BACKGROUND
The Park Hyatt Saigon first opened its doors in 2005, and today remains the only Hyatt-branded hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Following a three-month renovation project last year, the hotel has reopened with a fresh new look; the project was overseen by Malaysian interior designer EDC, providing a facelift designed to update but maintain the hotel’s French colonial residential style.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The property’s public areas and Park Lounge have been remodelled to incorporate a new palette of white and ivory, which brightens these spaces nicely. New crystal chandeliers add a touch of luxury, at the same time refracting streams of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Despite the changes, Park Hyatt Saigon retains its signature French colonial ambience, and this is evident in the French door entrance, symmetrical architecture, and generous use of earth tones and wood.
WHERE IS IT?
Located in District 1, the hotel boasts an excellent central location that overlooks the Saigon Opera House, and is just a short walk from other cultural attractions like the Notre-Dame Basilica and Reunification Palace. Connectivity from Tan Son Nhat International Airport is limited to car, taxi or bus due to the absence of a metro link. A drive from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes in moderate traffic.
ROOM FACILITIES
I was accommodated in a Park Suite. A generous 70 sqm in size, the interior of this one-bedroom suite continues the distinct French colonial look that is consistent throughout the property. All 245 guestrooms feature light tones complemented by handcrafted furniture, Vietnamese textiles and artwork. The local touches deliver colour and character to an otherwise minimalist space.
The suite’s living room area is tastefully furnished with classic-looking furniture such as a sofa, armchair, tea table, wardrobe and work desk. Waiting for me on the tea table were some sweets, a fresh coconut, and a picture of my family that I had provided to the hotel ahead of time – a pleasant personal touch.
A highlight here is the seamless integration of technology in the guestrooms, specifically aimed at providing a better guest experience. Gone are those bulky and often tiresome folders containing many pages of hotel information. In their place is a single iPad Mini, giving access to all information digitally. In-room dining can even be ordered via the tablet, which certainly cuts down on the long back and forth that I’m used to when communicating with operators over the phone.
The Park Suite’s bedroom boasts a king-size bed, 48-inch LED television and small desk. Power outlets (and switches for the bedroom lights) are situated within arm’s reach of the bed, so you can charge and check your mobile devices easily. Complimentary wifi is available. The marble bathroom with separate tub and shower facilities is well stocked with Miller Harris-branded amenities.
An area of consideration for business travellers is that the Park Hyatt brand standard does not typically deliver club accommodation, so guests looking for an executive club at the Park Hyatt Saigon will be disappointed.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The F&B options at the hotel consist of two restaurants, a classic lounge and hip bar. Guests can choose from local fare at Square One, named one of the Top 20 hotel restaurants in the world by e-magazine The Daily Meal; Italian at Opera – the dining playground of chef Marco Torre; classic high tea in the Park Lounge; and drinks and cocktails at 2 Lam Son. The overall quality of the food was outstanding during my stay, with both Square One and Opera reaffirming their position among the finest restaurants in the city.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
Ten individual meeting spaces are available, the largest being the pillarless ballroom (550 sqm), capable of accommodating 320 people in a banquet setting or 450 in theatre layout. For smaller functions and events, the ballroom can be separated into three spaces each measuring 184 sqm. A dedicated event services team is also available.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The Xuan Spa on the third floor is highly recommended, and comprises four private single treatment rooms. Treatments combine traditional Vietnamese medicine and techniques. There is also a fully equipped fitness studio, a 20-metre outdoor swimming pool, steam room and whirlpool bath.
VERDICT
The lack of club facilities is a pity, and those seeking such benefits might be better off looking elsewhere. However, this is an excellent luxury hotel that combines a timeless interior décor with impeccable service standards.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 245 guestrooms in four categories: Standard (34 sqm), View (34 sqm), Deluxe (48 sqm) and Suite. The 23 suites are split into another five categories: Park Suite (70 sqm), Lam Son Suite (78 sqm), Park Deluxe Suite (81 sqm), Park Executive King (110 sqm) and Presidential Suite (190 sqm).
- HIGHLIGHTS The signature French-colonial look and excellent F&B quality.
- PRICE Internet rates for a Park Suite in mid-March start from VND12,605,000 (US$554), excluding additional taxes or fees.
- CONTACT Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam; tel +84 8 3824 1234; parkhyattsaigon.com
