Saigon Phu Quoc Resort

Some common areas of Saigon Phu Quoc Resort are starting to feel a little past their prime, but the property is pleasant, set in more than eight acres of lovely tropical grounds, with charming low buildings and stand-alone wooden bungalows. Saigon Phu Quoc is one of the few hotels on the island that caters specifically to business travelers, and there's a separate convention center and an events team. It hosts a number of corporate groups throughout the year, but when we visited in the winter, most guests were families and couples from Scandinavia, Germany, and Australia. The atmosphere was quiet during the day, when travelers lounged around the pool or at the beach, but the vibe is much livelier after sundown before dinner. 

The hotel occupies a large plot of land, set on a sandy beach and off Phu Quoc’s main road, making it a convenient pick for travelers planning to relax on-site, and for those looking to explore the island. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops right outside the hotel, and many more can be found in the city of Duong Dong, located less than a 10-minute walk away. The town’s night market -- which sells everything from pearls to souvenirs to fresh seafood -- is worth a visit. Stunning Sao Beach is a 40-minute drive away, and the airport is about 15 minutes by car from the hotel.

Saigon Phu Quoc Resort's guest rooms range from standard units to spacious bungalow-style rooms and suites with ocean views, and all have private furnished balconies. Decor is classic throughout, with heavy dark wood furniture, laminate floors, and pops of burgundy in bed runners and accent pillows. Details such as ceiling moldings and helm-shaped clocks are nice touches, but the style struck us as slightly generic and dated. While we found our room comfortable and spacious, it's the small details that make rooms feel older than they really are, such as the old-fashioned bedside control panels, and the on-off switch in the bathroom for hot water. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with international channels, minibars, electric kettles, safes, robes, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Suites and higher-category rooms also have several bottles of liquor for purchase, and DVD players with movies. 

Bathrooms are perhaps the least appealing elements of the rooms. Shoddy repairs around tubs and sinks are common, and although they're generally clean, shower areas have old tiles, some rust, and plastic curtains. All showers, however, have been updated with rainfall showerheads. Standard rooms and connecting bungalows feature either wet room-style showers or shower stalls with glass screens, while higher-category rooms have shower/tub combos. Basic toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. 

Ample features at this hotel are its biggest asset -- with its long, sandy beach that has great sunsets topping the list. There are plenty of loungers and umbrellas, and a small bar serves cocktails. Snack and hot drinks are available at the poolside hut, just a few steps away. During our visit both the sand and the water looked clean, which is not always the case in some other parts of the island. Sea kayaks are available free of charge.  

Wellness amenities are another highlight. There's a kidney-shaped pool that overlooks the water, surrounded by a terra-cotta tile deck with a handful of loungers and umbrellas. The hotel’s spa features a couple of massage rooms, a salon offering hair and nail services, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and a steam bath. The gym has basic equipment and some older machines, but it's sufficient for a quick workout. The tennis court is well-maintained, but guests are expected to bring their own equipment, as there are no on-site rentals.  

For dining, there are two options: The main restaurant has sea views, and offers a varied buffet breakfast with Vietnamese and international options, but it costs extra -- which is rare for properties in Phu Quoc. There's also an a la carte dinner menu. The other eatery is housed in a thatched-roof pavilion by the pool, and serves barbecue dinners, along with pizza and a few Vietnamese specialties. Room service is also available. 

The hotel has three meeting rooms in a separate building next to the lobby. Basic audiovisual equipment is available to rent, in addition to two karaoke rooms for company retreats. Families traveling with young kids appreciate the game room for toddlers, and the outdoor playground. Airport transfers are available free of charge, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.