a few blurry Instagram photos, and, most importantly, avoid complete and utter digital isolation. Internet [LAN] also an option if you are old school, but I didn't personally investigate.
Things to do, ways to relax… (Spoiler alert: I did both!)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Let's be real: I didn't come here to sit around and stare at a wall. I came to live. The list of "things to do" was, shall we say, extensive.
- Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa: Look, I'm not going to lie. I practically lived in the spa. The sauna was… well, hot. Very hot. I swear I saw my stress melting off like butter on a summer's day. The steamroom was a cloud of fragrant bliss. And the massage? Oh, the massage. My masseuse, bless her hands, worked miracles. She kneaded out a knot in my shoulder that I didn't even realize I had. The pool with a view was just as advertised: pure, unadulterated gorgeousness.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: I’m more of a sit-with-a-book-under-an-umbrella kind of gal. Some quick dips and fun.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Okay, okay, I tried the gym. It was… well-equipped. Treadmills, weights, the works. But after my massage, I felt like I might turn into jello if I even looked at a dumbbell. Let's just say my fitness routine consisted mainly of walking to the bar.
Cleanliness and Safety (because, you know, the world is a bit bonkers right now):
Alright, let's get serious for a moment. COVID is still out there, lurking like a grumpy cat waiting to pounce. So, you want to know about safety measures. I did too! And here's what I noticed:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sterilizing equipment: Felt like the staff was on it, I saw them always cleaning. This gives me a high score.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Like, every single corner, every single elevator button, every… where the heck were the hand sanitizers?
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I'm not sure if they're trained, but they were wearing facemasks and following the rules.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: (My happy place!)
Okay, let's go straight to the good part. The food. Oh, the food.
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: Everything was here, so it was cool!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: The buffet was my weakness. I’m not ashamed to admit it. Pancakes, omelets, bacon, pastries – it was a glorious, calorie-laden explosion. I went to the dining room every single morning with high expectations, and they were met every time.
- Room service [24-hour]: I love room service on a good hotel. Even if I didn't order any, it's just nice to know it's there.
- Poolside bar, Bar, Happy hour: I will tell you a little something. I had a few evening cocktails. I'm not talking about ONE or TWO. I'm thinking of the people that were trying to kick me out.
Services and conveniences: (The little extras that make life easier)
- Concierge, Doorman, Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Safety deposit boxes, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: They had everything!
- Contactless check-in/out: Nice, very nice, and it worked perfectly!
- Elevator: essential.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless. The cleaning staff were amazing!
- Air conditioning in public area, Terrace, Smoking area: all good!
For the kids (if you have them…):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't go with kids, but I did see the kids' club. They had a playground, a pool, and activities for small kids.
Rooms: (Where the magic happens)
- Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, 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: EVERYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE. I got a room on a high floor with a sweeping view. The air conditioning blasted cold air (a lifesaver!). The bed was heaven. The blackout curtains were my best friend. My favorite detail? The slippers. Why are hotel slippers such a luxury? I have no idea, but I love them.
Getting around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: All good!
The Bottom Line:
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the occasional minor imperfection (because, let's be honest, no place is perfect), and the internet which could have been a little better, this place was pretty darn good. It was a perfect mix of relaxation, luxury, and convenience. It felt safe, and that's HUGE right now. So, if you're looking for a getaway that's both luxurious and accessible, safe, and fun, add this one to your list.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find another spa. Cheers!
**Hotel Commodore Cervia: Your Italian Riviera Dream Awaits!**
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't just an itinerary; it's a roadmap to my potential emotional breakdown (in a good way, hopefully) in Da Nang, Vietnam, all based around the Orient Hotel. Let's get this chaotic adventure started!
ORIENT HOTEL DA NANG: MY SANITY (AND WALLET'S) BEST FRIEND (SO FAR)
Day 1: Sweet Arrival & Pho-nomental First Impressions (and a looming jetlag monster)
- 8:00 AM (Da Nang Time, assuming I actually manage to get on the damn plane): Land at Da Nang International Airport. Okay, first impression: HOT. Humid. And the immigration line looks longer than my last relationship. Deep breaths. Pray to the travel gods for swift processing.
- Messy Anecdote/Imperfection: I fully expect to be a sweaty, grumpy mess after 24 hours of travel. I’m banking on the hotel's welcome drink to be laced with something strong. Just for medicinal purposes, of course.
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Taxi to Orient Hotel Da Nang. I've heard the drivers can be… enthusiastic. Pray for a safe, non-price-gauging ride. Cross your fingers!
