Step Inside This STUNNING Vintage Aurora Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City!
Step Inside This STUNNING Vintage Aurora Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City!
Step Inside This STUNNING Vintage Aurora Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City: A Gloriously Messy Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans – or, well, the pho broth – on that "STUNNING Vintage Aurora Apartment" in Ho Chi Minh City. And let me tell you, it's a bit of a rollercoaster. Think less perfectly curated Instagram post, and more… a chaotic but ultimately charming travel journal scribbled on a napkin.
(Accessibility, oh accessibility… let's get this out of the way first)
Look, I’m no expert here. But judging from the sheer number of stairs (and the lack of obvious ramps) I'd say accessibility might be a hurdle for some. Facilities for disabled guests aren't popping up on the radar, which is something to bear in mind. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but definitely something to investigate before you go. Elevator? Yes! Thank heavens.
(The Tech Situation: Internet, Internet, Internet!)
Alright, internet junkies, listen up! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, huzzah! Internet access across the board. And, delightfully, Internet [LAN] if you're old school, or just really need a stable connection (which I, honestly, ALWAYS do). My personal hotspot? Solid. Connection speeds? Pretty decent, kept me happy enough to watch a late-night Netflix binge (after that spicy street food – more on that later). The Wi-Fi for special events thing is a nice touch, too, though my own special event usually involves a cup of coffee and a good book.
(Cleanliness and Safety (because, well, we live in the times we live in))
Okay, let's talk about germ-o-phobia. It's a real thing. And, in this post-pandemic world, it's a valid thing to have. The Aurora Apartment gets a solid B+ here. They seem to be trying. I did notice the hand sanitizer strategically placed, and the staff trained in safety protocol (who were, I have to say, incredibly polite and helpful). They also boast room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch if you're really germ-averse. I'm assuming they use Anti-viral cleaning products because who doesn't these days? Daily disinfection in common areas is a must. And it’s good to see staff trained in safety protocol too – I even saw a bit of a smile under one guy's mask.
I didn’t get to check for Sterilizing equipment but I'm sure they have it.
The Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items gave me peace of mind, but I only enjoyed the experience of the complimentary breakfast, on which I will continue.
Rooms sanitized between stays – Good. Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher in both the rooms and throughout the building, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property – Yes, yes, and yes. This felt safe, and in a bustling city like HCMC, that's HUGE.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (because, priorities))
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Aurora Apartment offers a LOT of food options. Let's be clear: options. Don't expect Michelin stars. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was good, actually. Very good. The Western cuisine in restaurant? Less so. I’d recommend sticking to the local flavors.
The Breakfast [buffet] was a thing of beauty. A buffet! The food was good. The variety was fabulous. The fact that it was included? Even better. The Asian breakfast was on point. The Western breakfast? Kinda… meh. So, grab the Pho and ignore the sad-looking sausages, okay?
They had a Coffee shop and a Poolside bar, which were lifesavers. Morning coffee overlooking the city? Yes, please. The Bottle of water each day definitely kept me hydrated. The Snack bar was handy for those late-night cravings. Room service [24-hour]? A godsend when jetlag hits. I indulged in some of the late night offerings, which was awesome.
Now, the downside: The service at the restaurants could be a bit… slow. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant situation was a little chaotic at times. Honestly, sometimes it felt like I was playing a game of "Where's the Waiter?" But hey, you're in Vietnam. Embrace the laid-back vibe, right? Right?!
(Things to Do (and Places to Relax) - Wait, Did I See a Gym?!)
Okay, here's another area where the Aurora shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with that Pool with view, yes! I will say, the view is fantastic. It's the kind of place where you can just… decompress. The Sauna and (maybe) Spa/sauna were a total bliss because it was a hot day so I enjoyed cooling down.
I did not try the Foot bath, because, well, I’ve got feet.
The Fitness center? Oh, yes, it exists, there is a Gym/fitness area. I think I saw some weights and treadmills. Did I use it? Okay, maybe not. Let's just say, the promise of a bánh mì was more enticing than the prospect of a workout.
(The Room Itself - My Sanctuary (or My Tiny Prison, Depending on the Day))
My room? Ah, yes, my little slice of vintage heaven. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. Crucial. The Air conditioning in public area of the lobby was nice, too. The Blackout curtains were a blessing for those sleep-in mornings, which I, of course, needed after a particularly chaotic exploration of the night markets.
I loved the Bathrobes! Very luxurious. Bathtub? Check! Separate shower/bathtub? Yes, yes! The Complimentary tea, and Coffee/tea maker – perfect for those mornings when you don't want to face the aforementioned "Where's the Waiter?" challenge.
