Review: Park Hyatt Saigon

Review: Park Hyatt Saigon

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When it came time to book our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, I didn’t even look beyond the Park Hyatt Saigon. Ben had stayed there a few years ago and raved about it (though never wrote a full review), and the location seemed perfect for our purposes.

Booking was slightly more complicated, in a way that I think fellow miles-and-points enthusiasts will appreciate. The Park Hyatt Saigon is a Category 4 property for World of Hyatt, so using my expiring anniversary night from the World of Hyatt Credit Card was a no-brainer. But that would only cover one room, for one night, and we would need a total of four room nights (two rooms for two nights each). Typically this hotel could be a great use of points, as a standard room is just 15,000 points per night, and I could have booked the second room under the Guest of Honor program, ensuring that both rooms received Globalist benefits.

The catch, however, was that in the days leading up to Tết the hotel was fairly reasonably priced. The Hyatt Privé rate was ~$225, and since I value Hyatt points at ~1.5¢ each, that’s right on the cusp as to whether or not I feel it makes sense to redeem points. Combined with the $100 property credit and the fact that I’d earn points on a paid rate, that seemed like a better overall value.

The hotel is directly across from the Saigon Opera House, in a recently-built property on the site of the former Brinks Hotel. The Park Hyatt Saigon draws heavily from French Colonial architecture, and does so in a way that makes the property feel like a converted Vietnamese mansion, not a newly-constructed hotel.

The entrance was stunning, with dripping crystal chandeliers, polished wood flooring accented with chinoiserie rugs, and brilliant yellow floral arrangements.

The reception desk was to the back of the lobby, and was extremely well-run. Staff were quick to help any guests who approached, and even our middle-of-the-night arrival was handled efficiently (which is truly not always the case when you arrive at 1AM with a complex reservation).

The hotel restaurants fanned out from the lobby, with the Opera restaurant to one side, and the gorgeous bar and tea room on the other.

Just to the side of the front desk was an elevator alcove, which whisked us quickly to our rooms on the 5th floor.

One note about the common spaces of the hotel — throughout our stay, everything was completely spotless. It’s rare that I visit a property and don’t see scuffed toe-kicks, mirrored surfaces that could use a polish, carpets that look slightly dingy, or air vents with wisps of cobwebs.

Regardless of how luxurious a property aims to be, those details often don’t get enough attention, so when I say that the Park Hyatt Saigon was immaculate, I mean that they might have the hardest-working housekeeping and engineering staff I’ve encountered.

Park Hyatt Saigon Lam Son Suite

With the combination of the Hyatt Privé booking and my Globalist status, the hotel confirmed an upgrade to a Lam Son Suite prior to arrival. Technically the second room was eligible for a potential upgrade as well, but this worked out perfectly as the Lam Son Suite has the option to connect with a second room, effectively giving us a large two-bedroom suite.

The living area of the suite was spacious, and furnished in an elegant mix of French-inspired and modern pieces.

The effect was charming and felt tasteful in a way that truly doesn’t photograph well. Heather immediately pronounced this as her favorite hotel ever, but looking at the photos the furniture looks mismatched. I promise it worked in person though!

Waiting on the tables were a large plate of fresh fruit, along with a bottle of wine and some boxes of other snacks. The dried soursap was a collective favorite.

There was also a large television, a mini-bar, and equipment for making both coffee and tea.

How sweet is this tea set?

The bedroom had a plush king-size bed, with perfectly-dense pillows, and lovely woodwork.

And of course, another beautiful rug.

There was a desk to the side of the bed. One thing I particularly liked about this room was the assortment of outlets at arm height — it’s much easier to charge things when you don’t have to have cords dangling everywhere or devices strewn all over the floor.

The bedroom had a large tv as well, and a closet in the alcove separating the bedroom, living room, and bathroom.

The bathroom was a beautiful mix of marble, with a large tub, rainforest shower, and separate toilet closet.

Toiletries were well-stocked, and we all enjoyed the Cochine bath amenities.

Park Hyatt Saigon Twin Room

Room 502 was a twin room, with the option to attach to the suite. I typically don’t like adjoining rooms, and would not have preferred this suite had we not been using the second room, but as it was this was a perfect arrangement.