- 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Check-in. Oh please, please, LET MY ROOM BE READY. Nothing worse than staring at your luggage in a lobby when all you want is a shower.
- Quirky Observation/Emotional Reaction: I NEED a good bed. Like, a "sinking-into-heaven" kind of bed. If the mattress is lumpy, I'm lodging a complaint faster than you can say "Vietnamese coffee." I hope the view is good, too. Gotta capture that Instagrammable sunrise, even if I look like a zombie in the process.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Unpack. Maybe. Honestly, I might just collapse on the bed and stare at the ceiling. Jet lag is calling, and I must answer.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The thought of unpacking feels daunting. Why is it so hard to make yourself feel at home in a hotel room for a few days, the place where you are supposed to rest well?
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch! Pho time! I am SO excited. Google Maps has pinpointed a local spot nearby (fingers crossed it is not full of tourists), I want the real deal! Spicy broth. Tender beef. Cilantro heaven.
- Opinionated Language/Natural Pacing: Look, I'm a pho snob. I've had good pho, I've had bad pho. Today, I demand AMAZING pho. And if they insult my taste buds, I'm walking right out. (Kidding… maybe).
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Nap. A long, glorious nap. Possibly with a room service order of coconut water.
- Rambling: Okay, maybe I’ll also order a foot massage. Because, why not? It’s Vietnam! I’m going to embrace the pampering (and feel slightly guilty about it later). Do they do those hot stone things? Hmm…
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore the area around the Orient Hotel. Wandering, getting lost, enjoying the chaos. I want to see REAL life; not the curated tourist version.
- Messier Structure: Okay, I should probably check in with the hotel concierge about a walking route, because I have a tendency to get lost! It's part of the fun, really. Maybe. Hopefully.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant near the Dragon Bridge to see if it is as amazing as people say it is!
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I want to experience the Dragon Bridge in all its glory! I heard that it spits FIRE. My inner child is screaming for a show. I will be utterly disappointed if the fire show is not on!
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Drinks at a rooftop bar. Okay, this is where I get my bearings. Cocktails, city lights, and a little bit of "wow, I'm actually here" realization.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Back to the hotel. A quick scan for any creepy crawlies; and settle in for the night.
Day 2: Hoi An Day-Trip & Street Food Adventures (and possible over-eating)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up and try the hotel's breakfast. Pray its not the same bland buffet you get everywhere.
- 8:00 AM: Organized Tour to Hoi An. I think I booked this.
- Imperfection: I might have forgotten to book the tour. I have a terrible memory! Hopefully, if I forgot, I can figure it out.
- 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Hoi An Exploration! I will be a tourist!
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Drive back to Da Nang; and collapse in hotel.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: STREET FOOD FEAST! I will find alll the yummy foods! This is where I lose all self-control. Banh mi, spring rolls, fresh fruit, anything that smells delicious. My stomach is ready. My wallet is not.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Relaxing by the hotel pool.
Day 3: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, and the Last Supper (before my flight home- sobs!)
- Morning: Wake up and try to be more organized on this day.
- Morning: Beach Day! My Khe Beach!
- Afternoon: Marble Mountains. Climb those stairs! Get those views!
- Evening: Last Meal in Vietnam. I'm going to have the most delicious food I can get my hands on.
Day 4: Departure Depression (or, How to Leave Paradise)
- Morning: One last breakfast. One last cup of Vietnamese coffee. I might actually cry.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the friendly staff (they’ve put up with me).
- 12:00 PM: Head to the airport. More sweating. More immigration lines.
- Flight: Farewell, Da Nang! Goodbye, delicious food! I'll be back. I promise!
Important Considerations (Because I'm a Mess):
- Budget: I have a vague idea. Probably won't stick to it.
- Packing: Overpacked, as always. Probably brought too many shoes and not enough practical stuff (like bug spray).
- Language: I know "xin chào" and "cảm ơn." Wish me luck.
- Overall Mood: Excited, slightly overwhelmed, and ready for an adventure. Hopefully, it won't be TOO chaotic. Okay, who am I kidding? It's going to be gloriously, wonderfully chaotic.
So, what *is* this thing anyway? Like, in plain English? (Because I'm currently running on caffeine and questionable life choices.)
