Ho Chi Minh City's HOTTEST 2-Bedroom Apartment: ICON56 Luxury Awaits!
ICON56: More Than Just a 2-Bedroom, It's a Whole Thing – My Honest, Messy Review
Alright, listen up future ICON56 residents (or just nosy internet dwellers like myself) – I've just emerged, slightly sun-kissed and definitely sleep-deprived, from a whirlwind stay at this supposed "luxury" haven in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. And let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. Prepare for some serious real talk, with all the imperfections, rambles, and straight-up opinions you can handle. This ain't your glossy brochure review, folks. This is real.
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- Keywords: ICON56, Ho Chi Minh City, 2-Bedroom Apartment, Luxury, Saigon, Vietnam, Accommodation, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Modern, City View.
Let's Break It Down, Shall We? (Brace Yourself)
Accessibility (and My Accidental Adventure):
Okay, so, Wheelchair accessible? Yes, technically. But navigating the sprawling complex felt… slightly less than seamless. The elevators are there, thankfully, because lugging your luggage (and, let’s be honest, yourself after a long flight) up even a single flight of stairs in the Saigon humidity is a personal hell. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did manage to trip over a rogue cobblestone on the way to the Fitness center (more on that later), which gave me a whole new appreciation for the ramps and wider doorways. Just be warned, it's not perfectly smooth sailing, but it's trying.
Internet Access (Because, Priorities, People!)
Let's cut to the chase: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually worked. Mostly. There were moments, like when I was desperately trying to video call my cat (don’t judge!), where the connection dipped. Then again, that might have been my fault for trying to connect from a room that was two walls away from the main hub. The Internet [LAN] was also an option, which is a plus for the serious gamers or business types (or anyone who just really hates buffering). Bottom line: decent, but not perfect.
Cleanliness and Safety (The COVID-Era Checklist)
This is where ICON56 shines. Seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization between stays – all present and accounted for. I felt genuinely safe, which, after the last couple of years, is a HUGE relief. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere. And the staff? Trained and masked to the max. They're taking this seriously. Bonus points.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Food! The Restaurants on-site? A mixed bag. There's a beautiful Poolside bar where I spent approximately 70% of my waking hours, and that's where the journey begins. Now, the Asian cuisine in restaurant called "Pho-licious" was brilliant, like, mind-blowingly good, and I might have eaten there every single day. The Western cuisine in restaurant was available, but I'm honestly not a fan. There was an A la carte in restaurant and, for those with fussy tastebuds, the Vegetarian restaurant or having a Breakfast [buffet] was a good option. In addition to that, they've got a Snack bar for quick bits. The service was a bit slow, but hey, you're on vacation (or, in my case, pretending to be).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The Pampering Part)
This is where ICON56 really flexes its muscles. Let's start with the Swimming pool [outdoor] with an Pool with view. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. It overlooks the city, and it's the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and pretend you're a jet-setting millionaire (even if you’re not).
Then there's the Spa. Oh, the spa. I signed up for a Body scrub and a Massage, and I emerged feeling like a brand new human. Soft, relaxed, and smelling suspiciously of lemongrass. It was THAT good. They also offer a Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, and Steamroom, which I sadly didn't have time for (or the energy, after the massage).
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things that Matter)
The 24-hour front desk is a lifesaver when you're jet-lagged and trying to figure out how to work the TV (which, by the way, has Satellite/cable channels – bless!). Luggage storage is a must, and the Concierge was incredibly helpful with everything from booking taxis to recommending restaurants (even if I pretty much ignored them and kept going back to the "Pho-licious" joint). Daily housekeeping kept the place spotless, and the Dry cleaning and Laundry service came in super handy.
For the Kids (Family Fun)
While I didn’t have any kids with me (unless you count my inner child), the Family/child-friendly atmosphere was obvious. There's a Babysitting service, and I spotted some Kids facilities around, but I cannot review them fully.
