Ho Chi Minh City's BEST Rooftop Pool? (Manor Studio High Floor, FREE Access!)
HCMC's BEST Rooftop Pool? The Manor Studio High Floor: My Chaotic, Conflicted, and Ultimately LOVING Review (and a HUGE Offer!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. We're diving HEADFIRST into the manic, amazing, and occasionally frustrating world of the Manor Studio High Floor in Ho Chi Minh City, specifically focusing on its claim to fame: the FREE rooftop pool. And let me tell you, just getting there… well, it's an experience.
First things first: Access & Location: The Great Elevator Gauntlet
Finding the Manor isn't the issue – it's a landmark. Getting TO that sweet, sweet rooftop? Now that's where the adventure begins. The elevators here are a fascinating study in patience. You'll encounter a mixture of:
- The "I'm-carrying-a-dozen-bags-of-banh-mi-and-pray-it-doesn't-close-on-my-ankles" elevator: These can be crowded!
- The "Lost-in-Translation-and-still-haven't-figured-out-the-floor-buttons" elevator: Sometimes it's faster to walk. (But let's be real, nobody wants to trudge up 20 floors in the HCMC heat!)
- The "Elevator-of-Dreams" (when it actually arrives): That's your golden ticket.
But hey, embrace the chaos! It's part of the HCMC charm, right? This is definitely a factor to consider for accessibility. While there is an elevator (yay!), the sheer volume of usage makes it hard to navigate if you have mobility issues.
Accessibility: The elevators are crucial here, because getting to the pool involves some altitude. The rooms themselves are generally considered accessible, though you'll want to check specific room details for things like shower grab bars. The pool area itself… well, it's a challenge, but doable with a bit of planning.
Rooms & Amenities: A Mixed Bag of Awesome and "Huh?"
Okay, so, the rooms. I stayed in a “Studio High Floor” just like the name suggests. The room itself was clean, the bed was comfy, and the free Wi-Fi worked like a charm (huge win!). Air conditioning? Mandatory in this city. Free bottled water? Bless. Blackout curtains? Yes! That's a must after those late-night street food adventures.
But…
- Sometimes the hot water takes a minute. (First world problems, I know.)
- The decor's a bit…functional. Not exactly Instagram-ready unless you're into minimalist chic with a hint of "hotel-from-1998."
- My room had a view of… another building. Not the rooftop pool view I'd dreamed of, unfortunately. (Side note: request a pool view! It's worth it.)
- The mini-bar had a questionable selection of snacks. I skipped it.
The Rooftop Pool: The Reason We're All Here (and My Inner Critic is Silent… Mostly)
Alright, let's get to the star of the show: the pool! This is where the Manor absolutely delivers.
- Pool with a View: The view? Breathtaking! Panoramic cityscapes as far as the eye can see. Day or night, it’s a stunner.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Duh! It's a pool! And it's lovely.
- Poolside Vibes: The poolside bar, open during certain hours, is perfect for a cocktail (Happy Hour's a must!). I didn't see any serious loungers, although the area wasn't overly crowded the two times I went.
- Sun & Relaxation: Just… soak it in. Find a comfortable spot, order a drink. Let the world melt away.
Important Note (and Potential Downside): The pool can get crowded, especially on weekends. Secure your spot early. There are no reservations.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: There are dining options, but the specifics on wheelchair accessibility for them were not clear. However, that are options, which is a plus!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Fun (and My Stomach)
The Manor has a few dining options, but I found myself venturing out.
- Breakfast: Their buffet breakfast is…fine. It had the standards: eggs, bacon, fruit, some Asian options. Nothing spectacular. This is where my inner food critic started humming.
- Restaurants & Bars: There's a restaurant with a view (yes!), and a bar.
- Coffee: The coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent, enough to get you going.
- Room Service: I got room service [24-hour] for the lazy days, it was quick.
Services & Conveniences: The Practical Stuff (and the Little Quirks)
- Wi-Fi [Free]: Yep, it's in the rooms! Works great.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always pristine!
- Concierge: Super helpful! They helped me arrange tours.
- Cash withdrawal/ Currency exchange: Handy!
- Dry cleaning/ Laundry service: Available.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yep.
- Elevator: See above.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I did not get a clear answer to this, but it seems they do have rooms available.
- On-site event hosting: They have facilities.
- Car park [free of charge]: Convenient (if you're brave enough to drive in HCMC!)
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD Tendencies Were Surprisingly Happy
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I was pleased to see they seemed to have a lot of measures in place to promote safety.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Good job, Manor!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed competent and aware.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Reassuring.
