The only five star hotel in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh, we travelled to Vietnam to check in to Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon for the weekend. Find out what we thought
There are so many short trips from Hong Kong, stunning resorts in China and nearby beaches that make The 852 an excellent place to live. Just a short two hour flight from the city, Ho Chi Minh, or Saigon as it is still referred to by the locals, is a perfect weekend getaway spot. And the 5 Star Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon is a great place to stay in District 5 if you are looking for excellent food, a stunning swimming pool and fantastic service in the heart of Chinatown.
Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon
The only 5 Star hotel in District 5, or Chinatown as it is commonly known, Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon is a great place to stay when visiting Ho Chi Minh. Recently revamped in decadent Italian style, the hotel features warm woods, bright colours and an array of monochromatic tile elements that blend contemporary style with ornate grandeur.
The rooms are decked out with Italian design elements, with bathrooms featuring marble throughout and modern fixtures to make for the perfect place to rest your head.
We headed over to the hotel, and here are some of the highlights.
1. The swimming pool and Jacuzzis
What is a holiday without a rooftop swimming pool? Given, at Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon, there is no full-time bar/restaurant at the pool, but you can order drinks from the hotel bar across the way to get your cocktail fix. We had the pool to ourselves for pretty much the whole time we stayed at the hotel (bonus!) and the tiered Jacuzzis have an amazing view out across the city. This is the perfect spot to grab a book and get away from it all.
2. The Vietnamese food
Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon takes food VERY seriously. From the 24-hour room service that we ordered when we got in late at night (the fresh Vietnamese spring rolls are a must-have) to the buffet dinner at Café Central An Dong that has over 150 dishes on the menu, and it’s own seafood room, this is a hotel where you will always eat well.
With an Executive Chef from Hong Kong, Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant serves stunning Cantonese dishes too, just in case you are yearning for a taste of Hong Kong.
3. Proximity to attractions
Around District 5, there’s lots to see and do, from visiting Catholic Churches where Generals hid out during the Vietnam war to taking in array of Chinese temples in the area. We actually did a tour around the area with Buffalo Tours, and got to visit markets, local artisans and historic spots not easily found in any guide books.
The hotel also offers a free regular shuttle bus that takes you into the heart of the city, or District 1, so that you can visit popular landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral.
4. Windsor Spa
For the ultimate in relaxation, you have to spend some time at Windsor Spa. The Hot Stone Massage is ultra-good, and when you finish you receive an afternoon set along with a warming homemade tea. They also do a great pedicure, it’s just a shame they don’t offer a soft-gel option.
5. Friendly staff
All of the staff at Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon are super helpful and go out of their way to point you in the right direction. Want to buy some delicious Vietnamese coffee? They will tell you the best place to go. Looking for vegetarian banh mi? They know the tastiest spots. Bought too much stuff and now need extra luggage to compensate, even though your flight leaves in a few hours and you kind of slept in? They got you.
Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon is the perfect place to base yourself if you are visiting Ho Chi Minh. Enjoy stunning Vietnamese food and cuisine from across the globe, lounge by the pool and get pampered at the spa. We’ll definitely be back soon!
Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon, 18 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Vietnam, p. +84 28 3833 6688
