#saigonhotels

Relax in the Orchid Deluxe Room at PARKROYAL Saigon

I checked into the Pullman Hotel in the heart of Saigon, marking my third stay with the Pullman brand. Located right in the center of District 1, this hotel is just a short walk from Bùi Viện Street and all the city’s vibrant action. Join me as I explore what this property has to offer.

Check-in was a breeze—the Bellman, doorman, and front desk staff were fantastic, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Despite getting there quite early, around 9 a.m., the staff took care of me while I waited for my room to be ready. I set up camp in the lobby lounge, which is a comfortable spot to relax or get some work done.

For lunch, I indulged in a burger that was quite the treat. It’s been a long time since I had a good hamburger, and this one didn’t disappoint. With a squid ink bun, Angus beef, cheese, lettuce, pickle, and tomato, it was worth every bit of the 300,000 VND price tag. A satisfying start to the day!

The Pullman brand has an intriguing history. It’s inspired, though not directly named after, George Pullman, founder of the Pullman Railroad Company. His legacy lives on in places like the Pullman neighborhood in Chicago, originally a company town for the workers of his railroad empire. Fast forward to the 1980s, and the brand was bought and evolved into what we know today—a chain of hotels catering primarily to business travelers.

The architecture of the Saigon property is reminiscent of the iconic Flatiron Building in New York, with its sleek lines and bifurcated design. As I explored the room, I noticed it was a bit on the small side but well thought out. The mirrored walls gave an illusion of space, and the decor, with its raw wood finishes and purple accents, added a modern touch. The queen-sized bed was firm but comfortable, which is typical for this part of the world.

The bathroom was equipped with a large shower featuring a rainfall head, although the water pressure left something to be desired. The minibar was well stocked, including a variety of snacks, chocolates, and beverages. While the amenities were solid, the room did show some signs of age, and the extremely dry air from the air conditioning made it a bit uncomfortable.

One of the highlights of the Pullman is its central location. Being in District 1 means you’re right in the thick of it, close to some of Saigon’s most vibrant nightlife and historic landmarks. The view from my room on the 21st floor was stunning, offering a panoramic look at the bustling city below. I could see Bùi Viện Street from my window, where the party never seems to stop.

The hotel’s sixth-floor pool area is a great spot to relax, with a decent-sized gym for those who want to squeeze in a workout. I’ve been focusing more on yoga and running lately, but the gym was well-equipped for anyone looking to lift some weights. Despite the hotel’s age, the facilities were well-maintained, reflecting Pullman’s commitment to quality service.

However, the Pullman Saigon Centre experience wasn’t without its drawbacks. The room, while functional, felt uninspiring and lacked the comfort I’d expect from a hotel in this category. The engineering issues, particularly the poor water pressure and the dry air, detracted from the overall stay. While the location is excellent for those looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife, the room itself didn’t live up to the Pullman brand’s usual standards.

After one night, I was ready to move on. For the price, there are better options in Saigon, particularly from local Vietnamese brands that offer more value and a more authentic experience. While I appreciated the service and the breakfast, I don’t see myself returning to this Pullman on future visits to Saigon.

All in all, it was a mixed bag—some highs, like the friendly staff and convenient location, but also some lows with the room’s lackluster amenities and overall comfort. There are plenty of hotels in Saigon that deliver more for the same price, making this one a less compelling choice in a city full of fantastic options.

Rojo Rating:

Location: 8

Facilities: 6

Amenities: 6

Décor: 5

Staff:  7

Food: 7

Cleanliness: 6 

Comfort: 5

Uniqueness: 4 

Value: 5

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, centrally located hotel in the vibrant District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the Alagon Hotels group offers a unique experience. With several interconnected properties sharing the same block, the Alagon Central Hotel and its sister hotels provide a blend of local charm and comfortable accommodations, all within easy reach of the city’s top attractions. However, this complex setup comes with its quirks, so here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your stay.

The Setup: A Maze of Hotels

Alagon Hotels are not a typical chain hotel experience. Instead, it’s more of a collective—several individual hotels under one ownership, all interconnected within the same city block. With different lobbies, entrances, and elevators, navigating the complex can be a bit of a puzzle. When you check in, you might find yourself in one building but end up staying in a completely different section. While the setup can be confusing at first, it adds a touch of adventure to the stay.

Located in District 1, the heart of Saigon, you’re within walking distance of major tourist attractions like Ben Thanh Market, the Opera House, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. This prime location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars right outside the hotel.

Rooms and Comfort

Alagon offers a wide range of room types, from small, budget-friendly options to more spacious, comfortable rooms with better amenities. My room, which I paid around 610 RMB per night for, was larger and more comfortable than the lower-tier options. Opting for the pricier rooms is well worth it, as the cheaper rooms tend to be small, windowless, and occasionally musty. The room I stayed in was clean, well-maintained, and, thankfully, smoke-free, which is always a plus in some smaller hotels in Vietnam.

The bed was comfortable, and the room was equipped with modern amenities like a flat-screen TV (though the variety of channels left something to be desired). There was also a minibar and complimentary wine, which was a nice touch for winding down after a long day of exploring the city.

If you’re planning on staying at an Alagon hotel, I highly recommend spending a bit more for one of the better rooms. In smaller, locally-owned hotels like this, it’s often worth it to book their top-tier options. The extra space and comfort make a noticeable difference in your stay.

Facilities and Amenities

One of the standout features of the Alagon Hotels group is the array of amenities available to guests. Although each hotels are technically separate, they share some communal areas, and depending on where you’re staying, you may have access to more than one hotel’s facilities. For instance, I had access to afternoon tea, which was included as part of my room package.

Navigating the hotels themselves, however, can be a bit of a challenge. With multiple elevators leading to different sections of the properties, it’s easy to get turned around. You might find yourself in an elevator that takes you to a completely different part of the hotel than you expected, but eventually, you get the hang of it. It’s all part of the Alagon experience.

Service and Staff

The staff at Alagon Hotels were consistently friendly and welcoming throughout my stay. Upon check-in, I was greeted with sweet iced tea, and the check-in process itself was smooth and efficient. The staff was helpful when I needed directions or assistance in navigating the hotel’s layout, and they were quick to respond to any requests. Despite the sometimes confusing setup of the properties, the level of service made the experience feel more seamless.

Food and Dining

While Alagon Hotels offer several dining options, I didn’t have a chance to fully explore them. That being said, the business lunch combo and house specialties listed in the in-room menu seemed reasonably priced. For those looking for more affordable meals, District 1 is filled with excellent local dining spots where you can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese and international cuisine.

Overall Experience

Alagon Hotels offer an affordable, centrally located option for travelers who want to stay in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City without breaking the bank.  Once you’re settled in, it’s a comfortable place to stay, especially for business or short-term visitors.

If you’re looking for luxury, there are certainly higher-end options in the city, but for those who want a well-priced, local experience with all the essential amenities, Alagon Hotels are a solid choice. Just be sure to book a nicer room, as the cheaper options can be underwhelming.

Rojo Rating:

Location: 7

Facilities: 6

Amenities: 7

Décor: 6

Staff: 7

Food: 6

Cleanliness: 6

Comfort: 6

Uniqueness: 8

Value: 8

Total: 67/100