Hilton Saigon Reviewed: A Gordon Ramsay-Style Roasting

Listen up! If you’re planning a trip to the thrilling, chaotic heart of Ho Chi Minh City and think checking into a shiny new skyscraper hotel is a good idea, you’d better pay attention.

I’ve taken a long, hard look at the Hilton Saigon, the city’s first and only proper Hilton, which planted its flag in District 1 in early 2024. It’s a place that tries to sell you “modern luxury” with floor-to-ceiling windows and river views. But is it all just style over substance, or does it actually deliver a stay that’s bloody brilliant?

Let’s find out. This isn’t a fluffy brochure; it’s a proper review. We’re dissecting the atmosphere, the rooms, the service, and every amenity. We’ll talk about the stunning views that actually are stunning, the Executive Lounge that’s a genuine highlight, and the baffling little quirks—like an air-con system with a mind of its own—that can make you want to scream. Brace yourselves.

First Impressions: Location & The Grand Entrance

Location, Location, Location. It’s everything. And here, the Hilton Saigon plays a strong hand. It’s perched right on the bank of the Saigon River at Me Linh Square, giving you a front-row seat to the constant, mesmerizing water traffic. You’re in the thick of District 1, but with a slight buffer from the absolute madness. Key attractions like the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the iconic Post Office are just a few blocks away. Fancy some shopping or a nightly stroll? Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a mere 5-10 minute walk. For a tourist or a business traveler, it’s perfectly positioned.

Now, the arrival. You enter a sleek ground-floor reception, but the real lobby is on the 9th floor. It’s a smart move—it immediately introduces you to the hotel’s best feature: the views. Stepping out of the lift, you’re greeted with a bright, airy space and panoramic vistas of the river. The design is modern, with warm woods and sophisticated, soothing tones. Check-in is generally smooth, often accompanied by a welcome drink of cold tea. It’s a calm, elevated start that immediately separates you from the city’s frenetic energy below. So far, so good.

The Rooms: Your Sky-High Sanctuary (With Minor Annoyances)

This is where you’ll spend most of your time. Is it a haven, or just a pretty box in the sky? Let’s be clear: the base-level rooms are generously sized, starting at a very comfortable 39 square metres. They feel spacious, not cramped.

• The Standard Room: It’s elegantly designed with a mix of Vietnamese and international influences. You get a plush king or twin beds, a decent-sized marble bathroom with a separate shower and tub, and all the expected amenities. The bed, I’m told, is genuinely comfortable with excellent blackout curtains—a godsend in a city that never truly sleeps.
• The Suites: If you get upgraded or splurge on a suite, you’re in for a treat. The Deluxe Corner Suite River View (70 sqm) is a proper space. It features a massive living area with a dining table, a separate bedroom with knockout river views, and a useful guest powder room. The walk-in wardrobe with a huge luggage bench is a dream for messy packers like me who live out of their suitcase.
• The “Wow” Factor: Two things stand out. First, the river views from the premium rooms and suites are spectacular—a sweeping panorama of water, boats, and bridges. Second, the bathroom technology. Many rooms have a “magic” electrochromic glass window that turns from clear to opaque at the flick of a switch. It’s clever and provides instant privacy.

But hold on. It’s not all perfect. Here’s where I start to get annoyed.

1. The Air-Con Conspiracy: Multiple guests, including myself in spirit, have reported the same bizarre issue. The air conditioning seems to reset to a warmer temperature (like 23°C) every time you leave the room. In the humid heat of Saigon, returning to a stuffy room is unacceptable. It’s likely an energy-saving policy, but for a luxury hotel, it’s a policy that prioritizes pennies over guest comfort. Sort it out!
2. Bathroom Blunders: In suites, for all their space, there’s often only one sink. Why? And while the separate shower, tub, and toilet are great, the glass doors can lack privacy, making simultaneous use awkward.
3. Inconsistencies: Some guests have noted that soundproofing can be hit-or-miss, with hallway noise occasionally filtering through. Also, the minibar in some rooms can be bare-bones or even empty, which feels cheap for a hotel at this price point.

Dining & Drinking: From Stellar Buffets to Sky-High Cocktails

A hotel can be made or broken by its F&B. The Hilton Saigon, thankfully, mostly gets it right.

• Breakfast at The Strand (10th Floor): This is a proper, lavish affair. It’s an extensive buffet that puts many others to shame. Yes, you have your standard western bacon and pastries, but the real stars are the Vietnamese offerings: a proper Pho noodle bar, delicious mini Banh Mi, Bo Ne (Vietnamese steak and eggs), and a vast array of fresh fruits and juices. The quality is high, the space is bright, and it’s the ideal fuel for a day of exploration. A strong start to the day.
• Residence Eleven (39th Floor): The flagship Chinese restaurant. The interior design is dramatic and sophisticated. It specializes in Cantonese cuisine, with classics like Peking Duck and dim sum. The dim sum brunch buffet is reported to be a particular value. It’s a destination for a special meal with those incredible city views.
• Song Bar (40th Floor): Right above Residence Eleven, this is the place for evening cocktails. It’s a more intimate, moody space with an art-deco inspired chandelier and a wrap-around staircase. Perfect for a nightcap while overlooking the glittering cityscape.
• The Executive Lounge (34th Floor): This, ladies and gentlemen, is where the Hilton Saigon truly shines. Access comes with certain rooms or elite status, and it’s worth chasing. The space is beautiful, never too crowded, and the evening cocktail service is exceptional. We’re not talking about sad canapés here. They serve fresh, plump prawns, rotating hot dishes like slow-cooked beef brisket, a great selection of wines and Prosecco, and a delightful dessert spread. It’s a serene sanctuary with arguably the best view in the house. A genuine highlight.

Services & Amenities: The Wellness and Work Bits

The Pool & Gym (11th Floor): The outdoor infinity pool snakes around the building, offering refreshing dips and good river views. It’s not Olympic-sized, but it’s sufficient for a few laps. Be warned: some guests find it can be a bit cool, especially the sheltered wading pools. The gym is modern, well-equipped with new cardio and weight machines, and open 24 hours. The only odd quirk is that it looks directly out onto the pool deck, which can feel a bit strange for everyone involved.

eForea Spa: A full-service spa offering treatments like massages, body scrubs, and facials. Reviews suggest it’s relatively affordable for a five-star hotel, especially if you have Diamond status for a discount. A good option for some post-sightseeing recovery.

Service: Across the board, the service is reported as warm, friendly, and attentive. Staff at breakfast remember your coffee order, the concierge is helpful, and the Executive Lounge attendants are proactive. It’s not the overly formal, stuffy service of a century-old grand hotel; it’s efficient and genuinely welcoming, which fits the property’s modern vibe.