Hotel Nikko Saigon

In a city with its fair share of nameless, featureless hotels, the Hotel Nikko Saigon manages to stand out for the right reasons. Things here are sleek and contemporary, though the monochrome decor in most rooms and common areas lends a tranquility to the property -- surprising given its size and popularity. This 23-floor hotel sets the scene for its interiors with a contemporary, Japanese-style exterior and fountain out front. Guests enter through glass doors into the vast lobby with shimmery columns, tile flooring, and circular modern lighting hanging overhead. Various shades of cool brown, taupe, and even mauve all lend the spaces their hushed ambience. The long reception counter is illuminated by mood lighting above and below. While multiple seating clusters provide places for guests to gather in the lobby, and the lounge is off to one side, even with the space buzzing with guests the hotel maintains its sophisticated atmosphere -- which is a feat in loud Ho Chi Minh City. With its full array of business services and club floor, the hotel is well-suited for business travelers, but leisure travelers are just as likely to make their way here owing its polished style. 

The hotel is located on a busy street in one of the more business-oriented parts of District 1. It's situated on the upper floors of an office tower that's connected to Now Zone Shopping Mall. Numerous offices, shops, and restaurants surround it. However, those looking to see the city's major tourist sites will need to take a taxi or the hotel's shuttle. Famous Ben Than Market -- with its dizzying array of vendors -- and the Reunification Palace are both a 10-minute drive from the hotel (the free shuttle goes to both destinations). The War Remnants Museum is also a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while the Saigon Riverfront will take about 15 minutes to reach by taxi. The Cu Chi Tunnels, from the Vietnam War, are a two-hour drive outside of town and make for a popular day trip. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is about 30 minutes away by car. 

Accommodations include spacious rooms and suites, as well as apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms. Decor is contemporary and sophisticated, with a neutral color scheme of soothing gray and tan, clean-lined furniture, and minimal decoration. The restrained color scheme has an almost Zen-like quality to it, and the lack of decor feels like a conscious design choice meant to make these spaces even more soothing. All rooms are spacious, with the smallest Deluxe Room coming in with 431 square feet of floor space (40 square meters). Club rooms and suites are larger and more luxurious, and add access to the Club Lounge on the 23rd floor. Views of the city from the 23rd floor are spectacular, but some rooms on lower floors also have nice views. 

Amenities in all rooms include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and newspapers, minibars, safes, and tea/coffee makers. Bathrooms are stunning in all rooms. They are clad in light colored marble, with dark marble accents in some rooms. In lower category rooms, the soaking tub and vanity is separated by a partial wall from the main body of the rooms, while in higher category rooms -- like the Nikko Club Executive Suite that we saw -- bathrooms are separated from the sleeping area by sliding glass doors. All bathrooms include separate tubs and walk-in showers, plus electronic Toto toilet systems, hairdryers, and upscale toiletries. 

On par with this hotel's reputation and upscale pearl rating, there are a number of features on-site. Expansive buffets are set up daily for breakfast and dinner in the Brasserie, which features live entertainment in the evening. Ming Court is the place for fine dining for lunch and dinner, with a focus on Chinese fare with a Taiwanese touch. The setting is elegant and sophisticated with red and white tablecloths. The Lounge is located in the lobby and serves drinks and snacks all day with live entertainment nightly. 

The long, rectangular outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, but there's also lots of deck space with lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxing poolside. Kids get their own shallow pool. The Ren Spa offers five private treatment rooms for relaxing massages and body treatments, and the fitness center has a nice selection of modern cardio and weight-training equipment in front of large windows and flat-screen TVs. 

The lovely ballroom featuring a grand staircase leading to a nice foyer is popular for weddings and social events of up to 600 people. Events also can be held outdoors in the garden for up to 200 people. For the business-minded, the business center has seating groups, work stations, and computers for guests to use, as well as books and magazines. Private meeting rooms also are available, along with administrative assistance. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a free shuttle runs to some of the city's major sights.