Pullman Saigon Centre

The Pullman’s 31-story contemporary steel-and-glass tower -- illuminated in multicolored lights after dark -- couldn’t be more different from the colonial-style Metropole Hotel that previously stood here. Inside, the design is every bit as modern -- the elegant lobby has attractively high individual front desk stations, and striking resin chandeliers. Although there’s a pleasant space with chunky wood-framed sofas, the lobby is narrow, and guests complain it gets congested. Floor-to-ceiling windows look straight onto the main road, while hallways are pleasantly muted with gray carpets and pale wood trim. The bright and airy Food Connexion restaurant and Urbane Lounge make Saigon’s street scenes the focal point. There are floor-to-ceiling windows, a smattering of silvered pendant lights, and a mix of sleek tiling and dark wood floors. Expect great city views from rooms, especially on higher floors, and from the hotel’s restaurants and Saigon’s highest rooftop bar. The property's convenient location and sleek rooms lure mostly couples. However, many business travelers also stay here, as offices line the surrounding streets, event space is readily available, and the business district is easy to reach. 

The Pullman is in a convenient position on a main road on the way into District 1, within easy reach of major sights without being right in the busy center. There are shops and offices in the immediate vicinity, plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, and countless street food stalls to try on the surrounding blocks. The popular Ben Thanh market is a 15-minute walk or five-minute taxi ride away. It's an eight-minute walk to the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area -- but guests should take care in Saigon’s infamous traffic. The Central Post Office, Notre Dame Basilica, Opera House, Reunification Palace, and War Remnants Museum are all within a 10- to 15-minute drive. Also within eight to 10 minutes' drive are The Ho Chi Minh Museum, the People’s Committee Building and City Hall (along from the upmarket Dong Khoi shopping street), and the observation deck at Bitexco Financial Tower. Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a 27-minute taxi ride from the hotel.

The Pullman’s 306 rooms are bright, elegant, and spacious, with a similar contemporary design to the rest of the hotel. Superior Double Rooms are the most compact, with accent walls featuring a willowy branch pattern that extends to the carpets. Modern strip-lighting illuminate the space, and comfortable beds with memory-foam pillows are framed by charming tree-trunk nightstands. Round glass desks give a small work surface. The 40-inch flat-screen broadband TVs have interactive functions with city information to sync to mobile devices. Kettles for coffee and tea are tucked away into light wood cabinets, and well-stocked minibars are provided. Standard amenities include safes, as well as reliable free Wi-Fi. Spacious bathrooms have attractive, neutral floor and wall tiling, and large walk-in showers with rainfall and power showerheads. Stand-alone sinks are on elegant black countertops, with large wraparound floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Individual C.O. Bigelow toiletries are a nice touch.

Higher-category rooms have larger executive desks, Nespresso coffeemakers, and larger TVs up to 46 inches in size. Signature Suites are actually one-bedroom studios, but larger Executive Suites have separate living areas with plush sofas and carpeting. Bathrooms open onto the bedroom (there’s a push-activated privacy screen) with attractive slipper tubs at their center. However, some guests find this design awkward, especially in corner rooms. Large windows mean there are good city views from all rooms, but pricier rooms are higher and have the best vantage points -- though none have balconies. Rooms are well soundproofed, and a number are accessible to those with mobility difficulties. Some rooms include in-room fitness amenities like yoga mats and dumbbells.

One of the Pullman's best features is its decently sized, attractive outdoor lap pool, which is paired with a small kiddy pool. Unfortunately, seating is limited to just a few modern sunbeds and some chic tub seats. These are also a little close to the water, so it’s easy to get splashed while sunbathing. Inside, there’s a colorful but sparsely equipped kids' club. The bright, modern, but rather functional gym, with extensive cardio equipment and free weights, is open 24/7. There are also a whirlpool and sauna, and the chic oriental-style spa is open until the late evening. 

The breakfast buffet served at the Food Connexion restaurant has a great selection of Asian and Western dishes, though it’s not included in all room rates. For guests in Executive Rooms and above, the breakfast in the Executive Lounge is pleasant, but there’s a more limited choice of dishes -- drinks and snacks are also served here throughout the day. Otherwise, a buffet with live stations is available for lunch and dinner at Food Connexion, which also has an a la carte menu and a great wine selection. The 30th-floor Cobalt Restaurant & Bar serves fusion tapas dishes that get mixed reviews, along with edgy molecular cocktails. The venue claims to be Ho Chi Minh City’s highest rooftop bar -- between an indoor area and terrace, it has stunning views over the city, and stays open until the wee hours. There are also a minimalist poolside bar, and a popular liquid nitrogen ice cream bar. The Urbane Lounge serves eclectic takes on soul food alongside Vietnamese beers, tea, and coffee. Room service is available 24/7, but portions can be rather small.

An elegant modern business center has a relaxed ambience, with PCs and a printer. The hotel’s meeting venues -- including three meeting rooms, a ballroom, boardroom, and pre-function space -- can host up to 500 people. A free shuttle bus operates regularly to popular downtown sights. The concierge service gets thumbs-up from past guests, and fast and free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the property.