S811 Friday: Your Luxurious Ho Chi Minh City Escape Awaits!
Alright, let's dive headfirst into the shimmering, chaotic, utterly fabulous world of S811 Friday: Ho Chi Minh City Escape! My bags are packed (figuratively, for now, but soon… soon!). This review isn't just about reciting facts; it's about trying to feel the place before I even set foot in it. Let's get real and raw, yeah?
Accessibility: A Big Deal (and a few hiccups maybe?)
Okay, the accessibility stuff. This is crucial, and honestly, a make-or-break for many. S811 seems mostly solid. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" which is a good start, but… is it actually accessible? Are there ramps? Grab bars? Wide doorways? That's the crucial, nitty-gritty stuff the listing doesn't specify. I'd want to dig a bit deeper with a phone call, or better yet, a chat with someone who's been there. The "elevator" is promising, but how easy is it to get to the elevator in the first place? We need details, people!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges:
If they've got them, GREAT! Another area where better specifics are needed. Can someone in a wheelchair actually reach the bar, or am I just imagining sipping a margarita on a balmy evening? Sigh. More research required.
Wheelchair Accessible:
See above. Concrete details needed. This isn't about just listing it; it's about doing it.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi Nirvana? (Maybe)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! That's music to my digital nomad ears. Crucial. My brain practically runs on caffeine and Wi-Fi. But, "Internet [LAN]"? Okay, retro. (Anyone still using ethernet cables? Seriously?) And "Wi-Fi in public areas"? Hopefully, so I can Instagram the heck out of that pool. Internet services are…well, the Internet is the service, right? Okay, moving on…
Things To Do, Ways to Relax: Spa-riffic Dreams…
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. Let's paint a picture: I'm there. Sun's setting. I've had a long day of… well, whatever my long day involves. And now? SPA TIME!
- Body Scrub: Yes, please! Slough off the city dust!
- Body Wrap: Double yes! Cocoon me in… something delicious and aromatic.
- Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness: I wish I were the type to hit the gym on vacation. (Lip-service paid. Let's be honest.) Good for the very energetic folks, tho.
- Foot Bath: Ooooh. Sounds divine. (Especially after a long day of exploring.)
- Massage: Essential. Especially when it's the only thing standing between me and a complete meltdown.
- Pool with View: SOLD. Pictures, please! I wanna see this pool.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: The whole shebang! The works! I envision myself, completely limp with relaxation, emerging a new person.
- Swimming Pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Gotta have an outdoor pool in a place like Ho Chi Minh City.
- Sauna/Spa - Is it redundant? Maybe. But hey, more relaxation is ALWAYS good, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: Safety First (and Second?)
This is the other seriously crucial thing. I'm a germophobe, and post-pandemic travel has amplified that.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: YES.
- Breakfast in room: Tempting, but I'm a social animal, I love mingling.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Good option, again, not for me.
- Cashless payment service: Smart. Easy.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Phew.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Always a good sign.
- First aid kit, Hand sanitizer: Essential, especially if I hurt myself frolicking in that pool.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Excellent.
- Hygiene certification: Gotta see that seal of approval.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A little less communal, which works for me.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Important!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Okay, feeling better already.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Cool. Options are always good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Standard, but necessary.
- Safe dining setup: Crucial.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Double-crucial.
- Shared stationery removed: Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Necessary elements for peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Hopefully!)
A LA CARTE? Count me in. Give me options!
- Alternative Meal Arrangement: I've got dietary restrictions. I sure hope they can handle it.
- Asian Breakfast, Asian Cuisine in Restaurant: Ho Chi Minh City…must be delicious.
- Bar, Bottle of Water: Essential. Hydration is key!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant: MORE FOOD OPTIONS! This is where it gets dangerous for my waistline.
- Happy hour: YES! Time to find out how cheap the cocktails are!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Variety is the spice of life.
- Poolside bar: See "Pool with View" above. Combining the two is my idea of paradise.
- Restaurants: Plural! Good news.
- Room service [24-hour]: Oh dear, that's dangerous. Midnight snacks? Yes, please.
- Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant: Good to have.
- Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Options, options, options! I love options.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential in the Vietnamese heat.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: What sorts of special events? Weddings? Conventions? I need to know!
