Le Meridien Saigon

Le Meridien is a strikingly modern hotel that rises up from its leafy riverside setting. Impressions are fresh right off the bat, and the lobby is a vast space, with ultra-modern urban decor that's dominated by a huge glass chandelier and silver pillars. There are pockets of seating, with red leather statement armchairs, and a distinctive bamboo art installation. The lobby lounge has more sleek seating, with pops of orange and a laid-back reading area, and the smells of fresh breads and pastries drift across from the lobby patisserie. LED-lit elevators look down over an internal atrium, decorated with enormous wall-sculptures, and there's more modern artwork along the many corridors. Several restaurants echo the contemporary style, from the bright dining room on the lobby mezzanine, to the glamorous ninth-floor restaurant, and the casual poolside eatery. The hotel appeals to a wide-cross section of guests, particularly corporate travelers and well-heeled couples. 

Le Meridien Saigon is set beside the Saigon River, in the heart of the city and within easy reach of the top attractions and shopping. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in the immediate neighborhood, and it's a 10-minute walk along the road to the Vincom Center - the city's biggest mall. There's a bus stop right outside the hotel that links easily to more traditional shopping in Ben Thanh Market or the spectacular views from the 49th-floor Skydeck of the Bitexco Tower in around 15 minutes. The hotel is a 15-minute walk to popular attractions such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, and a farther five-minute walk from here through 30-4 Park to Independence Palace. Transfers to the airport can be arranged through the hotel, and the trip takes around 45 minutes.

Le Meridien's 343 rooms continue the hotel's contemporary style, with monochrome decor that's brightened with touches of red in the funky lounge chairs and patterned carpets. All include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, tea/coffee facilities, irons, safes and bathrobes/slippers. Bottled water is replenished every day (for free), and the turndown service scores rave reviews from previous guests. Grand Deluxe Rooms add a large sitting area with a corner sofabed, perfect for family or friend groups. Club Rooms are located on higher floors, with access to the stylish Club Lounge for extra perks. Grand Suites have separate living rooms with Bose surround sound systems and dual-aspect views over the river. Executive Suites add a dining area and kitchenette with sink, fridge and coffee machine. Suites also include access to the Club Lounge, and free limited laundry. It's worth noting that Wi-Fi isn't free in lower-category bookings, and only higher-category rooms have proper coffeemakers. Bathrooms are done in sleek black or cream marble, and feature free-standing tubs, separate rainfall showers, glass walls with blinds for privacy. All except Classic Rooms have dual basin sinks, and Executive Suites add an extra washroom. 

Features are numerous here, and everything is tricked out in the hotel's signature contemporary style. Le Meridien Saigon has a large spa area providing a range of beauty and body treatments, plus a sauna and a steam room. There's also a well-equipped gym with a large selection of cardio and weight machines plus free weights. The pool is partially outdoors, sandwiched between loungers and a riverfront balcony lined with bar stools. Explore Bistro, next to the pool, serves a menu specializing in light healthy meals and detoxing smoothies, and there's a Cantonese/Japanese restaurant on the ninth floor that opens for lunch and dinner during the week and just dinner on weekends. A bright dining room overlooks the lobby, and offers both a la carte and buffet dishes throughout the day, while the lobby itself houses a patisserie and lounge coffee bar. The business center has two guest PCs, and there's a stylish Club Lounge on the top floor with superb views of the city. Guests in higher-category rooms like suites and Club Rooms get access to the lounge, which includes free buffet breakfasts, light tea, and evening drinks. There are several event rooms of varying size, including ballrooms. Other services include laundry, luggage storage, and a gift store. Wi-Fi is free in public areas for everyone.