InterContinental Asiana Saigon and InterContinental Asiana Saigon Residences opened yesterday September 9, part of the three-tower Kumho Asiana Plaza. The complex offers business travellers a place to stay long and short term, hold office and shop and relax. It is located near the diplomatic row and commercial heart of the city.
“This is our unique selling point over the competition,” hotel general manager Phil Riley told Business Traveller. “This combined commercial-office-residential product is changing the landscape of Ho Chi Minh City. There’s never been anything like it.”
Expected to register a GDP of 4.5 percent at year-end, Vietnam is surviving the recession well, aided largely by a blend of government infusion and commitment of the Viet kieu (returning overseas Vietnamese) to support the economy. Before the crisis, the country was a magnet for investors from all over the world, including Asia-Pacific, US and Russia.
“The demand for five-star Grade A residential and commercial property has always been high,” Riley observed. “Try booking a serviced apartment in the city – it’s always full. Occupancies in the serviced apartment sector have always been at a 100 percent.
“Our serviced residences are the first associated with an international luxury brand.”
The hotel features 305 guestrooms and suites, while the serviced residence has 260 apartments, with both rising to 31 storeys. Throughout, the look and feel is contemporary, or as Riley summed up: "the face of modern Vietnam”.
With a definite focus on the corporate and events segment, he believed the hotel’s seven naturally lit meeting rooms on the third floor and ballroom for 1,000 cocktail style will appeal greatly. Business he said, wouldn’t be just due to multinational patronage, but local entrepreneurs as well “who are always looking out for opportunities”. About 25 percent of enquiries since the hotel opened have come from Vietnamese companies and individuals.
IHG's (InterContinental Hotel Group) Saigon properties represent its second attempt to strengthen its profile in Vietnam. Late last year, it opened the InterContinental Westlake in Hanoi. Until December 31, a US$195 rate including breakfast for two and access to the gym and pool is available.
For more details on the hotel, visit www.ichotelsgroup.com
