Hotel Nikko Saigon is a modern and minimalist five star hotel from a Japanese conglomerate located on the outskirt of District 1. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to city center in a taxi so the location is close enough to get where you need to go. However, it is not completely in the center of all the action. I had an opportunity to stay twice at this hotel while I was in town for business. The hotel left a great impression on me and I look forward to coming back. Here is my assessment from my two visits.

Address: 235 Nguyen Van Cu, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam

Website: http://www.hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn/

Pros:

• This is a new hotel with luxury modern amenities.
• The room has a gorgeous soaking tub and  a large bathroom.
• Room size is large even for the standard deluxe room.
• Customer service is what one would expect from a 5 star hotel.
• Price is reasonable for a 5 star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City with nightly rates ranging between $120-$150 for a standard room.

Cons:

• Hotel give off a very impersonal experience due to the minimalist and modern décor.
• Location can be a problem during rush hour as it is not located directly in the city center.
• This is mostly a business hotel.

Final Hotel Assessment: 1 (terrible) to 5 (excellent)

Cleanliness (5) – This hotel is from a Japanese conglomerate so the cleanliness is borderline austere and very Japanese. You would be hard press to find a speck of dust in this hotel.

Reviews of hotels from various sources (i.e. Trip Advisor) are accurately reflecting the current condition of the accommodation

Majority of the 2,533 reviewers on Trip Advisor gave glowing reviews with approximately 58% rating the experience as excellent and 14% rating as very good. I would have to agree with the overall great rating. There was a consistent theme of great service, location and overall excellent customer experience.

Hotel room description is the same as the booking information website: (5) – The room was exactly how it was pictured on the website. I would say it feels larger than what is indicated in the official photo. They have all the toiletries you will need including powder detergent and bath salts. I was surprised to find a packet of powder detergent and was pleased that I could do some minor laundry in my hotel room after a few weeks abroad. Minor detail such as this exemplify the attention to detail at the Nikko hotel.

I stayed at the club room (the delux premium room on the club foor) my first visit and the delux room for my second visit. The hotel also has suite room and apartment for long term stay.

I will let the photos do the talking.

Official photos courtesy of Hotel Nikko Saigon

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Reality:

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Check in Process: (4) – Check in process was quick and smooth. There was no line when I came to the hotel and the whole process was very efficient and easy.

Food/Beverage Services: (4) – I did not have a chance to eat in the hotel, though the online reviews have been glowing for the breakfast option. I did notice the nice selection of drinks, coffee and snack in the room’s mini bar.

Issue resolution from management: (5) – Management was able to assist and resolve issues quickly. For example, I had drop an important USB key on my way out of the hotel. I started panicking as I was no longer in HCMC when I discovered this. I had called the hotel and luckily they had picked up this USB key. Management held on to it and gave it back to me upon my return trip. I also had to furnish my ID and also tell them some details before management handed it over. Overall, I was impressed at how quickly they had resolved this situation.

Customer Service: (5) – The level of customer service is what one would expect from a 5 star hotel. The service was attentive but not intrusive.

Spa: NA

Amenities: (4) – The fitness center and pool are standard hotel style. The pool was of nice size though it lack the welcoming decor to make it a nice hangout spot.

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Overall Rating: (4.5) – I would rate Hotel Nikko Saigon 4.5 on my list of hotels in Vietnam. I had stayed at other top hotels during past visits to the city. I would put Hotel Nikko Saigon on top of my list for hotel to stay in HCMC. The price is very reasonable and I think this has to do with their location for not being located directly in the city center. Hotel Nikko Saigon is an excellent combination of luxury for an affordable price in District 1.

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Author: Chau Hoang

Featured photos and hotel photos are courtesy of Hotel Nikko Saigon