- Business facilities, Cash withdrawal: Good to have.
- Concierge: Crucial for local knowledge and help with booking tours, getting a taxi, etc..
- Contactless check-in/out: Convenient and safe.
- Convenience store: For those late-night snack cravings.
- Currency exchange: Very useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Clean rooms are happy rooms.
- Doorman: Classic touch.
- Dry cleaning, Elevator: Good.
- Essential condiments: Details needed.
- Facilities for disabled guests: REITERATING the need for specifics!
- Food delivery: Great for lazy days.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always a good place to spend money I don't have.
- Indoor venue for special events: Interesting!
- Invoice provided: Standard.
- Ironing service, Laundry service: Practical.
- Luggage storage: Useful.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery: For the serious (and hopefully well-dressed) traveler.
- On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events: What kind of events?
- Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars: More business-y stuff.
- Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace: More specifics needed.
- Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Less relevant, unless I’m suddenly starting a business while on vacation.
For the Kids: Family Fun?
- Babysitting service: Good to know for families that are not me.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: More for the parental set.
Access, Security, and the Rest:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Reassuring.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Nice options.
- Couple's room: For… couples.
- Exterior corridor: Okay.
- Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour]: Necessary and good.
- Hotel chain: Not always a good thing, but can indicate a certain standard.
- Non-smoking rooms: THANK GOODNESS.
- Proposal spot: Huh?
- Room decorations: I want to see some cool decor!
- Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Essential.
- Soundproof rooms: YES! (For a good night’s sleep.)
- **Getting around
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly caffeinated version of my Ho Chi Minh City adventure, specifically at the S811 Friday Premium Hotel. Let's get this messy party started:
S811 Friday Premium Hotel - HCMC: The Messy Map of My Soul (and Stomach)
Day 1: Arrival - Jet Lagged and Joyfully Bamboozled
- 8:00 AM (ish) - The Flight From Hell (or at least, California)
- Okay, let’s just address the elephant in the room: flying. It wasn’t a nightmare, per se. More like a long, extended coma with questionable airplane food. The lady in front of me reclined so far back I swear her head was pressed against my knees. I spent the entire flight staring at the back of her head, plotting revenge. (Just kidding… mostly). The silver lining? Endless inflight movies! Ended up watching 3 terrible rom-coms. Regrets… not many.
- 10:00 PM (HCMC Time!) - Arrival and Hotel Check-in - A Symphony of Sweat and Relief
- Touchdown! The humidity hit me like a brick. Seriously, it's like walking directly into a giant sauna. Finding the S811 Friday Premium was a mission in itself, weaving through a chaotic tapestry of motorbikes, street vendors, and a general symphony of honking. The hotel itself? Clean, modern, and blessedly air-conditioned. The staff were super friendly, even when I stumbled over my basic Vietnamese phrases. Instant win. Now to sleep, for the love of all that is holy…
- 11:00 PM - 1:00AM - Early Hours of Sleep
- I was exhausted, jet lagged, and hungry after my flight; my body was still telling me it was breakfast time! My mind was racing too, the excitement of being in Vietnam. I spent the next 2 hours, tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling fan, and trying to remember what day of the week it was. Eventually, I drifted off into a light, dream-filled sleep.
Day 2: Street Food, Sacred Temples, and the Great Banh Mi Debacle
- 7:00 AM: Wake Up!
- Woke up early from jet lag, felt like I was still on Pacific time.
- 8:00 AM - The Street Food Frenzy.
- Okay, time to face it. I was going to eat literally everything… I started with Pho from a crowded street stall. The broth was a revelation. A warm, savory hug in a bowl. Then, followed by trying Banh Mi. It was delicious, but I was craving more. I was ready to jump the lines. I ate Banh Mi at least 4 times that day. My bank account may hate me due to my addiction.
- 10:00 AM - Chasing Spirituality: The Jade Emperor Pagoda.
- This pagoda was a sensory overload in the best possible way. Incense smoke, intricate carvings, the scent of flowers… it was beautiful and peaceful. I got lost in a moment of contemplation, and may have accidentally knocked over a small incense pot. Oops. The gods are probably judging me.