For the Kids:
I travelled solo, so not in my purview. However, they advertise for Babysitting service, Family/child friendly.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Available!
- Taxi service: Easy to flag down.
- Car park [on-site]: They have parking.
The Verdict: Is This the BEST Rooftop Pool in HCMC?
Look, it's not a flawless hotel. The elevators are an ordeal. The decor is functional. The food is… adequate.
But…
- The pool is truly spectacular.
- The location is excellent.
- The rooms are clean and comfortable.
- The staff are helpful.
- And remember, FREE access to that glorious rooftop pool? That's a game-changer!
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Especially if I were looking for a bit of luxury and wanted to be close to everything.
My Quirky Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (and maybe a half-star for sheer poolside bliss).
AND NOW…THE OFFER!
Book Your Stay at the Manor Studio High Floor NOW and Get:
- A GUARANTEED room with a pool view (subject to availability, but we’ll do our best!).
- A free cocktail or mocktail at the poolside bar (because you deserve it!).
- A special "Elevator Survival Kit" – a small gift to help you navigate the elevator gauntlet (think snacks, a travel-sized hand sanitizer, and earplugs to block out the elevator music).
- Free late check-out until 1 pm!
Don't miss out on this chance to experience the magic of the Manor Studio High Floor, with the BEST rooftop pool in Ho Chi Minh City!
Click here to book and claim your offer! [Insert Link Here!]
P.S. If you happen to see me by the pool, come say hi! I'll probably be the one blissfully soaking up the sun… and silently judging the overly loud tourists. (Just kidding… mostly.)
SplashMania Kuala Lumpur: Corner Lot Paradise in Puchong/Cyberjaya!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, glorious mess that is my imaginary trip to The Manor Studio High Floor FREE ROOFTOP POOL in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It’s not gonna be a pristine travel brochure, I can promise you that. More like a half-eaten banh mi with a side of existential dread and the overwhelming urge to buy a conical hat. Let's go!
THE MANOR MADNESS: A Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary (and the Ghosts of My Over-Planned Expectations)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Relentless Heat (aka "Is This Air Conditioning Even Working?")
- Morning (6:00 AM-ish, Vietnam Time, which is basically "Whenever You Wake Up Screaming"): Touchdown at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Ugh, the humidity wallops you the second you step off the plane. Instant sweat. Pretty sure my hair immediately fused to my forehead. Finding a decent airport wifi is a battle of wills, I'm already behind on my 'gram aesthetic. The pre-trip excitement? Faded faster than my sunscreen. But hey, at least I survived the monstrous flight (I swear that tiny child behind me screamed for 11 hours straight).
- Late Morning (8:00 AM): Taxi to The Manor. I'd booked a "luxury airport transfer" (because, you know, treat yo'self!), but ended up in a beat-up Toyota with a driver who seemed to view the traffic laws as "suggestions." The streets EXPLODE with motorbikes. It's chaos. Beautiful, terrifying chaos. Arrival at The Manor… OMG, this place is HUGE. High floor, check. Rooftop pool, check. Initial reaction? "Okay, this is… impressive." My Airbnb host, a woman named Mai, greets me with a smile as wide as the Mekong Delta. And then she tells me the air conditioning is "a little temperamental." Cue internal screaming.
- Afternoon (10:00 AM): Unpack. The initial, romantic notion of neatly folding clothes into a pristine suitcase is replaced by the reality of crumpled t-shirts and a desperate search for the adaptor I swear I packed.
- Mid-Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch. Gotta eat. Wandering around the neighborhood, overwhelmed. Found a pho place with plastic chairs and menus that looked like they were written in ancient hieroglyphs. Took a gamble. Ordered something. It's AMAZING. Like, life-changing. Suddenly, I feel less like a sweaty, jet-lagged stranger and more like a pho-namic explorer. (Okay, maybe I've had a little too much coffee).
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - whenever I crash): Attempt to conquer the rooftop pool. (See: "Rooftop Pool Dreams and the Reality of Sunburn"). The pool is GORGEOUS. Seriously insta-worthy. Tried to act cool. The sun. THE SUN IS A BEAST. Slathered on sunscreen, but still ended up looking like a lobster who'd lost a fight. Back to the room, defeat-eat a bunch of ice cream, and fall asleep fully clothed. This is going great thus far.
Day 2: Temples, Tunnels, and Trying Not to Become a Traffic Statistic
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up, disoriented, and feel like a zombie. Remember the air conditioning situation… sigh. Grab some street food, and I got a smile from the vendor lady - she's seen some tourists.