Available in All Rooms (My Safe Space)
The 2-Bedroom Apartment itself was…well, it was ICON56. Stunning views from the High floor. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The Bed was super comfy, and the Blackout curtains helped me sleep until 1 pm every day. Plenty of space, a Refrigerator stocked with goodies (including the inevitable Bottle of water), and a Coffee/tea maker that I abused relentlessly. The Bathroom was spacious, and the Bathrobes were so fluffy I almost stole one. Free Wi-Fi was a must.
Getting Around (Mobility, Anyone?)
Car park [free of charge] – always a win. They also offer Airport transfer and Taxi service. Getting around Ho Chi Minh City? Let's just say you will need it. Consider the mayhem to be part of the experience.
My One Big, Shiny, Imperfect Experience (And the Fitness Center Debacle)
Okay, so, remember that Fitness center I mentioned? Yeah, let’s talk about that. I was so looking forward to it. They had a Gym/fitness, and I had visions of myself, toned and tanned, working out with a view.
Reality? Turns out, there were a couple of malfunctioning machines, the music was questionable, and the air conditioning was… struggling. I lasted about 15 minutes before escaping back to the glorious pool and the never-ending supply of cocktails. The whole experience was a reminder that even in a "luxury" hotel, things aren't always perfect. But hey, it gave me a good story, right? And it really didn't ruin the stay!
Final Verdict (The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth)
ICON56 is a fantastic option for a Ho Chi Minh City stay. It’s clean, safe, and comfortable. The staff is attentive. The spa is divine. The location is great. It's not perfect – some minor quirks here and there – but the overall experience is excellent. If you're looking for a luxurious base to explore the city, with a touch of pampering and a whole lot of comfort, then book it. Just be prepared for a few imperfections, embrace the chaos of Saigon, and maybe, just maybe, skip the Fitness Center.
Escape to Paradise: Noosa's Sandcastles Hotel Awaits!
Okay, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine itinerary. This is the chaotic, glorious, slightly-hungover reality of a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, based around the ICON56 Standard 2 Bedroom Apartment, bless its soul:
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Attempting to Look Cool (Spoiler: Failed)
- Morning (or, what felt like morning at 3 PM): Landed at Tan Son Nhat. "Easy peasy, lemon squeezy," I thought, right before I spilled half my duty-free perfume on my carry-on. Note to self: airport security is not the right time for a perfume-spritzing session.
- Afternoon: Found a taxi, successfully (miracle!) negotiated a price (which I'm pretty sure was still inflated), and began the glorious, chaotic, motorbike-filled symphony of Saigon traffic. The ICON56 apartment?! Yeah, finally! This place… actually pretty dang nice. AC blasting, a view that’ll do, and a fridge that somehow still has ice!
- Late Afternoon: Tried to unpack and settle in, but jet lag was clawing at my eyeballs. Drank a ridiculous quantity of instant coffee, staring blankly at the city lights, and mentally calculating the time difference until it made sense to call my mom (it never did).
- Evening: Stumbled out in search of food. Found a pho place nearby. Ordered, ate, felt a wave of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. Then, promptly spilled broth all over myself. Grace personified, I am. Walked back to the apartment, feeling a little less miserable, and collapsed into bed.
Day 2: Saigon's Underbelly (and My Overly Full Belly)
- Morning: Woke up with vague hope. Decided to tackle exploring the Ben Thanh Market. Oh. My. God. The sheer everything of it! The smells (good, bad, and everything in between!), the colours, the people. I got bamboozled into buying a shirt I don’t need (but love). I could have bought a whole new wardrobe! The bartering was intense, and, let's be honest, I’m terrible at it. Ended up paying way too much for a pair of sandals. But hey, experiences, right?
- Afternoon: Hired a cyclo (a bicycle taxi) to cruise around the city. The ride was… intense! The driver was yelling at everything, I was dodging bikes I swear would be the death of me, and the whole thing felt like it was on double speed. Eventually, felt a little sick.