- 12:00 PM - The Banh Mi Battle Continues.
- I went to a highly reviewed place for a Banh Mi. It was nice, but I'd been craving a 'real' Banh Mi. It wasn't as good as my first one. It was a huge disappointment.
- 2:00 PM - War Remnants Museum: A Heavy Heart.
- This was intense. A sobering reminder of the Vietnam War and its brutal effects. I spent hours there, absorbing every piece of information.
- 4:00 PM - Time to Chill.
- Back to the hotel. Ordered a drink and sat by the pool.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and exploring the streets.
- Found a restaurant in the streets. The food was amazing and cheap.
Day 3: The Cu Chi Tunnels and a Vespa Adventure (Or, the Day I Almost Died… Kidding!
- 8:00 AM - Cu Chi Tunnels: Crawling Through History.
- Booked a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Crawling through those claustrophobic tunnels was a unique experience. I'm not claustrophobic, but it got a little tight.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch:
- Enjoyed lunch after the tunnels.
- 2:00 PM - Vespa Tour - Sheer Madness (But in a Good Way).
- I'm usually a terrible driver, but I decided to push myself. Weaved through traffic, dodging motorbikes, and absorbing the city's frenetic energy. Terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I thought I was going to die, but it was totally worth it.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner, Drinks, and Dancing: A Night of Hilarity and Possibly Regret.
- Found a rooftop bar with a view. The drinks were strong, the music was loud, and my dance moves… well, let's just say they were enthusiastic. I met other tourists. I may have embarrassed myself slightly. No regrets.
Day 4: Shopping, Relaxation, and the Dreaded Departures.
- 9:00 AM - The Shopping Spree (and the Art of Bargaining).
- Wandered through Ben Thanh Market. I bought so many souvenirs, I might need a second suitcase.
- 12:00 PM - Relaxation:
- Back to the hotel, relaxed by the pool.
- 4:00 PM - Last Meal.
- Said goodbye to the hotel. Ate the last Banh Mi and said goodbye to the country.
Overall Reflections:
- Hotel S811 Friday Premium: Clean, comfy bed, good location, and friendly staff. Worth it.
- Food: Everything, from the street stalls to the fancy restaurants, was incredible. My stomach and heart are full. I'll need a detox when I return.
- People: Kind, welcoming, and resilient. I love the people.
- The "Messy" Part: This trip was everything.
Epilogue: The Bitter-Sweet Departure
- Departure Time: The flight home. The thought of leaving made me sad. I didn't want the trip to end.
- Farewell: I would love to see Vietnam again.
P.S. Note to self: Next time, pack more stretchy pants and invest in a better anti-perspirant. And maybe take a few more Vietnamese phrases…
Minneapolis Marriott West: Your Dream St. Louis Park Getaway!
S811 Friday: Your Luxurious Ho Chi Minh City Escape Awaits! (Probably...Maybe?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, so what *exactly* is S811 Friday supposed to be anyway? Sounds fancy, right?
Right! S811 Friday... it's like, they *say* it's a luxurious escape. Think: Ho Chi Minh City, supposedly pampered, maybe a rooftop pool situation, definitely delicious food... I'm picturing myself in a billowy linen shirt, drink in hand, judging the plebs from a sun lounger. But, let's be honest, I've watched enough travel vlogs to know the reality might involve a sudden downpour, a questionable massage, and a persistent craving for proper Western coffee. The official blurb promises 'unforgettable experiences'. Unforgettable, huh? Sounds a little *intense*. I'm setting my expectations somewhere between "absolute bliss" and "slightly humid disappointment". We shall see, people. We shall see.
So, you’re thinking of *actually doing* this S811 Friday thing? What convinced you? (or, more accurately, *what have you done?!*)
Look, the internet is *full* of gorgeous Instagram accounts, right? You click, you scroll, you start to fantasize… I blame the algorithm, honestly. It just *knew* I was weak. I’ve been feeling…stuck lately. Trapped in a beige-walled existence. SO, I clicked the "book now" button. Impulse control? Pfft. What *is* impulse control? Now I'm staring at a plane ticket, a vaguely optimistic itinerary, and a rapidly dwindling bank account. My rational brain is screaming, but my inner Instagram influencer is already practicing poses. Pray for me. Seriously.
