New World Saigon Hotel

Housed in an L-shaped building on one of central Ho Chi Minh’s main drags, this business hotel hotel wows at first sight. The lobby is grand and luxurious, with huge pillars, gleaming white floors, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street, and a striking round skylight. Common areas -- including the pool, the lobby lounge, the restaurants, and the Club Living Room -- have contemporary decor. All units are spacious, bright, and comfortable, but decor is a little bland, with simple blonde wood furniture, and generic couches. 

The hotel’s location is a major plus, but those looking to experience a real five-star stay may want to compare rates at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon. For a taste of old Saigon, consider the Caravelle, Majestic, and Grand Hotel Saigon, all located in District 1.

The New World is located directly on Lê Lai, one of Ho Chi Minh’s main drags, and across the street from a lovely park. This central location is convenient both for business and leisure travelers, as it is right in the heart of District 1, within walking distance of corporate areas as well as virtually all major attractions in town. There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby, and the Ben Than Market -- one of HCM’s most popular sights -- is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The Opera House, the Fine Arts Museum, Huynh Thuc Khang street market, Notre Dame Basilica, the War Remnants Museum, and the Independence Palace are all within a 15- to 20-minute walk. Xa Loi, the largest pagoda in HCMC, is a 10-minute drive away, and the airport can be reached by car in about 30 minutes.

The hotel has 553 rooms, all featuring up-to-date amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, one king or two twin beds, minibars, and electric kettles. Rooms are spacious, bright and comfortable. Marble bathrooms are large, clean and mostly appealing, but have shower/tub combos instead of separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs, and the grey tiling could use an update. Residence Club Rooms offer a few extra perks, including access to the Club Living Room, and expansive views. Superior rooms are located on floors two to six, Deluxe units on floors seven and eight, and Premier rooms on level nine.

The hotel has two main dining options, including a Chinese restaurant and a seafood buffet. For lighter bites, the lobby bakery offers sandwiches, pastries, and sushi. The hotel is popular among business travelers, and the Lounge is a hopping spot for after-work drinks with jazz in the background. However, smoking is allowed in the lobby bar, and some guests may find that unpleasant. The business center offers secretarial and translation services, and the meeting rooms come equipped with up-to-date technologies. The outdoor pool is large and appealing with comfortable cabanas, and a poolside bar offering cocktails, juices, beer, and flat-screen TVs for sports events. The hotel features a tennis court complete with trainers, equipment rental, and floodlights. The fitness center has lots of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as personal trainers and a wellness area complete with a hydrotherapy section and massage rooms. Those looking to get pampered may want to book a treatment at the hotel’s high-end spa, with a relaxing and exclusive vibe, and beautiful decor.