InterContinental Saigon Hotel

Despite being located on a busy road in central Ho Chi Minh, the InterContinental Asiana Saigon has a hushed vibe. It is a 305-room hotel, but once inside the property it feels elegant and intimate, with lots of nooks with couches and low light, and luxurious touches, such as paneled walls, marble and wood floors, and sleek decor in a range of earth tones. This elegant feel extends to the rooms, which feature high-tech amenities and similar decor. As for amenities, this is probably one of the best picks in town for those looking to spend some time at the hotel and get pampered. The property does not only offer a wonderful, luxurious spa but also features a rooftop pool, a well-equipped fitness center with natural light, and three restaurants, all stylishly decorated and serving tasty menus. For added luxury, Club (or Executive) rooms and suites offer access to the Lounge, where breakfast, snacks, and evening drinks are served free of charge daily.

The hotel is located on a busy street in District 1, a couple of blocks from the Saigon River. There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby, and most major attractions are within walking distance of the property. The Opera House is less than a 10-minute walk away, and 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 within a 20-minute walk. Xa Loi, the largest pagoda in HCM, is a 10-minute drive away, and the airport can be reached by car in about 30 minutes.

The rooms at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon are large, bright, and elegant, decorated in the same luxurious style as the rest of the property. Plush carpets with delicate prints over dark wooden floors, crisp white linens, round pillows, and bed runners in bold colors make spaces classy, while accent wood walls add texture. Although business-oriented, rooms are warm and sleek, and feature high-tech amenities, including flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, DVD players, and sound systems. Minibars, electric kettles, and Agraria toiletries are also standard amenities -- but there is a fee for Wi-Fi, which is surprising for a hotel in this price range. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light, and some offer expansive city views. Bathrooms are spacious and luxurious, with separate glass-enclosed walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs; some have wooden sliding doors opening onto the bedroom. Suites have the same beautiful decor style plus a few extra perks, such as jetted tubs, walk-in closets, and coffeemakers. Executive Rooms offer access to the Club Lounge, which features free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, evening cocktails, and snacks throughout the day.

Rooms at both the Park Hyatt and Sheraton are more corporate and staid, with less personality than the rooms here. The rooms at the Sofitel have a trendier look that some may prefer, but they're not quite as high-end. Only the rooms at The Reverie Saigon are on par. 

As a hotel that caters to business travelers and well-heeled coupes, the InterContinental Asiana offers a wide array of features. The large pool is located on the rooftop, and offers a number of loungers as well as drinks service. There is a well-equipped fitness center with natural light and a wealth of machines, including strength training and cardio equipment. There are three restaurants, all serving different cuisines: Yu Chu offers a great Cantonese and Beijing menu; Market 39, the hotel’s acclaimed buffet, features a breakfast spread known for being one of the best in town; Basilico is an Italian trattoria with red and white checkered tablecloths and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street. Purple Jade Bar is sleek and modern, with mood lighting, a lounge area, and a long bar with a few stools. The Library is an intimate spot with comfy couches and a nice selection of drinks. Those looking to get pampered may want to book a treatment at the luxe spa, which offers a wide array of signature massages, as well as a wellness area with a steam bath, a sauna, and a whirlpool. The hotel also offers six high-tech meeting rooms and a staffed business center. Wi-Fi is available throughout for a fee.