- Late Afternoon: Went to the War Remnants Museum. Raw. Powerful. Overwhelming. Honestly, made me want to curl up in a ball and never laugh again. But it’s essential. And, you know, a few hours of staring at the world's ugliness helps balance the beauty of a bowl of pho.
- Evening: Found a little rooftop bar. Ordered a cocktail. The sunset over the city was stunning. Took a deep breath. And then, the bar ran out of my favourite cocktail. Devastation. Got a different drink. It tasted like sadness and regret. Stumbled back to the apartment and watched some trash TV.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels and Questionable Decisions
- Morning: Booked a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were… claustrophobic. I’m about as far from a claustrophobe as it’s humanly possible to be, but still, I started to panic a little, imagining Vietnam war history.
- Afternoon: Back to the apartment, showered the dust, and reevaluated everything. Did I really need to buy that second shirt? Probably not. Did I need a nap? Most definitely. Slept. Woke up.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Felt the sudden urge to find a tailor! Found one! Said it would take 3 days to make my clothes. What an amazing deal!
- Evening: Found myself in the mood for something… more. Found a tiny little street food stall that was playing local music. Ordered something that looked like it was called Bún Riêu. It was amazing. And, as the night wore on, the drinks began to flow, the music got louder, and the dancing… well, let's just say I’m pretty sure I embarrassed myself. The details are somewhat blurry, but I remember a lot of laughter, a lot of smiles, and a very strong feeling of, "Yes, this is why I travel."
Day 4: Temples, Coffee, and the Search for Inner Peace (Maybe)
- Morning: Woke up with a mild headache and an overwhelming craving for strong coffee. Did some sightseeing at the Jade Emperor Pagoda (nice) and Notre Dame Cathedral (yep, definitely a cathedral).
- Afternoon: Took a cooking class! Learnt to make spring rolls. Made a complete mess. But, it was fun! I went on a coffee crawl and tried all kinds of Vietnamese coffee. The condensed milk version is pure magic.
- Late Afternoon: Found a little park near the apartment and people-watched. Saw a couple holding hands, a group of elderly people playing cards, a dog chasing a motorbike. Decided that inner peace might be overrated, since the world is so bloody interesting!
- Evening: Got all dressed up, which was probably a mistake, spent a small fortune on dinner at a fancy restaurant that was so quiet I felt like I was in a library, and then went to a rooftop bar and danced the night away, with all my new friends.
Day 5: Departure and the Bitter Sweetness of Goodbye
- Morning: Woke up, packed my bags, and looked out the window. Damn, I’m gonna miss this. Ho Chi Minh City, you were a whirlwind of chaos, beauty, and the most delicious food I've ever tasted.
- Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Said goodbye to the ICON56 apartment, which was a cozy home base! Said goodbye to the heat. Said goodbye to the smells (both good and… less good). Said goodbye to the feeling of being completely out of my comfort zone.
- Evening: Back home. Already planning the next trip. Because travel, even when it's messy and imperfect, is the best kind of therapy.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a perfect trip. Not even close. I got lost, I overspent, I ate questionable street food, and I embarrassed myself on more than one occasion. But it was mine. And I loved every messy, chaotic, beautiful minute of it. Vietnam, you've got a piece of my heart (and probably a little bit of my hair). And that ICON56 apartment? It was a godsend.
Millar Road Hotel: Your Dream Haumoana Getaway Awaits!
ICON56 - The Apartment That Almost Stole My Soul (in a Good Way!) - FAQs
Okay, okay, ICON56. What's the actual deal? Is it worth the hype, or just another pretty face in the concrete jungle?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Because honestly? ICON56 is *almost* worth the hype. Let's be real, HCMC is a sensory overload (especially for a clumsy tourist like me!), but this place... this place offers a *sanctuary*. Think sleek design, breathtaking river views (forget the city noise!), and amenities that make you feel like you've accidentally stumbled into a James Bond movie. But hold on! It's not all sunshine and roses. It's a *luxury experience* and sometimes, you pay the price of luxury. Remember the time I accidentally locked myself out on the balcony? The views are amazing, but the sun *blazing* heat can make you feel like a roast chicken, waiting for freedom back into that sweet, sweet AC!
