Saigon Sheraton Hotel*****

Our brief comments:
The 23-storey Saigon Sheraton opened in 2003 and has set a new benchmark in luxury.

From the moment you walk through the entrance doors into the impressive lobby and reception area, the class is obvious. The whole building has an air of lightness and understated opulence. It's far from cheap, but the extent of the hotel's facilities it's and attention to detail, it's value for money.

The hotel is located at the top end of Dong Khoi Street, the epicentre of the tourist area of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. It's a few steps from the Saigon Opera House and a five-minute stroll down Dong Khoi to the river front.

With the exception of Level 23, the entire hotel is carefully colour-coordinated in muted browns, fawn and beige with powder-blue touches as a counter-point. The overall effect oozes quality.

All guest rooms feature a 29 inch flat screen television, an executive writing desk, floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms, a separate bath and massage-style' Visy' shower with overhead and mid-level water jets. An extra bed and/or a child's cot are available for all rooms.

The Executive Level features an exclusive three-level Executive Lounge with spiral staircase and panoramic views of this bustling city.

There are three different suite options, with each level increasing in floor area and number of extra facilities culminating in a Presidential Suite with three bedrooms and bathrooms, a guest parlour, a butler's pantry, and the most elegant and opulent surroundings. We've listed the lowest level only!

Unsurprisingly, there's a wide choice of food and beverage outlets, all high quality. The all-day Saigon Café overlooks Dong Khoi Street and is the hotel's main restaurant, providing an international buffet with regional specialities.

The Li Bai Restaurant specialises in Chinese cuisine.

There's also a Vietnamese speciality restaurant, Level 23, on the rooftop with 360-degree views of the entire city. Adjacent is the Level 23 wine bar and nightclub with live, late night entertainment.

Add in a large swimming pool, a top-notch fitness and health centre with tennis and squash courts, and a spa, and you've got the lot.

If you're looking for Vietnam's quintessential luxury hotel, book into the Saigon Sheraton!

(Last inspected in November, 2003 - comments welcomed if you've visited more recently!)

Room details:

Additional benefits for Executive rooms:

• unique three-level Executive Lounge with smoking and non-smoking floors, and dedicated meeting room floor
• light pressing of any two garments and a complimentary shoeshine upon arrival
• executive breakfast, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks and hors d'ouvres served in the Lounge


• in-room high speed broadband Internet connection


• facsimile and photocopying facilities
• complimentary wireless and high speed broadband internet access in the Executive Lounge complimentary use of the Executive Lounge for one hour dedicated private work area
• 24hr butler service

Hotel facilities:

Outdoor pool		Non-smoking floor(s)	9
Pool bar		Non-smoking rooms	n/a
Children's pool		Vietnamese/Asian restaurant
Fitness/health centre		International restaurant
Sauna		Patisserie/coffee shop/cafe
Massage		Business centre
Jacuzzi		Disabled access

Additional room facilities: squash court, children's pool, games room, babysitting services, night club.