Ugh, okay, the *thing*. Right. It's… it's like trying to explain the color blue to a blind person. You *think* you understand it, until you try to put it into words, and then BAM! You're staring at the ceiling, wondering if you've actually become a sentient tea cozy. Basically, it tries to… well, it's about… *sigh* Let's say it's about making sense of stuff, or pretending to. Maybe. Don't ask me, I just write the darned things. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just throwing words at a wall and hoping something sticks. (Spoiler alert: sometimes it does, and it's usually the sentence that sounds like a total train wreck.)
How do I even GET started with this... thing? Because it's starting to look like a giant, confusing blob.
Alright, deep breaths. First, you gotta *want* to. And I mean *really* want to, like you want that last slice of pizza after you've eaten three whole pizzas. Then, you just… *kinda*… start. Which, again, sounds easier said than done, right? Trust me, I get it. The hardest part is often actually *doing* the thing. It’s like deciding to go to the gym. The idea’s great, the execution is… well, let’s just say my gym membership doesn’t get a lot of action. Maybe try a small, bite-sized chunk? Baby steps. That’s what I tell myself when I'm facing a mountain of dishes or a creative block big enough to swallow a small civilization. Or maybe just... close your eyes and click furiously. You'll figure it out eventually. (Hopefully!)
Who is this even *for*? (Besides me, apparently, judging by the fact I'm reading this.)
Good question! Honestly? I haven't the foggiest. Probably for people who are just as confused as I am. Or maybe for the truly brave souls who enjoy wading through a swamp of questionable grammar and stream-of-consciousness ramblings. Or, and this is a good one, people who are supposed to be doing something *else* and are procrastinating by reading this instead. Yep, that’s probably it. Hi, fellow procrastinators! Welcome to the club. We have… well, we have this. And the comforting knowledge that we’re all in the same boat, drifting slowly toward the shores of "I should probably get to work."
Okay, but *why* should I bother? What’s the big payoff? Is there even a payoff?!
Payoff? Ha! That's rich. Look, sometimes there's a payoff. Sometimes you get to the end and feel… vaguely satisfied. Other times, you end up staring at the ceiling, contemplating your life choices, and wondering if you should just go eat a whole pizza. (I’ve been there, done that, and I can confirm it has approximately zero positive impact on your waistline or your sense of self-worth, but it *does* taste good.) The *why*? Ugh. Because it's there, I guess? Because sometimes, in the middle of the swirling chaos, you stumble upon something… interesting. Something that makes the whole convoluted mess feel worthwhile. Or, hey, maybe just because you, like me, have a weird need to make sense of things, even if it often leads to more confusion. Honestly? The best payoff is often the cathartic release of just… getting it *out* there. Like a good scream, only with more words and less potential to annoy the neighbors.
I tried it, and it didn’t work! I’m a failure! Everything is broken! The world is ending! Help!
Whoa, hold your horses, drama queen! First of all, the world isn't ending. Probably. And secondly, *failure* is just… a thing. It's part of the process. Remember that time I tried to make a lasagna and ended up with something that resembled a culinary war crime? Yeah. It happens. Embrace the mess! Learn from it! Then (and this is the important part), dust yourself off and try again. Maybe with a slightly different approach, or a slightly less ambitious recipe. Or maybe just... give yourself a break. Take a walk. Breathe. Eat some chocolate. (Chocolate fixes everything, right? Right?). The point is, don't let one little setback derail the whole dang train. It's like that time I tried to learn to play the ukulele… I sounded like a dying walrus after a particularly bad karaoke night. Did I quit? Eventually, yes. But hey, at least I *tried.* And that's what counts! ...Mostly.
What if I'm feeling… uninspired? Or, like, my brain is a swamp filled with slightly melancholic frogs?
Oh, I *feel* you. The swamp-brain days are the worst. The inspiration well runs dry, and all you can do is… stare. Stare at a blank screen, stare at the ceiling, stare at the dust bunnies gathering in the corner. My advice? Don't force it. Seriously. The worst thing you can do is try to *make* inspiration happen. It's like trying to catch a greased pig. It just… doesn't work. Instead, try something else. Go for a walk. Listen to some music. Stare out the window. Read a book. Talk to a friend (or, you know, a friendly barista). Sometimes, you just need to let your brain *rest*. Let it de-froggify. Let the inspiration come to *you*. I always find that my best ideas come when I'm *not* trying to have them. Like, the idea for this whole shebang? Pretty sure it popped into my head while I was trying to figure out how to untangle my Christmas lights. True story. See? Chaos can be creative! (Eventually.)
I'm struggling with a specific aspect. Let's get granular! What about *that* thing?
Okay, okay, let's get down and dirty. *That* thing? You mean the thing where...Stay And Relax