Let's talk size. Two bedrooms, right? Enough space for a family? Or just a really extravagant solo trip?
Two bedrooms, yes. And honestly? It depends on your tolerance for shared space. I went with my best friend, and we nearly murdered each other on the second day. (Just kidding… mostly.) Seriously though, it's comfortable. The master suite is *glorious* – that massive bed! The second bedroom? Still decent, though it doesn't get quite the river view. Perfect for splitting the cost with another couple, or even a small family. But if your kids kick like champion Muay Thai fighters at night, maybe rethink it. You'll need *more* than a gorgeous apartment if you want to avoid a full-blown international incident at 3 AM.
What's the BEST part about staying at ICON56? Spill the tea.
The view, hands down. Seriously, I'm already missing it. Imagine waking up to the Saigon River, the boats gliding by, the city slowly waking up... It's pure magic. The infinity pool is *chef's kiss*. I spent so many hours there, pretending I was a glamorous movie star. (Spoiler alert: I am not.) And the sunsets? Forget about it. Instagram-worthy every single damn day. That view makes you want to weep (with joy, mostly). Although, I will say, remembering the pool's closing hours and not missing a swim can be stressful! I actually missed my flight, once. Just to say... one final sunset view.
And the worst? 'Cause nothing's perfect. Even in a luxury apartment, right?
Okay, the "worst" is… not *terrible*, but necessary to mention. The price! It's not cheap. Be prepared to shell out some serious dong. And the surrounding area? While the apartment itself is a haven, stepping outside can be a bit… much. Traffic is a beast, and the sidewalks? Let's just say they’re not designed for leisurely strolls, especially with a huge suitcase. I nearly face-planted into a bowl of pho on my way back from the market, that morning! Also, the constant fear of accidentally touching something you shouldn't (that fancy art!). And remember what I said about the balcony? The sun is *brutal!* you should bring a hat!
What about the amenities? Gym, pool, restaurants? What's the skinny?
Pretty much everything you could want! The gym is top-notch - I actually went... twice! There's that fabulous infinity pool. Restaurants on-site (though they're pricey, again). You've got access to everything you need to live like a king (or queen) for a few days. But here's a confession: I spent most of my time eating street food. Why pay a fortune when you can get the *best* banh mi for a dollar a few blocks away? It's all about balance, right? Luxury mornings, street food evenings. It’s the true Vietnam experience! But if you are a luxurious vacation person, you'll be fine!
How easy is it to get around from ICON56? Taxis and everything?
Taxis, Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber), everything is readily available. Very convenient and affordable. However... the traffic. Oh. My. God. Be prepared for commutes that take longer than expected. Plan accordingly. I spent a solid hour and a half STUCK in a taxi trying to get to the War Remnants Museum. Seriously, bring a book, download some podcasts, and embrace the chaos! On the plus side, the drivers are used to it, so they don't panic... unlike me.
Would you recommend ICON56? Be honest.
Absolutely. If you've got the budget and you crave a luxurious escape from the hustle of HCMC, go for it! It's an experience. Just… be prepared for the price tag, the traffic, and the potential for minor existential crises when you realize how beautiful life COULD be! Also be prepared to be a little bit sad when you have to leave. Okay, very sad! I already want to go back. And maybe this time, I'll actually use the gym more than twice...
Final thoughts? Anything else a potential visitor should know?
Bring your camera! Wear sunscreen! Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases (it makes the world of difference). Embrace the chaos. Don't be afraid to get lost (you'll find amazing things). Oh, and *don't* leave your passport in the taxi (yes, I did that). Mostly, have fun! ICON56 is a fantastic base for exploring a vibrant city. Just remember to breathe, enjoy the view, and try not to spend all your money on pho (tempting, I know!).
