New World Hotel*****
Our brief comments: 
The 14-storey New World is a large high-rise hotel located a block away from Ben Thanh Market, one of the busiest commercial areas in the city. Its 498 rooms make it one of the largest hotels in Vietnam.
Staying at the New World involves more walking that would be necessary for central hotels - about fifteen minutes to the waterfront, and about the same to the Opera House area.
The architecture is modern - attractive but not striking. Liberal use of glass makes the lobby feel light and airy. Rooms are comfortable, with light wooden furniture and high quality beds and soft furnishings.
The muted beige colour scheme is restful, but somewhat bland. There are more amenities than usual - an upholstered easy chair, occasional table, executive desk and a dressing table are standard.
There are four floors of Executive rooms, each with data ports, express check in and out, and concierge services.
The exclusive Executive Lounge has excellent views and provides breakfast, all day refreshments and snacks, evening cocktails with hors d'oeuvres and a selection of international newspapers and periodicals.
The Dynasty Chinese Restaurant and the Haisago Japanese Restaurant offer a well-above average dining experience. Other food and beverage outlets are the Parkview Coffee Shop, the Lobby Lounge, and the intriguingly-named 'Saxophone Lounge'.
There's a good-size swimming pool, a fitness room and health centre, and tennis courts.
Although it's comfortable and convenient, its size makes less attractive to leisure visitors looking for something closer to a Vietnamese experience.
Nevertheless, it's certainly worth serious consideration - after all, it was ex-President Bill Clinton's choice of hotel when he visited Ho Chi Minh City in Novenber, 2000!
Room facilities (? = awaiting updated information from the hotel):
Room Categories |
Deluxe |
Executive Club |
Executive Suite |
Deluxe Suite |
Presidential Suite |
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Air-conditioner |
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Satellite television |
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Shower or bath |
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Bath with shower |
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| Bath + separate shower |
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Personal safety box |
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Coffee and tea facilities |
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| Laptop connection |
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| Free broadband access |
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Extra bed |
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Child's cot |
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Room size (m2) |
29 |
30 |
70 |
90 |
180 |
View |
park/city |
park/city |
park/city |
park/city |
park/city |
Additional room facilities: bathrobes
Hotel facilities:
Pool |
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Non-smoking floor(s) |
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Pool bar |
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Non-smoking rooms only |
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Fitness/health centre |
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Vietnamese/Asian restaurant |
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Sauna |
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International restaurant |
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Massage |
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Patisserie/coffee shop/cafe |
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Jacuzzi |
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Business centre |
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Other services and facilities: flood-lit tennis court and a jogging track.
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