This room was cozy, but the furniture was all sized appropriately so that it didn’t feel cramped. The layout was also clever, as not only could you enter the bathroom from either the entryway or the bedroom, the closet was also double-sided, with access from the hallway and the bathroom.

I can’t remember having seen this before, but thought it was a great space-saving design.

This bathroom was smaller, but again — with a sensible layout. The tub and shower were enclosed into one “wet” area, with a good-sized bench in the shower as well.

The vanity had a single sink, with plenty of counter space.

This bedroom had a desk as well, and while the chair wasn’t particularly comfortable to work from, I appreciated that both pieces were unique, rather than just generic stock furnishings.

The second room also had an assortment of fresh and dried fruits, and a second bottle of wine. The fruit was tasty (pro tip: dragonfruit peels just like a banana), but we didn’t end up drinking any of the wine.

This room also had a mini-bar, with a tea setup that was somehow even more adorable than the first.

In addition to the rooms being comfortable and well-appointed, I appreciated that there were several bottles of water in both rooms. In fact, between the two, there were 14 bottles of water when we checked in. And when housekeeping made up the rooms the following morning and noticed that almost all the water was gone, they left us another two dozen bottles.

A marked difference from other supposedly-luxurious properties, to be sure.

Park Hyatt Saigon Breakfast

Despite our 2AM arrival, we had planned an early start to our day. We were meeting a guide at 8AM, which was convenient in that I had an empty restaurant to take pictures of 😉 .

The space, of course, was stunning.

Everything from the inlaid floors, to the cutouts in the buffet, to the very architectural center area — I felt it was fun, and stylish without being stuffy.

While it wasn’t the focus for breakfast, there was also an attached bar — I loved the mix of the modern glass pendants and the vintage prints on the wall.

There was also an enclosed terrace, and theoretically outdoor seating, though we never saw anyone using the latter.

The helpful staff brought coffee and menus (note: the espresso was good, the french press was decent, the drip coffee was horrible, and the cà phê đá is what you should be drinking), then invited us to help ourselves to the buffet.

The pastries looked incredible, and thrilled my mom (who is very hesitant about “Asian” food) to no end:

There was also a generous selection of cut and fresh fruit, along with a few different juices.

The fresh coconut water was popular as well.

The buffet also featured several of the hot items you’d expect, including potatoes, quiche, this delicious ham, crispy bacon, roasted veggies, etc.

The selection wasn’t as extensive as some Asian breakfast buffets can be, but everything was well-prepared and frequently-replenished. There was a great variety of egg and other dishes available from the menu such that we all felt like there were plenty of options.

Park Hyatt Saigon afternoon tea

After a full day out at the Cu Chi tunnels (more about that in a separate installment), we returned to the hotel for a quick shower before our reservation for afternoon tea. It seemed like a great use of the Privé credit, and like an experience our moms would enjoy.

Afternoon tea is taken in the Park Lounge, which is a gorgeous space with floor to ceiling windows on the main level.

There are two different setups for tea, depending on the day of the week. During weekdays, you can order a la carte or choose a tea set that’s served on the traditional tower. On weekends, like when we were there, the hotel runs a tea buffet, which is art-themed.

It’s worth noting that when they say the weekend “tea experience” runs from 2PM to 5PM, the expectation really is that you’ll be there the entire time. The staff happily made a booking for us at 4PM (since that worked best with our schedule), but they were very concerned that we wouldn’t have enough time to enjoy everything.

When they advertise the tea as being “Impressionist-inspired”, they mean it. Every single item on the buffet was associated with a piece of Impressionist artwork, several of which were displayed.

Everything was beautiful, and it was fun seeing the interpretations of art into food — these ballerina tutus were particularly sweet:

A pianist and violinist accompanied the tea, which I honestly could have done without (they were talented, just very loud, and with an odd selection of music, including, at one point, La Cucaracha).

We had booked the Champagne tea, because why not, really, so we had a glass of Champagne each, along with a variety of delicious teas served in intricate silver pots.

