Whenever I walk around Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, I will always be able to see Park Hyatt Saigon. Situated right in the middle of the city’s central area, it is arguably the focal point of Ho Chi Minh City. During the many times I have been to the city, I have always walked past it to head to one of the eateries surrounding the hotel. It is also surrounded by shopping malls and other tourist attractions, including Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, City Hall, and the Post Office and Cathedral.
When I was in Saigon before, I only went to Park Lounge for afternoon tea, where I enjoyed the relaxing ambience and delicious food. This time, I made it a point to book a stay at this lovely hotel. I booked a night’s stay at Park Hyatt Saigon’s Lam Son Suite.
TL:DR
Beautiful suite that has a great view of District 1
Staying right in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1
Fantastic breakfast
Beautiful Park Lounge that guests love for both its ambience and food
Service:
I feel somewhat conflicted when discussing Park Hyatt Saigon’s service standards. On the one hand, we experienced excellent service from the hotel staff. However, there were also instances of a lack of attention to detail. However, it is essential to state that when we brought up these issues to the supervisor, she seemed to take our feedback seriously. After our stay, we also received two follow-up emails from the team to apologise for the incidents. They informed us that they have addressed the issues internally and will continue working to improve their service. It must be said that Park Hyatt Saigon takes feedback seriously and wants to provide its customers with the best service.
When we first checked in in the morning, we were told that the room was not yet ready because it was too early. We expected that as we arrived on a morning flight, and it was not even 10 am when we reached the hotel. The concierge then informed us that it should be ready around 2 pm and that the luggage would be delivered to our room by the time we headed back in the afternoon.
When we returned to the hotel after a lengthy brunch and massage around 3.30 pm, we collected our key cards and headed straight to our room. However, we did not see our luggage in the room. Thinking that the staff might still be busy with other luggage, we went to the concierge to let them know we were still waiting for our luggage before heading straight to Park Lounge for some light bites.
When I went to the room around 5 pm, I found the luggage had yet to arrive. I called from the room to ask when our luggage would come. After being assured they would deliver the luggage immediately, I returned to Park Lounge to finish the rest of the food. We finally saw our luggage when we returned to our room after our meal, where it took three tries to deliver it.
On another occasion, a staff member brought two hotel guests and showed them to their room after check-in. It was strange since we were only told where the elevators were during check-in. We also noticed the lobby was not busy when we first collected our keys. Although this is not a complaint, we thought their service standards were inconsistent. We see how some hotels are usually proud to bring their guests to the room and explain the different features of the room to guests. Especially for a suite, we thought there were many more features to explain in the Lam Son Suite. This was a wasted opportunity for Park Hyatt Saigon to showcase its suites to hotel guests.
Besides these two incidents, the rest of the hotel staff were fantastic. The staff member was great when we headed to the swimming pool the following day. He explained where we could obtain the towels and how the drinks were complimentary. He then took the time to point out the various lounge chairs; we could choose the sheltered lounge chairs in the cabanas or a non-sheltered one. He requested that we let him know if we needed anything from him. It was very professional of him, and this was the kind of service expected at Park Hyatt Saigon.
Another instance of excellent service took place during breakfast. It was bustling when we entered the restaurant, but we faced only warm smiles. The waiter brought us to our table and patiently explained the breakfast service and what we could order from the a la carte menu. Even though they were swamped with different orders, they stopped and focused on us when we requested various menu items. We did not encounter any staff member feeling overwhelmed or annoyed that another customer was asking them for something. Kudos to the breakfast team!
Fast-track Service:
When booking a stay at Park Hyatt Saigon, they offer a paid fast-track service if you land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It is well known that the crowd can get crazy, and the immigration queue can take up to 2 hours during peak periods.
Other vendors, including Klook, offer similar paid services at a lower cost. However, booking the fast-track service via Park Hyatt Saigon may be viable if you value convenience and want to pay one bill.
We decided to book the service when we landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. On that day, someone was holding a piece of paper with my name on it. We followed him, and we were brought to the fast-track queue. Thankfully, we were out of the airport within 10 minutes of exiting the aeroplane! This can be a lifesaver if you want to maximise your time in the city instead!
Cost of fast-track service: VND 1,474,200 (approximately S$83.42) per person for one-way
Hotel Facilities:
Park Hyatt Saigon has a beautiful swimming pool on the rooftop. It is private as only a few tall buildings surround the hotel. You get to enjoy that privacy as you head for a swim or suntan.
There is a staff member on duty at the swimming pool from whom you can get assistance if you need help. There are complimentary bottles of water and fresh fruit-infused water if you get thirsty sun-tanning on one of the many lounge chairs. There are game sets to borrow if families wish to have fun before heading for a dip. Fathers can read the local newspaper while sipping on a cup of coffee.
The swimming pool is a little on the smaller side. However, there is no issue if you enjoy a dip and embrace the tropical sunshine. A beautiful garden is also on the same level; families can enjoy walking through it. It provides some much-needed shade for guests, especially if you are heading to the swimming pool to lounge in one of the sheltered areas. The garden should be able to provide some protection before you head into a proper shelter.
