This is, without doubt, Saigon’s premier deluxe hotel. It enjoys an excellent central location next to the Opera House, offers more facilities than any other hotel and is home to several of the best restaurants in town. Whilst only built in 2005 (The Brinks Hotel was demolished to make way), the architecture acknowledges the locale’s French colonial heritage. The Park Hyatt does not look out of place at all in central Saigon, with a commanding, immaculate exterior and an elegant, airy interior.

The lobby is appealingly understated – a pleasant change from the ostentation of some of the other five star hotels in town – which follows on through to the guest rooms, which are spacious and tastefully decorated in restrained colonial style. The better rooms are the ‘Park Suites’, featuring a spacious separate living area and great views, some with direct access on to the pool area. The bathrooms feature top-of-the-range products and have a separate rain shower, best appreciated when you have been on your feet all day in the heat of the city.

Restaurant options include the quite brilliant ‘Square One‘ – an attractive, non-uniform space where dining tables are set amongst open kitchens, with fascinating local ingredients on display. The ‘Martini Bar‘ is very popular with Saigon’s hippest locals and more affluent expats.

The spa and pool garden creates a city-resort feel, offering escape from the city’s frantic pace in a central courtyard.There is a world-class spa offering a range of treatments in relaxing rooms featuring floor to ceiling windows with wooden shutters. For perpetually active guests there is a large fitness centre with all the equipment your gym from home has – plus several more.

Overall this is the hotel for those seeking five star facilities and a degree of splendour, with all the main sights of Saigon within easy walking distance of the hotel lobby.