Scones were brought to the table along with thickly-clotted cream and very sweet jam. And in a very nice and unexpected touch, the staff brought out a plate of separately-prepared items (I had asked about allergen information when making the booking, more so I could avoid certain things than with any expectation of accommodation).

The waitstaff was incredibly patient with answering questions about the various teas, and encouraged everyone to try multiple types of tea. It was a truly lovely experience, and made for a perfect first day for our moms.

I should note, however, that of all the meals we had on our trip, including some very questionable street food, this was the only one that caused universal stomach upset. The only things that everyone tried were the deviled eggs and those darling ballerina tutus, so it’s possible that some of the dairy in those had just been sitting out too long, or maybe the few days of travel just finally caught up with all of us. It wasn’t anything major, but it was unfortunate timing as we had dinner and drinks planned with friends later that evening, and we were miserable company.

Park Hyatt Saigon pool

love a good urban hotel pool. Well, I actually love all pools, as I’d much rather swim laps than anything else, but city pools can have such a nice juxtaposition with the bustle around them, which I particularly enjoy.

The Park Hyatt Saigon pool is a perfect example of how a city escape can be. The pool is on both a rooftop, and situated within a garden terrace.

There were a few seating areas tucked into the garden pathways, and several hotel rooms have patios facing the garden.

There was a small desk where attendants would provide towels and water, or take drink orders.

Heather and I visited the pool immediately after a sweltering walk back from the War Remnants Museum, so were easily tempted by the sign advertising the cocktail of the day (we actually didn’t look at the bar menu otherwise).

Though I must say, dear reader, that while these weren’t the worst cocktails we had on our trip, they were definitely in the bottom two. I think the ratio of fruit juice to tonic water needed to be swapped, as these mostly tasted pulpy and somehow chewy.

Still, it was a perfect break from the city, and a lovely way to refresh before our late-afternoon flight to Phu Quoc.

Overall thoughts on the Park Hyatt Saigon

We loved this hotel. It was walking distance to most of the things we wanted to do in the city, the styling was delightful, and the staff did an incredible job.

I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, and think it’s a great value whether you’re booking with World of Hyatt points, or on one of the paid rates that offers some extra benefits.

Have you been to the Park Hyatt Saigon? How was your stay?

Conversations (47)
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  1. Elliott Guest

    For your information - the hotel was built on the site of the BRINKS BACHELOR OFFICERS QUARTERS, not a hotel. There is a much overlooked plaque along side the driveway which commemorates the blowing up of the building by the NAV during the war.

  2. Matt Guest

    I'm not sure what happened to the person who kept commenting about the low quality pork at breakfast but there plenty of options. With the kitchen staff right there you could pretty much order whatever you wanted for breakfast. As long as they are not too busy they will make it for you. Both of their chicken and beef Pho noodles are quite good.

    As for the Reverie hotel, sure it's great if you are into golden fixtures and staff who don't know left from right....

  3. 2PAXfly Member

    Interestingly, we stopped in at the Park Hyatt Saigon for afternoon tea one day a few years ago. I had tossed up whether to stay at the Park Hyatt, or at the HCMC Intercontinental Asiana. The decider was my status with IHG - so we could book a room knowing that we would be upgraded to a suite for our 5-day urban break.

    We also got mild food poisoning. It's always difficult to blame...

    Interestingly, we stopped in at the Park Hyatt Saigon for afternoon tea one day a few years ago. I had tossed up whether to stay at the Park Hyatt, or at the HCMC Intercontinental Asiana. The decider was my status with IHG - so we could book a room knowing that we would be upgraded to a suite for our 5-day urban break.

    We also got mild food poisoning. It's always difficult to blame a particular meal, but I had my suspicions it was from our afternoon tea at the Park Hyatt.

    You can read a review of the Intercontinental Asiana room stay here: https://www.2paxfly.com/2016/02/16/intercontinental-asiana-staff-attention-make-it-a-little-gem-in-saigon/

    And our Suite stay here: https://www.2paxfly.com/2016/10/10/not-all-hotels-are-the-same-intercontinental-saigon-the-second-time-around/

  4. Kristen Guest

    Also highly recommend The Reverie! Pure opulence.

