The hotel lobby looks odd to me. The ceiling was not high like the ones I experienced at Shangri-La and Marriott. Though it was clean but it was not contemporary. The interiors were also very back-numbered. While I was registering, the hotel staff were noisy and did not resemble a decent manner. I had difficulty understanding their accent as well. I did not appreciate that they let me wait for so long just to register. Worst, I had to request a bellboy to help me with my luggage.

The rooms were luxurious though. I love the bed the curtains, the pillows and the lavatory. All of it were clean and modern. I did not like the TV though. It does because I had a hard time finding international channels. I had this experience while I was Beijing too. I think it is imperative for hotels from non-english speaking countries to give instructions to the guest by providing a guide somewhere in the room. I was really frustrated because while navigating the channels, all I hear was vietnamese speaking channels. I wanted to relax that time and just watch CNN or AXN but I surrendered after a futile attempt of searching. When I called up front desk to seek help, the personnel who answered had difficulties conveying her thoughts. I was left with no choice but to take a nap.

The following day, I was on an expedition shooting beautiful scenes in Saigon. It was very entertaining but grueling at the same time. I was just walking all by myself in order to see each and every beautiful spot I can take pictures with. When I arrived in the hotel, I decided to have a soothing massage. And I requested that in my room. The massage was really great. They have this vietnamese style that they incorporate and I was really relaxed. I asked the masseuse about what kind of massage is she using and she very well informed me about it. I know she struggled with her english but she was skillful and sincere.

The food at Cafe Central An Dong was just average. I was anticipating my dinning experience because Vietnamese food is one of my favorites. But what I experienced there was not even close to the vietnamese restaurants we have here.

There are two things I always look for when I stay in a hotel. First, if they have provided world-class customer service and second if the hotel’s amenities are excellent enough to pamper my stay. As for the former, this hotel failed to pass while with regard to the latter, perhaps a mere passing mark will do.

Rating: 6