What kind of "luxurious" activities are we talking here? Any idea what's actually *on* the agenda? (Besides drinking, obviously. Let’s get real.)
Okay, this part's a bit hazy. It's pitched as a “bespoke experience,” which translates to "Surprise! We'll tell you when you get there, presumably because we haven't actually planned anything yet!". There's supposed to be a guided tour of something (probably a temple, I'm guessing), some downtime (praise be!), and a fancy dinner. I imagine many cocktails will be involved. The *real* luxury, as I see it, is the promise of not having to cook dinner. Oh, and maybe avoiding the dreaded "tourist trap" markets. Let's not forget the chance to find a hidden gem – a fantastic café, a really good tailor, or maybe just a decent place to buy mosquito repellent that *actually* works. I'm going in blind, people, but I will report back. Every single, sweaty, mosquito-bitten detail.
How do you even *pack* for luxurious Ho Chi Minh City? This is stressing me out just thinking about it.
Oh, the packing! This is my *weakness*. I'm the queen of overpacking, the master of "just in case". I'm currently oscillating between "flowing linen pants and oversized sunglasses" (the Instagram version of me) and "practical hiking boots and a waterproof poncho" (the reality). The humidity is apparently a major factor, so breathable fabrics are key. But what *is* breathable, really? I own a lot of things, but nothing that actually breathes. I'm also wrestling with the "formal dinner" dilemma. Do I pack a dress that screams "I'm sophisticated and cultured!"? Or do I just show up in my pajamas, hoping the dim lighting will hide my fashion faux pas? The struggle is REAL. I'm thinking a versatile silk scarf is my best bet. Can dress it up, can use it as a pillow. Genius, I know.
What about the food? Are you excited about the food?! (Because I'm basically just thinking about food.)
THE FOOD! Okay, YES. I am deeply, profoundly excited about the food. I've been watching YouTube videos of street food vendors, salivating over pho and banh mi. I'm already planning my strategy. First, the authentic stuff. Then, the fancier restaurants. And, of course, the obligatory "find the best coffee in the city" quest. My stomach is basically a bottomless pit of anticipation. I'm prepared to gain ten pounds. I'm prepared to get food poisoning. I'm prepared to eat *everything*. Someone send help (and more digestive aids!). I'm also hoping to find some delicious vegetarian options. Because even a gluttonous adventure needs a little bit of green.
And the biggest question: Are you going to try to experience the culture? Or just stick to the fancy hotel pool and maybe find a decent massage?
Okay, real talk: I *want* to be that person who immerses themselves in the local culture. I want to haggle like a pro, learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases, and experience the "real" Ho Chi Minh City, but I'm also a complete and utter introvert who is terrified of social interaction. Plus, the "luxury" aspect of S811 Friday is making it so appealing... I'm torn! The truth? I'm aiming for a comfortable balance. I'll try to be open-minded, but if I find myself hiding in my hotel room, watching Netflix and eating room service, well... I won't judge myself too harshly. Maybe I'll buy a few souvenirs. Maybe I'll master the art of the polite nod. Maybe... I'll chicken out completely. It's a gamble, folks. A gamble.
What's your biggest fear about this whole trip?
Oh, this is easy. Getting scammed. I'm a sucker for a sob story, and my "spidey sense" for dodgy deals is woefully underdeveloped. Picture it: me, wandering into a "genuine" silk shop, convinced I'm getting the deal of a lifetime, only to wake up with a closet full of polyester and a bank account that's thinner than a rice noodle. Also, the language barrier. I picture myself lost, hungry, and utterly helpless, resorting to miming and desperate hand gestures to order food and find my way back to the hotel. The thought is terrifying. I'm praying for a nice, friendly English-speaking tuk-tuk driver. (Or, failing that, a really good translator app.)
Ok, let's say the best-case scenario plays out: What is your *absolute* dream moment during S811 Friday? What would make this whole trip worthwhile?
Okay, close your eyes… Picture this: I'm sitting at a small, charming café, sipping the most perfect iced Vietnamese coffee (not too sweet,Roam And Rests
S811 Friday Premium Hotel Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
S811 Friday Premium Hotel Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