  5. Bill Guest

    Hope you are trying the vietmanese iced coffee its great

  6. Hong Konger Guest

    @rick
    I have no idea when it was built or renovated, It just looks very unimpressive for the timeless feel PH normally give. Felt like a Sheraton to me.

    Better Colonial feel in Sofitel in Hanoi,
    Raffles in PP,
    and in HCMC i would choose for a first time American one of the following:
    Rex, Continental, Majestic or Caravelle.

    for true luxury, the Reverie, as mentioned in my original comment.

  7. Jamie Gold

    Wow. The most detailed hotel review ever. Loved it. Thanks Tiffany.

  8. DaKine Member

    @mommatraveler: I hear you, it's a nice enough hotel... with the cost of labor in VN it should be amazing.

    I went to breakfast for 3 days and said "what meat/breakfast can I eat that is not pork?" Never got answer to that because there was never anything but pork.

    Because pork is super cheap... and fundamentally they are cheap people that own/run this hotel, so that is what they feed their guests.

  9. Rick Guest

    @ Hong Konger. My googling indicates the Park Hyatt Saigon was built in 2005, and last renovated in 2015. It appears your info re last renovation in 1995 is incorrect, and it doesn't look like the hotel hasn't had a renovation in 24 years.

  10. Phillip Guest

    I had a very disappointing stay here in February;
    The first room we got had a badly chipped bathtub and the walls were showing signs of big water leaks. Add to that, the room hadn’t been dusted or vacuum cleaned for a long time! We were then told the room was put “out of service” for repairs but somehow they still managed to allocate it to us. Good service recovery with a suite upgrade...

    I had a very disappointing stay here in February;
    The first room we got had a badly chipped bathtub and the walls were showing signs of big water leaks. Add to that, the room hadn’t been dusted or vacuum cleaned for a long time! We were then told the room was put “out of service” for repairs but somehow they still managed to allocate it to us. Good service recovery with a suite upgrade which was as good as Tiffany describes.
    I found the breakfast to be one of the best I’ve had in hotels, but was very disappointed by the pool area. Lounger covers were in a bad state and staff were really not attentive. It left me with mixed feelings. I can see that if you only experience the bright side, it can be a fantastic hotel, but unfortunately we didn’t just get that.

  11. Janet Guest

    I have stayed there and had a great time. Loved the pool and afternoon tea. I thought the breakfast was fine, but I din’ Eat meat at breakfast. Lovely fruit and eggs. Did you stay at the Hyatt near Hoi An in Danang?

  12. Mommatraveler Guest

    I love this hotel, and have stay many times. It is one of my favorite properties in the Hyatt portfolio. And I have no idea why DaKine would say the breakfasts are pathetic. They are quite wonderful, in my opinion. I have never had a bad experience yet at the PH Saigon and can't wait to go back again some time soon.

  13. Luke Vader Diamond

    Thanks for the great review (and pics), Tiffany! Haven't visited Vietnam yet but am already a fan of Hyatt, so if we ever visit Saigon, I know where we'll stay. :-)

  14. DaKine Member

    I visit Saigon once or twice a year. I have stayed at PH Saigon once. I love Park Hyatt's across the world; absolutely my favorite mainline loyalty hotel.

    That said, I was not impressed. They put me in a super tiny room as a globalist, maybe because I was staying with another non globalist family group?

    The breakfast is PATHETIC. Tiffany is very kind here with her mild comments about it. I love PH breakfast...

    I visit Saigon once or twice a year. I have stayed at PH Saigon once. I love Park Hyatt's across the world; absolutely my favorite mainline loyalty hotel.

    That said, I was not impressed. They put me in a super tiny room as a globalist, maybe because I was staying with another non globalist family group?

    The breakfast is PATHETIC. Tiffany is very kind here with her mild comments about it. I love PH breakfast buffets... with a cost structure like Vietnam, this should be the best in the world, it is far from it. Park Hyatt + Asia should = awesome breakfast; it is not. Check out PH Bangkok if you want to see what a breakfast should be (higher cost structure btw)

    The breakfast should be called PorkFest... it is all pork... cheap pork. The hotel is too cheap to buy some seafood or anything but pork. And it was just super crowded and hectic and when they get really busy they kick you to upstairs.