On the third floor of Park Hyatt Saigon, there is a large fitness centre. Spanning 170 square metres, it features many pieces of equipment that guests can use while on holiday. Unfortunately, we did not go to the gym as we were too busy hunting down eateries and coffee houses.
Park Hyatt Saigon’s renowned Xuan Spa is also located on the same level, on the third floor. Bookings are strongly encouraged, as last-minute bookings are more likely to be unsuccessful!
Food:
Before our stay at Park Hyatt Saigon, we visited the Park Lounge twice to enjoy afternoon tea. Park Hyatt Saigon is well known for its weekend afternoon tea buffet, also known as Impressionism—The Art of Afternoon Tea. The expert chefs at Park Lounge create unique dishes inspired by this particular era, where the savoury and sweet treats resemble famous art pieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Édouard Manet, and Paul Cezanne, among others. Besides enjoying the delicious treats, guests can also partake in art-infused treats.
On the two occasions we were there for an afternoon tea buffet, the team also served a separate a la carte dish. The pastry is seasonal, and we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious slice of cake both times. We only regret that the cakes are not part of the mainstay of Park Lounge’s variety of cakes.
Given its popularity, it is easy to mistake Park Lounge for an arena for afternoon tea sessions only. Hence, when we were finally at Park Hyatt Saigon again, we enjoyed some a la carte dishes.
This time, we looked at the impressive menu and ordered Wagyu beef sliders and a piping hot bowl of Bun Bo Hue. Both were expectedly delicious and filled up our tummies. We also made sure to save enough space for a dessert. Those on TikTok will notice that Park Lounge is famous for its Coconut Ice Cream Lollypop. As its name suggests, it is a coconut ice cream shaped like a lollypop. It was a fantastic sweet treat, like our experience with the main dishes! Each order came with two lollipops, perfect for sharing with your partner.
The beverages were on point, and we had a good time relaxing in the lounge and sipping hot chocolate and a matcha latte. The lounge looked even more beautiful as the lights reflected off the massive chandelier as the sun set. Before long, it was time for us to head for our rooms, and we will fondly remember our time at Park Lounge.
The menu is, in fact, really massive, and there are many dishes on offer besides their signature afternoon tea sets and buffets. We only tried a fraction of their a la carte menu and cannot wait to try more items the next time we are there. We know that even if we do not stay here so soon again, we will be back for another meal at Park Lounge.
Breakfast:
Park Hyatt Saigon’s breakfast is a unique affair. It is a breakfast buffet that offers free-flow a la carte items. This means that besides the usual buffet items you see at most hotels, guests can order their favourite Vietnamese dishes, which are made to order.
When we first sat at our table, we were introduced to this unique breakfast buffet style. We initially thought that there were only a few items on the buffet. However, after realising how Park Hyatt Saigon’s breakfast service works, we were impressed.
The buffet table included the usual pastries, cold cuts, different types of cheeses, fresh fruits, and sweet treats. There were also many local favourites. Banh Xeo, a rice cake dish from Hue, was available for guests to take from the buffet. Guests could also order a fresh bowl of pho, Mi Quang, or Bun Bo Hue.
For the a la carte options, we were provided with a menu to look through the different items, and we could then order them. The menu also came with their respective prices if ordered a la carte, separate from the breakfast service. This shows you how value for money Park Hyatt Saigon’s breakfast is.
We could not resist and chose several a la carte items to try. We had the classic Eggs Benedict, Singapore Laksa, Bun Bo Hue, and Banh Mi Ga. We first had the Banh Mi Ga at the local restaurant Lusine and fell in love with this Vietnamese dish. The Park Hyatt Saigon’s version is just as delicious, if not more so.
Many more items are on the menu, ranging from classic Western breakfast items to Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, Chinese, Singaporean, and a Kid’s Selection. The drinks menu is at the end of the menu, and we each ordered a fresh and tasty coconut. After which, I enjoyed another cup of Americano.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast service at Park Hyatt Saigon. The standard buffet table still exists so guests can continue to enjoy their cold cuts, cheeses, eggs, salads, and waffles. However, the hotel has elevated its breakfast service to another level by offering the a la carte items on a free-flow basis. Offering top-quality breakfast dishes as part of the breakfast service is excellent. The team can then develop a more extensive variety of dishes that might otherwise have been impossible in a usual breakfast buffet. Besides the Eggs Benedict, guests could also select the French Toast, Nasi Goreng, and the Japanese bento that comes with teriyaki mackerel. We would have tried more a la carte items on the menu if not for our small stomachs. Because of this breakfast service, we will return to Park Hyatt Saigon again!
Note: When we booked the Lam Son Suite, it was a room-only rate that did not come with a complimentary breakfast. Hence, we paid for the breakfast service the following day.
Cost of breakfast: VND 1,054,620.00 (approximately S$59.66) per person
Room:
Park Hyatt Saigon’s Lam Son Suites are 78 square metres and offer a great view of downtown Saigon. It faces the Bitexco Financial Tower, and it looks stunning at night.
