72 HOUSE Dalat: Vietnam's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
72 HOUSE Dalat: Vietnam's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Alright, here we go. Deep breaths. Reviewing a hotel, eh? Let the rollercoaster begin. Destination: The hotel, and boy, did I have expectations. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a long ride.
First Impressions & The “Getting In” Game – Accessibility, Security & That Initial Vibe
Okay, so, accessibility. Important! And let's be real, it's not always a slam dunk. I hunted high and low for intel on that. I see they say "Facilities for disabled guests" – but I don't know the level, and that is the problem with this phrasing. I need details; are we talking ramps, elevators, accessible rooms? I am assuming so, because they have an elevator, but I can't confirm how well it all meshes. This is where hotels lose points fast. Get specific! Even mentioning "we're working on it" is better than this vague silence.
Security-wise? CCTV everywhere, which is fine, I guess. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, 24-hour security… good stuff. I'd feel pretty safe. Exterior corridors? Hmmm, depends on your preference. Makes for quick access, but can sometimes feel a bit… exposed? And the 24-hour front desk is golden, especially when you're coming in after a red-eye flight. Those early morning arrivals can be a beast and I like the idea of contactless check-in/out, I mean, who wants to stand in a long queue after a long journey? The doorman is a nice touch too.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (Or Not?)
Alright, the rooms. The core of the whole experience. They have loads of amenities, let's see if it measures up:
The Essentials: Air conditioning (thank GOD), alarm clock, complimentary tea (yes!), hair dryer, in-room safe, wi-fi (free? YES!), a desk – very important for this review, oh yeah, and the all-important… a window that opens! (Slight claustrophobia here, so vital!) Extra long bed? Nice touch.
The Luxuries: Bathrobes (definitely a plus), bathtub (depending on the size!), a coffee/tea maker – vital!!, blackout curtains (essential for sleep!), and a mini-bar. My own little kingdom in the room! And oh, they say a bathtub… but how's the water pressure? And is my room a decent height in the building? I love a high floor. I love it!
The Tech: Satellite/cable channels, on-demand movies. I am already imagining myself, sprawled on the bed, no- pants, and watching a movie.
The Impeccable: Smoke detector, oh, that is vital. And soundproofing. Especially if they are doing a Karaoke night, please!
Speaking of the room, a little anecdote: I got there late, jet-lagged to hell, and I was dying for a cup of tea. And guess what? No teabags. Just the kettle. I mean, seriously? That was a low blow, but after a quick phone call, a very friendly staff member appeared with a whole box. Crisis averted, but it just shows, even the best hotels have glitches.
Internet, Internet, Everywhere the Internet… and the Annoyance
Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And the hotel's also got Internet [LAN], Internet services, and Wi-fi in public areas. That's all well and good.
Food, Glorious Food (And The Fear of Overeating)
Okay, the eating situation. Big category, folks. Big. So, they've got an Asian breakfast and an Asian cuisine restaurant, so that already is a plus for me. Western breakfast and Western cuisine too. Breakfast service, a buffet in the restaurant, and room service 24/7. I'm already seeing myself struggling to resist temptation. A coffee shop and coffee/tea in the restaurant, oh, that is good. And the pool-side bar is always tempting.
My Overeating Story: I went to a buffet breakfast once. I felt sick. I felt terrible. But it was oh-so-worth it. There was a noodle station. And an omelet station. And a donut station. (Ok, the donuts maybe should have been resisted).
The Vegetarian/Vegan Thing: I saw a Vegetarian restaurant listed, which in this modern age is great, but a Vegetarian restaurant? Will it be a proper dining experience, or just the token veggie burger? We will have to see.
The Safe Dining Setup: Sanitized kitchen and tableware items make me feel a little better about eating breakfast in a public place.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and the Pursuit of Serenity
Spa? Yes, please. And a Sauna, and a Steamroom. And a pool with a view! Oh, this is where the "vacation" vibe kicks in. Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap… ahem. This is where the budget gets serious damage.