    Is it a nice hotel? Yes it is, but vastly over-rated by the blogosphere. Great place to use your free night certificate... but I would not go out of my way to stay here. On a cash rate basis you should go over to the renaissance riverfront (Marriott), its quite nice.

  15. Jerry New Member

    Nice review, Tiffany. I read it with interest, because I used to have an office in that building. Back during the Vietnam war, this building was called the Brinks BOQ (bachelor officers' quarters), housing American and some allied officers. The rooms were not quite as luxurious then :-)

  16. john Guest

    I really enjoyed the Park Hyatt Saigon. I much prefer this style over the ultra modern versions like the Park Hyatt Bangkok. My Lam Son suite stay was in 2016. The decor is the same. Incidentally, Lam Son refers to the hotel address in Lam Son square which was named after a 15th century Vietnamese revolt against the Chinese and not to the disastrous military campaign in Laos by ARVN forces in the Vietnam War.

  17. DLPTATL Diamond

    @Tiffany, thanks for another great review! It was great to see the “back of house” housekeeping and engineering teams acknowledged for their excellent work. Thanks too for describing the GF accommodation at tea.

  18. Jojo Guest

    @Tiffany:
    The upset stomach was probably from any ice. from any raw vegetables being rinsed off with water. Or even from brushing your teeth.

  19. raksiam Diamond

    that does look really nice. I stayed at the Sedona Suites Grand Tower around the same time which has spectacular views and is similarly well-located. I was on the 40th floor in a very spacious 1 bedroom apartment. The place is only about a year old. But you definitely had a much better breakfast spread.

  20. relidtm Member

    all that for 45$ per person? im assuming 99k vdog? seems like a good deal

  21. katyalw New Member

    Hi Tiffany,

    First of all, love your new-ish headshot!

    And thanks for the extensive review, it brought back many happy memories I have of this place. I stayed here about 5 years ago, was using a DSU and was further upgraded one suite category to a beautiful Executive Suite, which I believe was the same Suite type that you got. I see that the hotel has done some refurbishments and changed the carpet and furniture.

    ...

    Hi Tiffany,

    First of all, love your new-ish headshot!

    And thanks for the extensive review, it brought back many happy memories I have of this place. I stayed here about 5 years ago, was using a DSU and was further upgraded one suite category to a beautiful Executive Suite, which I believe was the same Suite type that you got. I see that the hotel has done some refurbishments and changed the carpet and furniture.

    Also the breakfast! Wow, what a breakfast. Granted the selection wasn’t extensive but everything was high quality. And I really loved the made to order hot items from the separate menu. The staff actually encouraged us to try as many dishes as we’d like.

    Thanks again for the review and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

  22. DCS Diamond

    Thanks for the memories, one of which I will share!

    I stayed at this property (PH Saigon) during my 2012 Year-end Asian Escapade. I arrived just before New Year's eve and got sick like a dog -- a bad case of influenza. The next day, I loaded myself with pills and decided to just sit outside in that "theoretically outdoor seating" that no one seems to be using now, but was quite popular back...

    Thanks for the memories, one of which I will share!

    I stayed at this property (PH Saigon) during my 2012 Year-end Asian Escapade. I arrived just before New Year's eve and got sick like a dog -- a bad case of influenza. The next day, I loaded myself with pills and decided to just sit outside in that "theoretically outdoor seating" that no one seems to be using now, but was quite popular back then. I requested blankets to bundle up on reclining sun lounger, even though it was hot and sunny, but it felt good. In the evening, still in the same place, one of restaurant waiters came out to ask me if I wanted anything to eat. I must have looked awful because before I responded he said that he knew exactly what I needed! He disappeared and returned with a mildly spicy-hot seafood-based soup, half a baguette loaf and hot tea. He helped me prop up to eat then left. That is when it happened. With just my first spoonful of the soup, my whole body suddenly felt very warm; then as I ate more of the soup I got progressive warmer and then outright hot and started to sweat so profusely I was completely drenched when I finished the soup. But the amazing thing was that after the soup, I had right there and then quite LITERALLY sweated out the nasty bug that had sidelined me since I arrived!