- Late Morning (9:30 AM): Cu Chi Tunnels Tour. This is the one I was most excited about. Booked a tour because I’m too scared to navigate the city on my own yet. The bus ride out is an experience in itself – the guide pointing out local customs and the general vibe. Then the tunnels themselves. So. Damn. Small. Seriously, I'm claustrophobic, and even I managed to squirm through, but I was seriously close to a panic attack a few times. Realizing that these people lived, fought, and survived here? Mind. Blown. It's both humbling and a little bit terrifying. Trying to imagine myself with some weaponry or a uniform on, and there's no way.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch in the Cu Chi area. Eating food near war sites is a sobering experience. I feel grateful to have this experience and not that.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back in Ho Chi Minh. Hopped on a motorbike, and the driver, a jovial local named Bao, was very patient with my flailing and general freak-out. Visited the War Remnants Museum. Deep breath. It's a difficult place to visit. The exhibits are incredibly powerful. I came away feeling both heartbroken and deeply respectful of the Vietnamese people.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner in District 1. Another pho fix, obviously. Wandered the bustling streets, people-watching, feeling a bit overwhelmed but also strangely exhilarated. Then I stumbled across a live music bar with amazing Vietnamese musicians. The music, the atmosphere… pure magic. Stayed way later than I should have.
Day 3: Art, Coffee, and a Deep Dive into (My) Procrastination
- Morning (9:00 AM): Sleep in! I deserve it.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Visit the Fine Arts Museum. Really, really beautiful. The architecture alone is worth coming for. Sat for a long time in the courtyard and just absorbed it all. The artwork is good and all, but I was more fascinated by the architecture and how people interacted with the space.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Coffee break. The ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) is as good as everyone says. Sweet, strong, and perfect for a hot day. I spend a good hour just sitting and sipping, and people-watching the chaos unfold around me.
- Mid-Afternoon (2:00 PM): Wander the streets. I had planned to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, but I got sidetracked by the markets. LOST. in a maze of colors, smells, and sounds. I bought way too much, and I have no idea what half of it is.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back to The Manor. Attempted another rooftop pool session. Managed to fall asleep poolside, which resulted in a slightly uneven tan. Worth it.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Trying to write in my journal. Realized I haven't really been documenting much. Just thinking.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Go out and get more food. This time I feel like a local.
Day 4: Departure Blues (and the Secret Shame of the Laundry Pile)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Ugh, packing. The clothes already look like I've been living in a cave. Also, Mai has the laundry room, and…
- Late Morning (9:00 AM): One last delicious Vietnamese breakfast. Say goodbye to Mai.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Taxi back to the airport. The driver drives like a bat out of hell. I am somehow even more exhausted.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Airport. Buy a bunch of souvenirs I certainly don't need.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Flying home. The jet lag is already setting in.
- Night (whenever I collapse): Dreaming of pho, motorbikes, and that ridiculously beautiful, slightly unreliable rooftop pool. And secretly, start planning my return.
The Realest Parts:
- The Food: Forget everything I planned. Just follow your nose. You'll find something amazing. And eat all the mango sticky rice. All of it.
- The Heat: It's relentless. Embrace the sweat. Drink ALL the water.
- The People: They are amazing. Kind, resilient, and full of smiles. Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. It goes a long way.
- The Imperfections: Embrace them. Get lost. Make mistakes. That's where the real magic happens.
Rooftop Pool Dreams and The Reality of Sunburn:
Okay, let's be honest. The rooftop pool was the reason I booked The Manor. The photos? Gorgeous. The reality? A bit less glamorous. The sun in Vietnam is like a vengeful god with a personal vendetta against pale-skinned tourists.
Luxury Quezon City Condo w/ FREE Pool! (Manila, BR)
Ho Chi Minh City's Rooftop Pool: The (Allegedly) Best? My Chaotic Truth
Okay, spilling the tea: What IS the deal with this "Manor Studio High Floor, FREE Access" pool everyone raves about? Is it REALLY worth the hype?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the "hype" is... well, it's complicated. Let's be honest, free usually means a catch, right? And with this Manor Studios rooftop pool, the catch is... finding the damn thing. (More on that headache later!) The "worth it" factor? Depends. If you're expecting some pristine, five-star hotel experience, you're going to be disappointed. But if you're looking for a *chill* afternoon, some killer city views, and a FREE dip in the heat of Saigon, then yes, it's absolutely worth the gamble. Think slightly worn, a bit...rustic, but charming in its own way. I give it a solid 7/10, with room for improvement (looking at you, cleanliness!).
Wait, FREE access?! How does that even *work*? Is it some kind of underground secret society?
