Hello fellow travellers,||We have just come back from 5 weeks in Saigon, I know, what do you do for 5 weeks in Saigon? Lots.||This first week is mastering crossing the road and being fairly sure that the bus will not run over you, intentionally, accidents do happen though. The rule is walk slow and no sudden stops or starts.||Saigon is a great place, so much to do and 5 weeks was just enough to revisit some of our favourite places, 4 weeks and we would have missed things||It all happens in District 1, many of the museums and places of interest are within a 15 minute walk of Ben Thanh Markets. ||We stayed in District 7, which is about a 20 minute Grab ride away.||District 7 for us, was a good easing into Vietnamese life, there are 7 million scooters in Saigon, so District 1is like being in a swarm of bees when near a road. District 7 is much quieter. ||We stayed at Novotel Living South, and I could not praise this hotel enough.||Ideal location, a ten minute walk from Crescent Mall, where there is a big Aeon Supermarket downstairs.||In the Novotel complex there is a 7-Eleven and pharmacy, within a five minute walk there are numerous eating options, a pub, McDonalds and Starbucks, for those missing home. ||The Novotel itself has very large rooms, good in house TV channel selection, a laundry that provides laundry powder, washing machines and dryer. There is a well appointed and large gym. As with all Accor properties, very comfy bed and great shower, our room cleaning lady was very good, I do not know her name. Pretty much everything a person on holiday needs in a hotel, and a very good location.||Our room included a buffet breakfast, which was excellent, a mix of various food types and an omelette station, Vietnamese Coffee is serious stuff!||From 5-7 every afternoon there was happy hour, pay for one beer get two, that was very well used by us!||The staff here were magnificent, Vincent, the General Manager greeted us upon arrival and we saw him often in the breakfast area, the hotel has a very personal and friendly approach to staffing.||We had a lot to do with the restaurant team and without exception, they were great, after 5 weeks, we knew them all extremely well, Cadell, Oanh, Linh, Trang, Nu, Thinh and Hau.||All lovely people and we were sad to go.||My wife is still in contact with a few of the restaurant team, it is that kind of friendly place.||So if you are in Saigon for more than 3 days, District 7 is a good choice, and if you stay in District 7, Novotel Living South is definitely worth considering.||Peter...
Read moreHello fellow travellers,
We have just come back from 5 weeks in Saigon, I know, what do you do for 5 weeks in Saigon? Lots. This first week is mastering crossing the road and being fairly sure that the bus will not run over you, intentionally, accidents do happen though. The rule is walk slow and no sudden stops or starts. Saigon is a great place, so much to do and 5 weeks was just enough to revisit some of our favourite places, 4 weeks and we would have missed things It all happens in District 1, many of the museums and places of interest are within a 15 minute walk of Ben Thanh Markets. We stayed in District 7, which is about a 20 minute Grab ride away. District 7 for us, was a good easing into Vietnamese life, there are 7 million scooters in Saigon, so District 1is like being in a swarm of bees when near a road. District 7 is much quieter. We stayed at Novotel Living South, and I could not praise this hotel enough. Ideal location, a ten minute walk from Crescent Mall, where there is a big Aeon Supermarket downstairs. In the Novotel complex there is a 7-Eleven and pharmacy, within a five minute walk there are numerous eating options, a pub, McDonalds and Starbucks, for those missing home. The Novotel itself has very large rooms, good in house TV channel selection, a laundry that provides laundry powder, washing machines and dryer. There is a well appointed and large gym. As with all Accor properties, very comfy bed and great shower, our room cleaning lady was very good, I do not know her name. Pretty much everything a person on holiday needs in a hotel, and a very good location. Our room included a buffet breakfast, which was excellent, a mix of various food types and an omelette station, Vietnamese Coffee is serious stuff! From 5-7 every afternoon there was happy hour, pay for one beer get two, that was very well used by us! The staff here were magnificent, Vincent, the General Manager greeted us upon arrival and we saw him often in the breakfast area, the hotel has a very personal and friendly approach to staffing. We had a lot to do with the restaurant team and without exception, they were great, after 5 weeks, we knew them all extremely well, Cadell, Oanh, Linh, Trang, Nu, Thinh and Hau. All lovely people and we were sad to go. My wife is still in contact with a few of the restaurant team, it is that kind of friendly place. So if you are in Saigon for more than 3 days, District 7 is a good choice, and if you stay in District 7, Novotel Living South is definitely worth considering.
Peter...
Read moreNovotel Living Saigon offers a comfortable and modern stay, especially suited for long-term stays and families. Here’s an honest review based on typical guest experiences: Accommodations at Novotel Living Saigon are generally well-regarded for their spaciousness and contemporary design. The apartments are equipped with kitchenettes, making them convenient for extended stays. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds, clean facilities, and thoughtful amenities. Some reviews mention that while the apartments are functional and stylish, the decor can feel somewhat generic and not particularly distinctive. Location is another key factor. Situated in a quieter part of the city, the hotel provides a more relaxed environment compared to the bustling central districts. It’s a good spot for those who prefer a more residential feel, but it’s worth noting that it’s not as close to major tourist attractions or nightlife. However, there are local amenities, shops, and restaurants nearby, which can be convenient for daily needs. Dining options at the hotel are generally well-received. The breakfast buffet is praised for its variety and quality, offering both local and international dishes. While the in-house dining options are satisfactory, some guests have noted that the range of food options could be more varied. The on-site restaurant is decent but may not stand out compared to the diverse dining choices available in the city. Service at Novotel Living Saigon is typically highlighted as a strong point. Guests often commend the staff for being friendly, professional, and responsive to requests. The check-in and check-out processes are usually smooth, and the front desk staff are knowledgeable about the local area and helpful with recommendations. Facilities such as the fitness center, pool, and laundry services are generally well-maintained and convenient for guests. The gym and pool, in particular, are appreciated for being modern and functional, although some guests feel the pool area could be larger. Overall, Novotel Living Saigon offers a solid and comfortable option for those looking for extended stays or a more residential experience. The spacious, well-equipped apartments and attentive service are key highlights. While it might not be the most central choice for tourists wanting to be in the heart of the action, it provides a peaceful and practical base with good amenities and...
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