    Was it just a coincidence or was I given a miracle potion? I have no idea, but the waiter was sure it was the latter. I thanked him with a huge tip, went to my room to clean up and change, came back downstairs and hit the bar-end of the 'tearoom', before going outside in the hot weather to join the year-end festivities that were by then in full swing, with Chinese-made moppets and motorbikes all over the place!

    A truly memorable experience. It's been so long I am toying with the idea of including Ho Chi Mihn City in next year's Escapade, but I would for sure stay at the new Hilton Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, which is scheduled to open in Q4 2019. Back in 2012, Hilton had no presence in Vietnam, not even in Hanoi. Several Hilton hotels are now scheduled to open in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang.

    G'day!

  23. will Guest

    Thanks for this review Tiffany. I am planning a trip to Vietnam next year, was the weather muggy at this time of the year?

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ will -- It depends on the area. Saigon was hot but not painfully muggy, Hoi An was swelteringly damp, Hanoi was fine.

  24. Kai New Member

    @Matthew it's 950,000 Dong

  25. Matthew New Member

    Hi Tiffany,

    Thank you for a great review. Just a quick question regarding the price for tea. If I am understanding correctly, that says 950 Vietnamese Dong for two? Obviously, prices in Vietnam are definitely much less than in N. America however I would think that they would raise the prices in the hotel due to the majority of foreigners staying there?

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ Matthew -- Yep, @ Kai is right, it's 950,000 Dong, which is I think reflective of the fact that there are many foreigners staying there. It's cheap for a hotel high tea, but pricey for Vietnam.

  26. Andrew Guest

    I really enjoyed my stay there last year. The breakfast buffet was great. In particular, the croissants were excellent. On par with any croissant I’ve had in France or Quebec.

  27. Rob B Guest

    I stayed here about a year ago and it’s probably the best hotel experience I’ve ever had. I was also able to get in before Hyatt changed their cash+points prices so it was a solid points value at the time. Glad you enjoyed it. I’m dying to go back.

  28. Hong Konger Guest

    PH still looks in top condition, but it seems the last renovation took place in 1995. Those bathrooms are Sheratons....

    The Reverie Saigon is where people who know where to stay go for.
    You wouldn't regret.

  29. Stanley Diamond

    @Tiffany thanks for the reply. I understand. One does need to be in the mood to enjoy wine. Hopefully, the Champagne was good.

  30. Eric Guest

    I was there about a month ago and had a similarly lovely time. Will be back in a few months (thanks to the Cathay Vietnam-US fares; I chose Saigon as my starting/ending city).

    As a globalist, I was upgraded to the same suite as Tiffany--without using an instrument. My friend on a guest of honor booking got a larger king room, but not a suite.

    @ Tiffany, not sure if they did this for you,...

    I was there about a month ago and had a similarly lovely time. Will be back in a few months (thanks to the Cathay Vietnam-US fares; I chose Saigon as my starting/ending city).

    As a globalist, I was upgraded to the same suite as Tiffany--without using an instrument. My friend on a guest of honor booking got a larger king room, but not a suite.

    @ Tiffany, not sure if they did this for you, but did they wheel around that little cart at the pool and make the cocktails right in front of you? We thought it was charming!

  31. Penny Guest

    Hi Tiffany,

    What about local food in nearby local restaurant or street food such as pho, banh xeo, bun bo hue, bun riew, nem nuong, etc.

    Did you have a chance to try these local food?

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ Penny -- We had all of those (and more) throughout our trip, but not as many in Saigon because of feeling icky. We did go to a cute local restaurant that I can't remember the name of, but maybe @ Minh or @ David W do?

  32. Kai New Member

    I stayed in the same suite using my free night certificate back in March. It was indeed not photographed well, but it was really really nice. I also like their key card!

  33. Stanley Diamond

    @Tiffany was the wine provided of good quality and I guess you did not have any of the wine because of a lack of time to enjoy it (the Champagne afternoon tea reminded me of my time at the Ritz Carlton London and this setup could give them a run for their money).