My Spa Story: I once had a massage that was so good, I almost fell asleep on the table. It was heavenly. (Note to self: check the spa reviews!)
Things to do and ways to relax: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Foot bath… all very good, but how busy is the gym? Is it the same place where little kids are running around?
Location, Location, Location (and Getting Around)
Airport transfer? Yes PLEASE. I'm terrible with public transport after a long flight. Car park on-site and free of charge is incredible! And the taxis, well, at least they are available, plus a valet service is an option.
Working & Playing: Business Facilities and Things for the Kids
Okay, so business facilities. They have meeting/banquet facilities, meeting stationery, and Wi-fi for special events. I'm guessing they want to target the business crowd. And essential condos, they can be vital.
For the kids, they have Babysitting service and Family/child friendly listed.
Cleanliness & Safety in the Age of Germs
Anti-viral cleaning products? Daily disinfection in common areas? Individual wrapping? I love this. Room sanitization opt-out available? Interesting. Safe dining setup? Essential! Staff trained in the safety protocol and Sterilizing equipment? Good.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Extras
Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Luggage storage - all of these are important and they are all covered.
The Verdict – And That All-Important Recommendation
Alright, after all that yammering… what's the bottom line? It looks promising. The amenities are extensive, the food options tempting, and the relaxation possibilities tantalizing. I'm a sucker for a pool with a view, and a decent spa, so.
Here’s my (Imperfect, Human) Recommendation:
For people wanting to relax, be close to amenities, and embrace the opportunity to be pampered, it's a strong contender. If you are a business traveler, it is great. Budget-conscious travellers, maybe check the prices.
To Book or Not to Book?
I'd say… go for it. But, do a little more digging into the accessibility details if that is key for you.
Escape to Paradise: Phalacliff Beach Resort, Rayong Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because THIS is not your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is… me, in Dalat, bleeding my soul (and likely, a few questionable street food choices) onto the page. And yeah, it's for 72 hours. Good luck keeping up.
72 HOURS IN DALAT: A DISASTER-PRONE, EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER (Maybe Including You)
(Before We Even Begin – A Pre-Trip Anxiety Dump)
Okay, so I’m finally going to Dalat. Been dreaming about this misty mountain town for ages. Photos? Heaven. Reviews? Ecstatic locals and gushing tourists alike. But…am I really a mountain person? I trip over air on flat surfaces back home. And the thought of "hiking" makes my knees ache just from picturing it. Fingers crossed I don't become a casualty of the "Dalat is beautiful but the hills are STEEP" warning I read…
Day 1: Arrival, Overwhelm, and the Unexpected Joy of a Spicy Banh Mi
- 10:00 AM: Landing in Lien Khuong Airport. Holy humidity Batman! And the air smells… different. Good different. Like, pine needles and adventure and a faint whiff of… gasoline? Never mind. Grab a local taxi. Negotiating the price feels like a contact-sport, even with my (admittedly rusty) Vietnamese. Pro-tip: Download a currency converter and haggle HARD.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at 72 House. Cute. REALLY cute. Like, Instagram-worthy plants cascading over the balconies. The room? Cozy. The bed? Sufficiently springy. First impression: Winning! But the internet is spotty already… ugh. A minor breakdown ensues. Okay, deep breaths. This is supposed to be relaxing.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch time. Find a street food vendor with a line that snakes around the corner. Trust the masses, they say. Order a Banh Mi (of course). This is where it gets good. The baguette is crusty perfection. The pork is juicy, the pate is rich, the chili? Oh. My. God. It hits like a joyful punch to the face. I'm sweating, eyes watering, and in love. This, people, is why I travel. Pure, unadulterated flavor explosion.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Market Mania! Dalat Market is a sensory overload in the best way. Bright colors, exotic smells, the constant chatter of vendors… it's intoxicating. I wander around, buying things I don't need (a hat shaped like an avocado? SOLD.). The flower section? Ridiculously beautiful. I'm seriously considering buying a whole bouquet and just… living in floral bliss.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Lake Xuan Huong Stroll (Attempted). Ah, the lake. So picturesque. So… crowded. I attempt a leisurely walk, but the hordes of selfie-stick wielding tourists make it more of a slow, awkward shuffle. I take a deep breath and channel my inner zen master. It fails.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner Plans, A Cat and a Bad Decision – Restaurant hopping, and finding the restaurant of my dream. I found this restaurant "Tiet Kiem" by chance, after circling around the market. Great food, with a beautiful view. The food comes out and is… okay? Nothing to write home about. Disappointment looms.