Desk? Check. Ironing facilities? Yes! Because let's face it, travel wrinkles are the enemy. The Mini bar was stocked – but let’s be honest, I mostly used it to chill my emergency water bottles. Refrigerator? Essential for those late-night snacks.
And here’s where some of the imperfections came in, the Shower – was a little… temperamental. Sometimes scorching hot, sometimes lukewarm. The Slippers were… okay. (They’re slippers, right?) I will say that the Daily housekeeping was a godsend, though. My room was always spotless! The Extra long bed was a dream come true. And the Non-smoking room was a lifesaver for a non-smoker. The Sofa in my room was cute and comfy.
Oh, and the Hair dryer was a life-saver too.
(Services and Conveniences (The Small Stuff That Makes a Big Difference))
Okay, let's quickly run through the practicalities. The Daily housekeeping was top-notch. The Concierge was incredibly helpful. The Dry cleaning service was a godsend after a particularly messy food adventure. Laundry service? Thank you, universe. Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes - all the basics were covered. The Gift/souvenir shop was… fine? Standard tourist fare. The Cash withdrawal was handy.
(Getting Around (Because You’re Not Staying in Your Room All Day, Are You?)…or are you?)
They offer Airport transfer, which is a relief after a long flight. The Car park [free of charge] is a bonus. Taxi service is always available. I did not use the Car power charging station.
(For the Kids (If You Happen to Have Some))
I didn't use the Babysitting service or Kids facilities.
(My Verdict: Would I Go Back? (The Really Honest Bit))
Okay, despite a few minor bumps (the temperamental shower, the slow restaurant service), I had a fantastic stay. The location is brilliant. The staff are lovely. The pool is stunning. The breakfast is a winner.
If you're looking for a perfectly polished, flawless experience, maybe this isn't it. But if you're looking for something with character, charm, and a little bit of that "real Vietnam" vibe… I highly recommend it! I’d definitely go back. Just maybe bring my own shower shoes. And maybe a small, secret stash of my favorite snacks, just in case.
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(A Travel Itinerary – AKA “The Slightly Disorganized, Utterly Delightful Adventure in Saigon”)
Apartment Basecamp: Aurora-Vintage in Masteri TD, Ho Chi Minh City (This place? Stunning. Just stunning. More on that later…)
(Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Accidental Pho Feast)
- Morning (8:00 AM -ish, depending on the airport gremlins): Touchdown Tan Son Nhat. The heat hits you like a… well, like a humid, glorious hug. Taxi situation? Always a gamble. I'm currently betting on the "slightly-overpriced-but-at-least-air-conditioned" kind. Pray for me.
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Arrive at Aurora-Vintage. OMG. The photos on Airbnb did not lie. This apartment is an actual dream – think vintage radios, emerald green velvet couches, and a balcony that looks out on a city teeming with life. I spent a good twenty minutes just wandering around, touching things, and basically squealing. Embarrassing? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): The Great Pho Debacle. Okay, here's the thing: I'm a pho newbie. I stumbled (literally, tripped on a rogue motorbike) into a tiny, buzzing street-side place. Ordered the "special." End result? Spicy, delicious, and I slurped that broth like a pro. The little plastic stool? A tiny badge of honor. The cilantro in my hair? A fashion statement.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wandering. Just wandering. I lost myself in the labyrinthine alleys of District 1, dodging motorbikes (seriously, those things are ninjas!), getting hopelessly lost, and loving every single second of it. Found a hidden café with the best iced coffee – think strong, sweet, and a whole lot of condensed milk. (I'm addicted already).
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and rooftop bar vibes. Found a trendy place with killer cocktails and a view of the city lights. Attempted to pronounce the names of the cocktails. Failed miserably. But the drink was perfection, and the company (me, myself, and I) was delightful.
- Night (9:30 PM - Whenever exhaustion hits): Back at Aurora-Vintage. Bathed in the warm glow of the vintage bedside lamp. This place is so damn charming, I might just live here forever. Maybe. Probably not. But a girl can dream, right?
(Day 2: Markets, Mopeds, and Meltdown-Proof Coffee)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Ben Thanh Market – The Sensory Overload. Colors, smells, the constant bartering… It was a bit overwhelming, I'll admit. But the energy is infectious. I bought a silk scarf (needed a little something to remember). Also spent an hour haggling over a pair of fake sunglasses that looked genuinely terrible on me, but hey, the experience was worth it.
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM): The Moped Mayhem. I thought about braving a motorbike rental. After witnessing the traffic, I chickened out. Smart move. I spent the next hour observing the symphony of honking horns and near-misses. Fascinating and terrifying in equal measure.
- Lunch (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM): This time, I was prepared. I found a small, unassuming cafe. The coffee? A revelation. So strong, so rich. I seriously considered ordering six cups. In fact, I might have ordered six. It's a blur.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Museums and a bit of history. The War Remnants Museum was emotionally heavy. I left with my heart hurting, but also with a deep respect for the resilience of the Vietnamese people. Needed an hour of quiet contemplation afterward. Coffee, perhaps?
