Hotel Grand Saigon

Opened in the 1930s, when Vietnam was still a French colony, Grand Hotel Saigon has architectural details that echo its past: an ornamented, cream-colored façade; balconies with white shutters; and a corner tower. Rooms were built around a serene central courtyard with a pool and a bar -- a peaceful oasis where guests can lounge or quietly nurse a drink. (The building does a good job of blocking city noise.) The glass chandeliers and damask armchairs in the lobby can feel more antiquated than elegant, but a marble staircase, gleaming columns, and a lovely birdcage elevator brings plenty of Old-World charm and personality to this property. In the late 20th century, the hotel added another section, the Luxury Wing, housed in an adjacent 20-story tower with fewer ornamental touches.

Half a block from Saigon River, the Grand Hotel Saigon is located on the corner of two busy streets in District 1. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars nearby, and most major attractions are walking distance. Ho Chi Minh’s famous Opera House is just three blocks away, and Ben Thanh Market, Huynh Thuc Khang street market, and Notre Dame Basilica are all within a 15-minute walk from the property. Xa Loi, the largest pagoda in HCM, is a 15-minute drive away. The airport can be reached by car in 30 minutes.

An Old-World elegance permeates the Grand Hotel's 230 rooms. In the Ancient Wing, glass chandeliers, rotary phones, delicate wall moldings, heavy gilded drapes, and polished wooden floors compliment the Louis XVI-style armchairs and sofas. If that sounds stuffy, consider the Luxury Wing. Rooms here still have European flair, but it's a little more contemporary, with lighter drapes, floor lamps (versus chandeliers), and fewer ornamental frills. Room amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, air-conditioning, electric kettles, safes, and water purification systems. Bathrooms are large and luxurious in all rooms, with marble walls and floors, rain showerheads, and separate showers and soaking tubs in most. Light sleepers may want to request a room on a higher floor, as the streets around the hotel can be busy and noisy. Cots are available for an extra fee. 

Located on the hotel’s top floor, Grand Café is a favorite among tourists and locals alike for a drink at sunset. There are a couple of taller buildings in the neighborhood, but the bar offers expansive views of the surrounding area. Another popular spot is the poolside bar, which has a great happy hour in the hotel’s quiet courtyard. For meals, guests can check out the hotel’s two buffet restaurants, one of which also offers an a la carte menu. 

Another winning feature, the pool is located in the central courtyard, bordered by white columned balconies, greenery, and a few wooden loungers. It's a quiet and relaxing spot that feels a world away from the bustling city center. The pool is big enough for a few laps, but the courtyard doesn’t get much sun during the day. The hotel also has a bright fitness center with cardio and strength-training machines; a spa offering salon services, body treatments, and a wellness area; a business center; and meeting spaces. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.