Quarantining at a hotel in Hanoi: my unusual travel experience
I used to think “going to Hanoi” meant being outside all day: eating, walking, photographing, ticking boxes. Then I had a trip that flipped the idea completely. For a period of quarantine/health monitoring (depending on regulations at that time), I spent most of my days inside the hotel. It sounds bleak, but it gave me a surprising insight: a hotel isn’t just a place to sleep. In situations like this, it becomes your safety zone—your routine, your mental support, your rhythm.
This is a candid review: what worked, what felt difficult, and what I’d do differently if I ever faced this “travel but not really traveling” scenario again.
Quick verdict
- Hard part: your mood drops fast without a daily rhythm.
- What saves it: solid operations, fast support, and a room that feels breathable.
- Lesson: quarantine doesn’t have to mean isolation—if you structure your day.
Days 1–2: the shock of “I can’t go anywhere”
On day one, I still had the tourist mindset: open the curtains, stare at the city, think “where should I go next?”. Then reality hit: I wasn’t going anywhere. Time felt slow. My mind started inventing worries.
What helped was simple: build a daily schedule. Wake-up time, work block, meals, light movement, reading/entertainment, sleep. Once your day has rhythm, you stop being swallowed by empty hours.
What matters most in a quarantine-style stay
When you spend long hours in one room, “small” things become big:
- Fast response: water, towels, supplies—slow support feels twice as frustrating when you can’t fix it yourself.
- Clear communication: delivery rules, timing, what’s allowed and what isn’t. Clarity lowers stress.
- A breathable room: good light, curtains you can open, no “boxed-in” feeling.
Food: a small thing that decides your mood
When you’re indoors most of the time, meals become your daily “event.” If the food rhythm is too monotonous, boredom turns into irritation. I rotated simple comfort meals, kept portions light, and always had one warm drink or fruit as a mental reset. It sounds minor—yet it’s powerful.
Working from the room: easier if you separate spaces
I used a two-zone rule: one corner for “work” (desk/chair), the bed only for “rest.” Your brain quickly learns the signal. Without that, you end up half-working all day and feeling exhausted at night.
Light movement: the best investment for sleep
No intense workouts—just 10–15 minutes of stretching and slow breathing. The goal isn’t calories, it’s reminding your body it still has rhythm. From day three, my sleep improved noticeably.
Real inconveniences (and how I handled them)
- Boredom: I prepared a list of “small joys” (podcasts, a book, short films).
- Anxiety: I limited news checking to 1–2 fixed time windows.
- Time dragging: I split the day into three sessions to feel progress.
- Support requests: short, clear messages helped the staff respond faster.
10 tips to quarantine without burning out
- Tip 1: Set a routine from day one.
- Tip 2: Separate work space from rest space.
- Tip 3: Keep a comfort snack or warm drink.
- Tip 4: Move lightly for 10–15 minutes daily.
- Tip 5: Don’t read news all day—use fixed windows.
- Tip 6: Write down three small wins each day.
- Tip 7: Message reception clearly—avoid long explanations.
- Tip 8: Keep some buffer time for meals and deliveries.
- Tip 9: Create one daily “treat” (a call, a short film, a chapter).
- Tip 10: Protect your sleep schedule.
Why Ping Hotel works for a stable stay
In this situation, I needed a hotel that runs cleanly: clear support, quick responses, and a calm feel. Ping Hotel (Me Tri area) fit that “base” role well. A practical bonus: it’s about 800m from Keangnam Landmark 72, which is helpful if you’re mixing business tasks with a stable stay.
Closing thought: unusual, but memorable
I didn’t “do” Hanoi in the classic way. But I learned how to stay in place without losing myself. Quarantine in a hotel isn’t what anyone wants, yet if you ever face it, remember: you can still control your day. And a well-run hotel makes that much easier.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it stressful to stay long in a hotel during quarantine?
It can be—unless you build a daily routine and move lightly every day.
What should I prepare before checking in?
Power bank, headphones, a book/podcasts, familiar snacks, and your personal essentials.
Any food tips for staying in the room?
Rotate simple comfort meals, keep portions light, and include warm drinks/fruit to lift mood.
How can I sleep better?
Light stretching daily, limited news at night, and a consistent sleep schedule.
Is Ping Hotel suitable for a stable stay?
Yes if you want clear support, quick responses, and a convenient base near Keangnam.
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- Phone: (84.4) 3 7858408 / 3 7858409
- Hotline: 0904.77.14.26
- Email: sales@pinghotel.vn
- Address: 26 Me Tri Ha Street, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- Location tip: About 800m from Keangnam Landmark 72 (walkable).
- Book online at pinghotel.vn