When you first enter the suite, you can immediately feel its poshness. Covered in wooden flooring and massively carpeted in most areas, this is one suite you will love to walk around barefoot. It is incredibly comfortable and sets the tone for our stay.
The living room has a sofa with chairs on either side and a dining table nearby. It looks and feels like an affluent family’s living room, which is probably what Park Hyatt Saigon is going for. We felt at home in this suite and liked how the decor in the living room seemed to be a family’s actual living room as well. Art pieces and artefacts were displayed on the shelves, accentuating the suite's homely feel.
When we arrived, we were welcomed with a plate of fresh fruits, three local snacks, and a bottle of red wine. It was a nice touch with so many welcome gifts. The local snacks were also nicely packed and sealed up so guests could enjoy them after getting home. This is great as guests may not always have the time and stomach space to enjoy all the snacks during their stay. We enjoyed those snacks at our own time after getting home.
Coffee comes in Nespresso capsules so guests can enjoy a decent cup of coffee anytime. Conveniently located beside the television, guests know where to get their fix when they have an urge. The mini bar is in the cabinet, where you can find snacks and caffeine options. Besides Nespresso capsules, you can also find Dilmah teabags and G7 coffee sachets. G7 is a local brand and is my favourite instant coffee. I usually drink G7 coffee in the mornings, even though I have a Nespresso machine. There is just something special about Vietnamese coffee.
A tablet in the suite is helpful for guests when they wish to make a booking for any of the hotel’s services. Whether for a spa session, ordering a room service meal, or shopping, it can all be done via the tablet. This is great as it is much more convenient and removes potential misunderstandings, especially if a language barrier exists. We saw this tablet when we stayed in both The Fullerton Hotel and The Fullerton Bay Hotel, and we have to say that this is a priceless amenity to have in the room.
The next part of the suite is the bedroom, which is also spacious and faces downtown Saigon. Designed in a classic style, you get the beautiful tall bay windows that make it much more Instagram-friendly. Beside a dressing table, you also have a small coffee table with two chairs so couples can enjoy tea and chat the night away before heading to bed. The suite seems designed to be as comfortable as possible, and they have nailed it. We also love how bright it makes the room during the day and how we can see so much of the city’s lights at night.
On either side of the bed are switches with universal plugs, so guests will not need to contact the front desk to request one. Thankfully, Park Hyatt Saigon also knows travellers’ most common pain points. Hence, they devised a list of amenities guests can borrow or buy. This includes phone chargers, free weight sets, and a yoga mat. This is what sets Park Hyatt Saigon apart from its competitors. Not being able to charge your laptop or phone can be frustrating, and buying one in a foreign country may be challenging. Rather than guessing, Park Hyatt Saigon makes it clear you can borrow one from them quickly.
Beside the bedroom is a small walk-in wardrobe with sufficient space to hang your clothes and put your luggage down. One of the more unique amenities is the pyjamas that guests can use. For those who want to wind down and relax, Park Hyatt Saigon style, you can surely put on those pyjamas and get a well-earned rest. The rest of us are happy enough to relax on the King-size bed and watch some television in the comfort of the bedroom.
One limitation of Park Hyatt Saigon is the dated look of its bathroom. While it looks classic and reminds us of the Raffles Hotel, it does look slightly dated. However, it still oozes a luxurious feeling and blends well with the rest of the luxurious Lam Son Suite. The bathroom is also, thankfully, oversized and feels very spacious.
Besides the bathtub, there is a standing shower with very strong pressure from the rain shower head. I thoroughly enjoyed the rain showers I took at Park Hyatt Saigon. The exclusive La Labo, the American fragrance brand, provides toiletries. It smells excellent, and the top five-star hotels, including Fairmont Singapore, use it. The shampoo and shower gel come in huge bottles attached to the wall, so guests can freely enjoy their showers without fear of running out of shower gel. It is also an excellent sustainability measure, and I can imagine the massive number of plastic bottles saved from this initiative in hotels worldwide.
As part of the overall design, the bathroom is fitted with what we presume are marble tiles, which keep the temperature cool. After a hot shower, you can feel the cool air in the bathroom. However, we cannot complain, as we love jumping onto the King-size bed after showering and cuddling under the blankets. After watching some television and catching the city lights, it is a perfect time to grab a well-deserved rest from the day’s activities.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Park Hyatt Saigon. While there were a few hiccups in the service standards, we were comforted that staff members took it seriously when we brought them up. This included following up with us even after our stay had concluded, making sure to assure us that they took our feedback seriously and were working on improving their service standards.
We can confidently say that we will be back at Park Hyatt Saigon. The hotel is beautiful, and the genuine interest in constantly improving its service standards is heartening.
Click here to find out more about Park Hyatt Saigon and book a stay today!
Cost of Lam Son Suite: VND 14,238,504.00 (approximately S$805.51) a night - stayed over a weekend in July 2023
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