Park Hyatt Saigon: What to Expect

In beautiful French Colonial style, this Park Hyatt is a peaceful retreat in the middle of the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Some months ago, when I was on holiday at the Park Hyatt Auckland I was watching a documentary about war hotels and there was one in particular in Saigon that the western journalists had sought refuge in and reported back to their home countries from. It was named the Caravelle. As I was watching the black and white footage of a tank going down the street on the day that Saigon fell and the US Embassy was evacuated, I had this strange feeling that I knew that street.

I then googled the location of the previous embassy and the hotel in question and, sure enough, the Park Hyatt Saigon was located in the square just next to this historic sight. To be honest, I think the memory of what that street looked like was probably seared in my mind because I did go outside one time and attempted to cross the street. If you’re not local, this simple act is overwhelming to the senses.

What’s great about the Park Hyatt Saigon

A wonderful first impression of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh is usually your first port of call if you’re an international traveler into Vietnam and the Park Hyatt is a great first stop to rest and get your bearings. The hotel is gorgeous, the rooms are more ornate than the modern minimalist Park Hyatts of other cities.

You’ll always be greeted by beautiful flowers in the lobby of the Park Hyatt Saigon.

Dining

I’ll be honest and say that my favorite cuisine is Vietnamese. The service at the hotel is wonderful and the breakfast buffet is one of the most memorable that I’ve had at a hotel. Not only can you enjoy pho and an iced coffee but the pastries are among the best I’ve ever had. I still think about the pandan lamington that I had the last time I stayed here. As an Australian staple, I can say with confidence that this version in Vietnam is the finest I’ve ever had.

These pandan lamingtons were a highlight of an already incredible breakfast at the Park Hyatt Saigon.

A few helpful tips before you stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon

· If you’ve never flown into the airport in Ho Chi Minh, go ahead and book a transfer to your hotel ahead of time. It is so overwhelming to be approached by the drivers and I’ve definitely paid more than I should have a previous time. Normally, I’m a taxi girl but here I always book a transfer

· One of my favorite things I did when I was in the city was book a private walking street food tour with a local. I would have never been brave enough to cross the streets by myself. On the occasion that I went, it was pouring rain and it didn’t matter, it just added to the experience and memorability.

· The globalist gift here is usually a gorgeously packaged trio of snacks. Mine was dried mango, dried jackfruit, and dried soursop/custard apple. They were in these individual plastic cube containers. I loved them so much I kept the containers. I wasn’t able to bring back any fruit to Australia so I ate what I could while I was there.

This king room was the perfect place to spend a short layover before a longhaul flight home. Featuring my Tumi 19 degrees luggage.

Is there room service at the Park Hyatt Saigon?

Yes, there is a full menu that you can order from. I’ve ordered the pate, banh mi, and pho as well as several iced coffees.

Is there a Globalist breakfast at the hotel?

Yes, you will have access to the breakfast buffet at the Park Hyatt Saigon as a Globalist member. There is fruit, pastries, yogurts, juices as well as a hot bar with quiche, eggs, bacon and noodles, among other things. You’ll also be able to order from the menu at the table and have one of the specialties and as many Vietnamese coffees as you like.

Hot items at the breakfast buffet at the Park Hyatt Saigon

As a Globalist, you’ll have your choice of prepared items on the menu included in your buffet breakfast at the Park Hyatt Saigon.

What is the gym like at the Park Hyatt Saigon?

Yes, there is a gym at the Park Hyatt Saigon and it’s a good one. There are plenty of cardio machines and weights. There’s even an open room with mirrors where you can do other exercises or stretching. I enjoyed the street view when I was on the treadmill. The style of the room is similar to the rest of the hotel and has French shudders on the windows and everything. I found it to be a comfortable space, as opposed to some other hotel gyms that seem like an afterthought.

Points or pay?

Because it is quite expensive for a hotel in Vietnam (and rightfully so) I usually use points or points plus pay to stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon. The last time I stayed here I used it as a place to rest my head before my long-haul flight home after connecting from Da Nang.

Why should I stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon?

This is the type of hotel you want to stay at when you plan to stay in and relax most of the time. It is such a luxury to be able to stay here that you want to enjoy every moment of it.