Our brief comments:
The 21-storey Sofitel Plaza opened in 1996. It's located on the famous Le Duan Boulevard, near the former US and French Embassies and within easy walking to the Reunification Palace and the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of District 1, the main tourist area.

Unlike its historic counterparts in Hanoi and Dalat, the Saigon Sofitel is a modern hotel, but it certainly matches them in the elegance, comfort and first-class service that has become the trademark of the respected international Accor hotel group.

Another characteristic of the top-of-the-range Sofitel brand is informality. The staff is highly professional and attentive, but neither haughty nor unctuous. When commenting on the hotel's service, our customers often use words like 'friendly', 'committed' and 'caring' in feedback questionnaires.

The lobby and reception area is rather fussy and overpowering, but the rooms are imaginatively decorated designed with touches of contrasting colours to break up the usual blandness and boxy appearance.

The baseline Superior rooms are quite spacious as are the bathrooms, and are well equipped with some of the best city views in town. A comfortable night's sleep is assured on the 'MyBeds', specially designed for Sofitel hotels.

The 17th to the 20th are set aside as ' Sofitel Club' Executive floors. Executive superior rooms are identical, the only difference being the privileges available.

The Executive Lounge has a pleasant ambiance but is on the small side. Benefits include personalised service, private check-in and all day tea and coffee. Guests are welcome to take their evening cocktails to enjoy in their rooms and have breakfast in a private restaurant downstairs.

The Executive Lounge has a good range of facilities and a particular focus on the corporate guest - the Sofitel Plaza received the 'Best Business Hotel In Vietnam' award in 1999.

Although not listed here, the Sofitel Plaza also has a lavishly equipped Presidential Suite,

There are three main food and beverage outlets. The 'Café Rivioli“ provides an international buffet and delicacies from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, China, India and, of course, traditional cuisine from northern, central and southern Vietnam. The L'Olivier specialises in classic French cuisine and other Mediterranean dishes.

L’Elysee Bar, with its terrace overlooking Le Duan Boulevard, offers a light buffet lunch, afternoon tea, a variety of cocktails and live entertainment in the evening. The poolside bar also has musical entertainment.

A well equipped gym and a pleasant swimming pool with fine rooftop city views are handy plusses.