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Vietnam's bustling commercial capital, the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City — still known to many as Saigon — is fantastically good fun. Stroll down streets lined with tempting food stalls, admire dazzling French-era and post-war architecture, visit innovative art galleries and join locals at hole-in-the-wall eateries or hip bars on long balmy evenings. The city boasts a crop of excellent international hotels, and is also home to a growing number of cool contemporary spots with buzzy rooftop bars, swish interiors and state-of-the-art facilities. So whether you're in the city on business, travelling with friends or exploring Vietnam as a couple, you'll find fabulous hotels aplenty on our Gurus' list.
For Boutique Chic
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- Bach Suites Saigon offers 36 elegant rooms and suites clad in white and warm blues. Just 500 metres from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, it sits behind a French-inspired façade, but interiors are swish and modern. The Home Kitchen Restaurant and rooftop pool add to the appeal for guests of all ages.
FOR Romance
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- The Sheraton Saigon has almost 500 sophisticated rooms and suites boasting all the mod-cons. Close to the Saigon River in buzzy District 1, the hotel has an impressive eight drinking and dining options — including a hip rooftop bar — as well as a high-end spa. Sleek, stylish and romantic.
- Hotel des Arts' 168 elegant rooms and suites have a fresh white-and-cream palette, with hardwood flooring and indulgent claw-footed bathtubs. Sip craft cocktails at the Social Club Rooftop Bar, take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or play a game of tennis on the indoor courts. A glamorous couples' favourite.
- The Reverie Saigon has lavish, Italian-designed suites with warm gold and cream textiles, swish marble bathrooms and panoramic city views. Mouth-watering Asian and Italian cuisine awaits, as does an extensive spa with indoor pool and fitness centre. A glittering high-rise, fusing contemporary cool with classic luxury.
- Sofitel Saigon Plaza offers five-star service and panoramic city views. Glossy interiors have a moody, grown-up feel, with warm purples, dark greens, and charcoal tones in modern Asian rooms and suites. The spa is a particular highlight, as is the rooftop pool. Close to lively bars as well as designer shopping.
FOR FAMILIES
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- Le Meridien Saigon has sleek, polished interiors with funky colours and modern shapes. Families will appreciate the swimming pool, generous suites and flexible accommodation options. The expansive river views — particularly magical when the city is decked with lights at night — are wonderful, as is the proximity to the legendary Bến Thành Market.
- Intercontinental Asiana Saigon is a five-star spot with over 300 rooms and suites, each offering hardwood floors and sophisticated contemporary furnishings. Expect a cream and gold colour palette, and marble bathrooms with big, sink-into tubs. The large swimming pool and spacious suites are great for families. Grown-ups can retreat to the tranquil spa. Also near to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Bến Thành Market.