New World Hotel Saigon

New World Hotel Saigon played a significant part in my first trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Having booked one of the deluxe rooms in their Executive Floors, I had high expectations in terms of services and facilities. I was not disappointed.

My room on the 10th floor, while a mere duplicate of its counterparts in other 5-star hotels, had a cozy feel on top of a high ceiling which did not leave me feeling confined. The relatively firm mattress suited me well. The bathroom had a complete set of toiletries and amenities replenished everyday, with two complimentary bottles of mineral water always on hand to quench my thirst after a heavy day of sightseeing. There is also an iron and board plus umbrella and in-room safe to complete the room perks. What's more, the nightly turndown service includes two small Vietnamese figurines (instead of mint chocolates) neatly placed on top of the table beside the bed. What a sweet thought!

Unique Quality: But the best has yet to come because the executive lounge is just great! Breakfast buffet has a good spread. Not overflowing but more than enough to last you till past lunch. The 24-hour complimentary drinks are a definite plus instead of stocking up on sodas in my room. The happy hour cocktails from 5:30-7:30pm are a welcome treat. I thought that they will only serve finger foods, but the buffet was so varied and filling that rice, several viands, pastries, fruits, sushi, sashimi and the like were included. I hated eating so much during this time because it meant losing my appetite for a dinner outside the hotel. But I never complained because everything was for free.

The lounge also included complimentary broadband internet use in their two computer stations which In found very useful. There is also a private reading area and a very refreshing open area where you can take your meals or simply laze around while taking advantage of the sweeping views of the city - be it day or night.

The location couldn't be better. It is just a 5-minute walk to Ben Thanh Market which is excellent for shopping from 7-am-6pm. The area turns into a pedestrian mall at night so you can check it out even if you arrived late from day tours. There is also a good number of restaurants nearby. Vietnamese noodle shops like Pho 2000 and Pho 24 have outlets in the vicinity. Taxicabs are cheap and plentiful and going to other areas in District 1, 3 or 5 is effortless.

And the staff? They are among the friendliest and most attentive hotel personnel I've ever encountered in all my travels. Obviously, I was extremely happy with my stay in this hotel and would give it high recommendations.

Directions: near Ben Thanh Market on District 1

US$70 with the agency, US$90 normal

Unique Quality: It's a nice modern hotel. Quite expensive though and the location of the hotel is a little far from the main bars and restaurants. Bill Clinton stayed here on his historic visit to Vietnam in 2000.

Directions: It is located near the Ben Thanh market on the Le Lai street.