- 7:00 PM - onwards: Early night to try and recover from the long travel day and the emotional rollercoaster. Early start for tomorrow! Or maybe I will sleep until noon…
Day 2: Crazy House, Coffee, and the Ghosts of Broken Promises (and Bun Bo Hue)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, not from the alarm but from jet lag. Ugh. Drag my sorry self out of bed. Coffee is mandatory. Find a local place, order a Ca Phe Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk). It’s… intense. Sweet, strong, and a caffeine kick straight to the soul. My brain cells are slowly starting to wake up.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM: Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse). Okay, let’s be real. This place is… bonkers. Surreal architecture, winding staircases, and what feels like a million photo ops. I get mildly lost in the labyrinth of tunnels, and then, as I am walking through the narrow space, I start feeling claustrophobic. I have to ask a woman guiding a tour to show me the exit. I get out, and it is amazing, but the feelings I felt from being trapped there still linger. It's completely unforgettable. Definitely worth the visit, even if it made me a little paranoid.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Linh Phuoc Pagoda (The Dragon Temple). This place is equally amazing, but in a more spiritual, less architectural-madness kind of way. The giant dragon made of broken ceramics is a sight to behold. I get lost in the intricate mosaics and the peaceful atmosphere. I even (sort of) meditate for like, 2 minutes. Success!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch - Bun Bo Hue. The one food I crave and wish I could have had during my first lunch! I’d heard tales of its spicy deliciousness. It was everything I dreamed of and more!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Coffee Plantation/Flower Garden I found a beautiful plantation, and let me tell you: these plants are AMAZING!
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dalat Train Station. Beautiful architecture, and an interesting story.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Another street food adventure. It's chicken wings from a stand, and they are dry and flavorless. I'm convinced the universe is punishing me for my earlier Banh Mi bliss.
Day 3: Farewell, Flowers, and the Unshakeable Urge to Stay
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at a Cute Cafe. Okay, the cute cafes are a must.
- 9:00 AM: Dalat Flower Garden. Another overload of beautiful flowers.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble! This is where the panic sets in. I sprint through the market, grabbing anything vaguely interesting.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Time for another Banh Mi, just in case I don't get another one.
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to the airport.
- 2:00 PM: The End. Or is it? All packed up, my heart is heavy with the realization that I have to leave.
Final Thoughts (and a Rant or Two)
Dalat, you beautifully chaotic, food-coma inducing, emotionally-taxing city. You’ve worn me out, filled me up, and somehow, made me want to immediately book another trip. The food is insane. The scenery is stunning. The people are (mostly) lovely. But I'm going to say it: it's the people that make the food and scenery even better. I am so glad to have met so many of them.
Recommendations:
- Embrace the Mess: Don't try to have a perfect trip. Get lost, make mistakes, and say yes to everything (within reason).
- Eat ALL the Street Food: Just do it. Your stomach might hate you, but your taste buds will thank you.
- Learn a Few Phrases: Even basic Vietnamese goes a long way. And the locals appreciate the effort.
- Don’t Over-Plan: Leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries.