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ Stanley -- It wasn't a wine I was familiar with, so without having tried it I unfortunately can't answer that. It was too late when we got in the first night, the second night we all felt too poorly, and then it was WAY too hot on our last day to consider mid-day red wine.

  34. tjp74 Guest

    Nice... I am currently booked for a 3 night stay at this hotel for our winter break trip. In my case the cash rate was $270 a night plus tax and fees so I redeemed points and upgraded it to a suite using my globalist suite award. This will be followed by a 4 night stay at Hyatt Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island which I booked using the prestige 4th night free benefit. What's unique...

    Nice... I am currently booked for a 3 night stay at this hotel for our winter break trip. In my case the cash rate was $270 a night plus tax and fees so I redeemed points and upgraded it to a suite using my globalist suite award. This will be followed by a 4 night stay at Hyatt Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island which I booked using the prestige 4th night free benefit. What's unique about this hotel was that the 2 bedroom ocean view suite was considered as a standard suite so I was able to upgrade into that using a suite cert. I am still wondering if that was a glitch (Hotel barely started accepting reservation when I booked it last year) but I gladly took it and ran.

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ tjp74 -- Sounds like a great trip! Nam Nghi review should be up on Sunday or Monday, but that's not a glitch. :)

  35. Kevin Guest

    I agree, this is one of my favorites! You're so right that the rooms don't photograph all that well but much better in person. Overall, such a great experience!

  36. Erica T Member

    Hi Tiffany,

    Really looking forward to this series. I'm always excited to read your stories.

    FYI, food poisoning almost never is from the last thing you ate. It could be from the meal before the one where you felt sick or from anything in the days prior.

    Here is a chart from the FDA showing how long it will take to see symptoms for each type of stomach bug: https://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers/ucm103263.htm

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ Erica T -- Oh for sure. In this case, I'd label it more as "general upset" than "food poisoning", but that 1-6 hours for "Unrefrigerated or improperly refrigerated meats, potato and egg salads, cream pastries" also sounds about right.

  37. knlprez New Member

    @tiffany Thanks for the update! Looked great, and always nice to see establishments cater to diet requirements!

  38. Jimmy Gottfredson Diamond

    Nice review, and it makes me miss my Hyatt globalist status. You mentioned that the suite upgrade was because of status, and so I take that to mean no upgrade cert was needed?

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ Jimmy Gottfredson -- The suite upgrade was a combo of the Privé rate and the Globalist status; I'm not sure if having only one would have resulted in the same suite, but I didn't use a cert here.

  39. knlprez New Member

    So did they provide gluten free items for high tea, and if so, were they tasty?

    1. Tiffany OMAAT

      @ knlprez -- That was the plate I showed; I didn't try the little sandwich, since I didn't know what the non-wheat ingredients were, but the egg, prosciutto, etc. were good!

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Elliott Guest

For your information - the hotel was built on the site of the BRINKS BACHELOR OFFICERS QUARTERS, not a hotel. There is a much overlooked plaque along side the driveway which commemorates the blowing up of the building by the NAV during the war.

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Matt Guest

I'm not sure what happened to the person who kept commenting about the low quality pork at breakfast but there plenty of options. With the kitchen staff right there you could pretty much order whatever you wanted for breakfast. As long as they are not too busy they will make it for you. Both of their chicken and beef Pho noodles are quite good. As for the Reverie hotel, sure it's great if you are into golden fixtures and staff who don't know left from right....

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2PAXfly Member

Interestingly, we stopped in at the Park Hyatt Saigon for afternoon tea one day a few years ago. I had tossed up whether to stay at the Park Hyatt, or at the HCMC Intercontinental Asiana. The decider was my status with IHG - so we could book a room knowing that we would be upgraded to a suite for our 5-day urban break. We also got mild food poisoning. It's always difficult to blame a particular meal, but I had my suspicions it was from our afternoon tea at the Park Hyatt. You can read a review of the Intercontinental Asiana room stay here: https://www.2paxfly.com/2016/02/16/intercontinental-asiana-staff-attention-make-it-a-little-gem-in-saigon/ And our Suite stay here: https://www.2paxfly.com/2016/10/10/not-all-hotels-are-the-same-intercontinental-saigon-the-second-time-around/

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