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and a show! Went to a dinner theatre, where the cuisine was decent, but the traditional dances? Pure magic. The music, the costumes, the stories… it was a feast for the senses.
- Night (9:30 PM - Late): Back at the Aurora-Vintage. Read in bed until about 1 AM. Kept getting distracted by the view and the sound of the city, and, that antique radio, by the way, it's just a decoration.
(Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels, Cooking Classes, and Farewell Feels)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Cu Chi Tunnels – An Experience That'll Stay With Me. The tunnels were claustrophobic and humbling. Crawling through those tiny spaces gave me a new perspective on the hardships of the Vietnam War. The ingenuity, the resourcefulness… it was truly remarkable.
- Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Back in the city, I had a quick bite before the Cooking Class to get my energy level up.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Cooking Class – Chaos in the Kitchen! I love to cook, but my skills are definitely… well, let's just say they're evolving. My spring rolls were more "springy" than "roll-y." My attempt at making a perfect Pho broth resulted in something that tasted like slightly-flavored dishwater. But the laughter, the fun, and the camaraderie made it all worthwhile. Plus, I learned a few tricks for next time.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Farewell Dinner… or, more accurately, a farewell feast. Found an amazing restaurant tucked away in a side street. Every dish was an explosion of flavor. I may, or may not, have ordered three desserts.
- Night (9:30 PM - Whenever the sadness kicks in): Back at Aurora-Vintage. Packing up my things, starting to dread the moment I have to say goodbye to this beautiful apartment, this incredible city. Saigon, you stole a piece of my heart.
(Day 4: Departure) (8:00 AM - Airport)
- Morning (8:00 AM - Airport): Taxi to the airport. A wave of sadness that really hurts. Goodbye, Saigon. Goodbye, Aurora-Vintage. I'll be back. I have to be back.
(Throughout the Trip – Some Random Thoughts, Ramblings and Regrets)
- The Motorbikes: They're everywhere. Like, literally everywhere.
- The Heat: Embrace it. Find the shade. Hydrate.
- The People: Kind, welcoming, and endlessly patient with my terrible Vietnamese.
- The Food: Absolutely. Freaking. Amazing. (Except, maybe, that one durian I bravely tried. Shudders.)
- The Apartment. This place is a godsend! Worth every penny for the air conditioning alone. Plus, the vibe is just chef's kiss. I need to find out how to recreate this aesthetic when I get home.
- Regrets: Not learning more Vietnamese. Not riding a motorbike. Not staying longer!
This itinerary isn’t perfect. It’s messy, it’s emotional, and it’s filled with the unexpected. But it’s mine. And it’s a perfect illustration of an imperfect trip. I’ll never forget this journey to Saigon. I'm already planning my return.
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Step Inside This STUNNING Vintage Aurora Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City - FAQ (Because, Honestly, You Need It!)
So, is it *actually* stunning, or is that just marketing hype?
But here's the thing. My first thought when I walked in? "Wow, it's... bigger than the pictures." Which is always a win. Especially after navigating Saigon's traffic, which is a whole other circus. Yes, it *is* pretty damn stunning. But, it's also got character. Like, lots of character. And by "character," I mean the kinda creaky floors that wake you up at 3 AM, even though you *swear* nothing moved. So, stunning? Yes. Perfect? Absolutely not. And honestly, that's what makes it awesome.
What's the internet like? Important question, for those of us hopelessly addicted...
One night, I was trying to video call my grandma. Bless her heart, she doesn't have a lot of patience. "Are you frozen again?" she'd yell through the crackly connection. "This is why I stick to letters!" (She's got a point.) Anyway, it's Saigon. Tech can be a bit... unpredictable. Pack a backup plan. Download some movies. Learn to appreciate the silence. (Whispers: maybe consider a SIM card)
The location – is it as central as they say? And, like, *safe*?
And safety? Okay, Saigon feels pretty damn safe, generally. But, like *any* big city, keep your wits about you. Don't flash your bling. Be aware of your surroundings. The motorbikes *will* try to eat you. Seriously, cross the street with caution. They will *not* stop for you. At least, they rarely did for ME. I was almost taken out on my first day by a rogue scooter. It was exhilarating, in a horrifying kind of way... Anyway, the Aurora building itself felt secure and the area is well-lit, but again, be smart!
What about the air conditioning? A must-have in Saigon!
Is the noise a problem? Saigon is LOUD.
The kitchen - can you even cook in it? Or is it just a pretty face?
What about the bathroom? Clean? Modern? Or... ???
Would you stay there again? (The big question!)
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