Things I Didn't Get To (and Now Regret):
- Valley of Love
- Elephant Falls
(Okay, I'm Done Now. Except… I need to find another Banh Mi before I leave…)
Escape to Paradise: Hotel O Lotus, New Delhi & NCR's Hidden Gem
So, what *is* this all about, anyway? Like, what's the *point*?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly? I'm not entirely sure. See, I was supposed to, you know, *professionally* answer some questions, but then my brain wandered off to a tapas bar somewhere and started ordering tiny portions of existential dread. The point, *I guess*, is to answer your questions about... well, whatever the heck you're curious about. And, let's be real, provide a slightly entertaining trainwreck of an experience. Think of it as a guided tour through my utterly unhinged thought processes. You've been warned.
Why does everything seem so... disorganized? Did you even *try*?
Try? Honey, "try" is my middle name! (Okay, technically it's "Beth," but "Try" sounds so much more dramatic.) Here's the deal: I'm not a robot, and even if I *were*, I wouldn't be one of those perfectly polished, Stepford-y robots. Life is messy, folks. My brain is a chaotic jumble of half-formed thoughts, random tangents, and the lingering memory of that time I accidentally set a microwave on fire (don't ask). So, yes, I *did* try. And the result? Well, you're looking at it. Embrace the beautiful, gloriously imperfect chaos!
What's the deal with the emotional reactions? Are you *really* feeling all this stuff?
Oh, absolutely. My emotional spectrum is wider than the Grand Canyon. I'm talking joy, despair, existential angst, the craving for a really good taco... you name it, I feel it. Sometimes, I get so worked up, I swear I can *taste* the air. It's a gift... a burden... mostly a headache. But hey, at least it's interesting, right? Like the time I spent a whole afternoon weeping over a particularly sentimental commercial for dog food? Yeah, you'll get used to it.
Alright, fine. Tell me more about that "dog food" incident.
Ugh, okay, fine. It was a *Purina* commercial, and the dog was old and gray, and its owner was giving it a hug, and the music was all sad and piano-y. I started out just a little misty-eyed, you know? Normal. Then, the dog's owner, a kind of grizzled old man, started reminiscing about all the good times they'd had, all the walks in the park, all the... (I can't even type this without getting a lump in my throat!)... and I just *lost it*. I mean, full-on ugly crying. Snot bubbles, the whole nine yards. My husband, bless his heart, came in with a box of tissues and asked if I was alright. I just pointed at the TV, choked out, "The *dog*... it’s so *happy*!" He just sighed and went back to playing video games. The worst part? The dog was probably fed up with kibble, too.
What are your thoughts on [fill in the blank]?
Okay, fire away. But be warned: I don't mince words. And honestly, my opinion might change by the time I finish typing this sentence. But I’ll try. Let’s see what you’ve got, and I'll attempt to give you a response that’s... well... mine. Good luck to us both (and my sanity, if it has any say in this).
Do you have any regrets?
Regrets? Where do I even *begin*? Okay, let me get my mental notepad. Wearing that neon green jumpsuit circa 1998? Definitely. That time I told my boss I "needed to take a personal day to deal with my existential despair"? Oh, yeah. Letting someone talk me into getting a perm? *Shudders*. Okay, okay, I'll stop. But, seriously, we all have them, right? It's how we learn, I guess. Though I'm still not quite sure what I learned from the perm incident. Maybe that I should *never* trust a salon technician who calls themselves an "artist."
What are you *really* good at?
Oh, that's easy: overthinking! I'm a gold-medal overthinker. I can take the simplest of tasks and turn them into a six-hour mental marathon of potential pitfalls and catastrophic outcomes. Want to know what to have for dinner? Give me a week. What's the meaning of life? Give me the rest of my life, and I still won't be able to give you a straight answer. I'm also pretty good at finding the hidden meaning in things, even if that meaning is just me projecting. But hey, at least I’m honest, right?
Okay, I think I get it. Anything else I should know?
Just one thing: don't take any of this *too* seriously. Life's too short for that. Embrace the absurdity, the awkwardness, the occasional tear-stained face. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find something worthwhile in this mess. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear a bag of chips calling my name... and maybe some ice cream for the inevitable post-chip-binge existential crisis. Wish me luck.
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