Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

First opened as the Omni Saigon and later rebranded as the Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, the property has been the Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon since April 2015. Little has changed since the latest rebranding, but the new management is made small upgrades to common spaces. The hotel has a modern, sleek lobby with a back-lit wall behind the front desk, tall white pillars, and bold pops of color. With its attractive design and decor, the reception area sets the mood for a stylish stay. Rooms have a somewhat more classic style, but feature up-to-date amenities and high-end bathrooms with glass walls overlooking the rooms. The pool is perhaps the least attractive feature here. There’s nothing terribly wrong with it, but it is a little plainer than one might expect of a luxury hotel, and its location on a smoking floor means some guests will be annoyed by the strong cigarette smell in the hallway leading to the outdoor deck. 

The hotel is located directly south of the airport, in the Phu Thuan District. This neighborhood is convenient for those doing business in the area and for travelers with early flights out of Ho Chi Minh -- but there isn’t much to do here for tourists. There are a few shops and small restaurants within a few blocks of the hotel, but little else of interest. Major District 1 attractions -- such as the Opera House, the Ben Thanh markets, the Fine Arts Museum, Huynh Thuc Khang street market, Notre Dame Basilica, the War Remnants Museum, and the Independence Palace, are all a 15- to 30-minute drive away depending on driving conditions. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the city center.

The rooms at the Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon are large, bright, and stylish. Although mostly business-oriented due to the hotel’s location, rooms are warm and sleek, with printed carpets, crisp white linens, red accents, dark wood furniture, and Chesterfield armchairs. Upscale bathrooms have walk-in showers with rain showerheads, and glass walls overlooking the bedrooms (with blinds for added privacy). LCD TVs, minibars, safes, air-conditioning, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, and king beds (two twins in some) are all standard amenities. Suites and Executive rooms have separate deep soaking tubs, and offer access to the Club Lounge, which features free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free snacks throughout the day. Family rooms have double sofa beds for two extra guests in the living areas. Cribs, connecting rooms, and smoking rooms are all available.

The Eastin offers a wide array of amenities, both for business and leisure travelers. The pool is located on the third floor and offers a quiet respite from busy HCMC. However, it is a little plain, with just a few loungers, parasols, and bar service. There are three restaurants here: a solid buffet, a Cantonese restaurant, and a Japanese eatery serving up sushi and other specialties with a modern twist. For smaller bites, Cay Da Café offers sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. The fitness center is a little small, but has a decent array of cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as large windows.Those in town for work may find the five meeting rooms, the business center, and the free Wi-Fi convenient. Free parking, a free shuttle to the city center, airport pick-up, and concierge services are also available. Executive and suite guests get access to the Club Lounge, which offers free breakfast, snacks, and evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The property lacks a full spa.