Okay, the "secret society" part is kinda right. But it's less Illuminati and more... a bunch of residents who happen to have a pool. This pool is for residents of the Manor Studio apartment complex. Here's the thing: you need to be a *guest* of a resident. That's the golden ticket! You can usually arrange access by staying with a local, or using a local property-management that offers these services. Find a contact, and then they give you pool access cards to enter the pool area. I’m told the security is pretty lax… *cough* you might be able to sneak in *cough*. (Don't tell them I told you that, okay? 😉). Just be respectful of other people and the rules.
The Manor Studio - Where is this place and how do I *actually* find the pool? Finding things in Saigon is an adventure in itself!
The Manor Studio is in a pretty central location, District 1 in a street which can be tricky to find if you're not used to the area. Okay, here's a little drama for you! Finding the pool is… an Olympic sport. Seriously. The first time I went, I spent a good half hour wandering around, looking like a complete goober, asking security guards (who mostly just stared at me, probably wondering what the heck I was doing). The building is huge, multi-towered and confusing. You’ll need to locate the right tower -- and then navigate the labyrinthine corridors. There aren't always clear signs. It's a test of your willpower, a lesson in patience, and a crash course in Vietnamese architecture (which, let's be honest, isn't always the best). But hey, the view from the high floor is, for the most part, worth the agony. Be prepared to ask for help. Embrace the friendly Vietnamese locals. They WILL point you in the right direction. (And probably laugh at your attempts to speak Vietnamese, but it’s all in good fun!).
Okay, so I'm *finally* poolside. What are the amenities like? Do they have towels? A bar? Is it a total zoo?
Amenities… well, let's just say it's not the Four Seasons. There aren't always towels readily available, so bring your own! A bar? Nope. Bring your own drinks and snacks (discreetly, wink wink). And, yes, it can get a *little* zoo-ish, especially on weekends. You'll find a mix of residents, their guests, and, let's face it, probably a few people who *shouldn't* be there. The pool itself is decent-sized, the views are fantastic, and the water is, well, wet. It's not always the cleanest (sigh), but it's refreshing. If you want peace and quiet, aim for a weekday afternoon. Bring your own music. Bring your own happiness. (Because sometimes, you'll need it).
Spill the Tea! What was your BEST experience at the pool? Give me something juicy!
Okay, this is where it gets good. My *best* experience? It was a hazy Sunday afternoon. The humidity was thick enough to cut with a knife. I'd finally, *finally* navigated the bloody building and found myself on the rooftop. Sun beating down, people splashing, the distant hum of Saigon. I'd grabbed a few cold beers from a nearby store. (Pro Tip, go to the Family Mart down the street, and grab a couple of cans on the way up). The view was unreal – the whole city stretched out before me, shimmering in the heat. I found a relatively quiet spot by the edge of the pool, and just... sat there. Watching the clouds drift by, listening to the water, letting the sun bake my worries away. A group of kids started playing, their laughter echoing across the space. A breeze picked up, bringing with it the scent of street food. It didn't feel like a luxury experience, but it felt like a slice of pure, unadulterated Saigon life. I felt... happy. Truly, genuinely happy. It wasn't the most glamorous pool, but it was *my* pool, for that afternoon, and that was enough. And that, my friends, is the magic.
Any downsides? What are the REAL downsides no one talks about?
Oh, the downsides. Where do I even begin? The cleanliness. I mentioned it, right? Let's be clear, it's not the cleanest pool. I've seen a few questionable floaty things in there. The sun loungers are in okay condition... not luxury. The building complex is a maze. Finding the correct tower is seriously a challenge. And the fact that it's technically *not* public access. You are technically breaking the rules... which might make you feel a little guilty. And the biggest downside... the competition to find a place to sit. It can be crowded. Some people playing loud music. And the security... a little too lax, if you ask me. But hey, it wouldn't be Saigon without a little bit of chaos, right?
Final Verdict: Is this pool worth the effort? Is it ACTUALLY the "best"?
Okay, the final verdict. "Best"? Probably not, if you measure "best" by luxury standards. But... worth the effort? Absolutely, YES! It's a unique, authentic Saigon experience. It's free. The views are incredible. You can't fake a good sunset. The fact that it's a little rough around the edges just adds to the charm. If you're looking for a perfect, polished experience, look elsewhere. But if you're after something real, something that offers a glimpse into local life, something that lets you soak up the sun and the city in all its chaotic glory, then dive right in (figuratively and literally!). Just don't blame me if you get lost. Or if the water is a little… *murky*. Happy swimming, folks!
