transparent

Did this change recently? Light pressing of 2 pieces and shoe shine as is typical in Asia as a Plat service was offered when I stayed in November.

Btw, anyone know what a "hard" pressing might entail?

Melodsal

Plat service is still offered complimentary if you send it in during the day. I was referencing sending items in at night and getting them back by the next morning (vs getting them back the next evening)

vg247

We've been coming to Saigon every 2-3 years and have always stayed at the Sheraton as Platinum with upgraded suite each time.

We enjoy the breakfast variety and all the perks at the Sheraton.

I like to give the LM a try, and would be interested to know if there's any recent experiences from travelers that have been to both hotels?

What would you suggest? Curious if the LMS breakfast and lounge options in addition to room upgraded suites are better?

I don't mind what some report as the outdated decor at the Sheraton at all.

Thanks in advance

jpdx

I didn't get a suite upgrade during my two Sheraton stays in 2015, and found those run-down studio rooms (or whatever they call them) extremely depressing. The LM is a much better option, especially considering the lower rates. You can often get it for ~$100 with a good BRG, whereas the Sheraton may run twice as much. The LM is cheaper, newer, with better rooms, better benefits ... the only reason you'd want to stick with the Sheraton is if you need to be at that super-central location.

vg247

This is really great feedback, jpdx - thank you very much.

We don't need to be in the super central location, so I'll give the LM a try... How are the upgrade chances over there base on your experiences?

roverkt

Yes as of my second stay at this property in May the reservation email was signed off by a new GM called Justin Malcolm.

The location is not bad, in the prime district 1. You only need to turn left when leaving the hotel, walk along the narrow Ngo Van Nam (street sign may not be conspicuous but I'm assuming you have google maps), and you'll reach Le Thanh Ton and Chu Manh Trinh, which are full of eateries. I believe that area is HCMC's Japanese enclave.

ignorantcow

Just did a 2 night stay. I was hesitant to drop 10k starpoints on a hotel in Vietnam but I was so impressed I ended up staying another night.

The hotel is very new. You can almost still smell the paint. It looks like a spaceship among the historic, low rise buildings surrounding it, with fancy multicolor LEDs on the facade and everywhere else in the interior. If it wasn't for the usual LM branding cues, add a couple of Ws and you might think you're inside a LM and W love child of a hotel. A Weridien.

Aesthetics aside, the hotel is highly functional. A lot of thought was definitely to the design and flow of things. It reminds me of the LM Bangkok but a lot more spacious, with a lounge attached and other expanded facilities.

Plat recognition is pretty standard. The front desk associate was expecting me and I was invited to Level 22 to check in at the lounge. I was upgraded to a club level non-suite room the first night and the corner suite for the 2nd. They did pretty well considering I booked less than 12 hours before. Welcome gift was a black handmade local ornament of some sort. Lounge food selection wasn't the most extensive, but was functional. Would recommend opting for breakfast downstairs. Usual happy hour (self serve) from 5:30-7:30. View from the lounge is great, overlooking the river bend.

But what really stood out was the staff. They are a highly motivated bunch. Every member of the team I've met from the greeters, the front desk agents, the Latest Recipe people, to the lounge manager (I presume) have been very proactive, often offering to go out of their way to do something for my comfort and convenience without me even asking. I ran into the new GM (Justin?) in one of the elevators one afternoon and he wanted to make sure everything was good - I don't think I was treated 'differently', I look nothing like the usual plat stereotype.

I think that's what made my experience at this property truly 10/10. Nevermind the amazing hard product (that corner suite is one of the best standard suites I've ever been in - the view is just indescribable), the great location, the great lounge. The people working here are happy and it shows. And that makes all the difference in my opinion. Highly recommended, would come back again in a heartbeat.

abk

Any updates?

Bravada04

Looking forward to checking this place out in February. Will also be checking out the Sheraton in HCMC and the Sheraton Nha Trang for several nights.

transparent

You mean since Aug 20? What kind of update?

I think Ignorantcow's post just a week ago is spot on. I just stayed for the second time last week as well, and it's an excellent property. And often less expensive than the Sheraton, though location is slightly worse. If you're ubering/taxiing everywhere, it won't matter.

ignorantcow

@transparent was wondering the same thing

Nevsky

Seems like a very good choice. Will stay there one night, but will spend a night at the Reverie first.

lcpteck

Just came back today after a short 1 night stay. Wish I was there longer to take more photos.

Club Lounge was great, I took 500 points instead of the breakfast in the restaurant since I was only there for 1 night.

I had problems taking Uber from airport to the hotel due to language barrier; I couldn't find the driver and he couldn't find me even though I used the pre-designated pickup location at the airport. Taking Uber from hotel to the airport was no problem though since I had the porter confirm my destination with the driver.

Hotel is coming to 1 year old and still good as new. Hotel is totally smoke free! My preferred hotel now in HCMC. ^

Starwood Lurker II

lcpteck,

I will be visiting the property this coming weekend. Where would you recommend for affordable food around the property?

Do you also have any recommendations for non-touristy activities for HCMC?

Thank you.

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Dr. HFH

If you're there one week per month, recognition should be perfect!


It's the same at LM Bangkok.


Again, it's the same at LM Bangkok. I, too, found it a bit odd that there's no printer, especially in a city hotel.


I had one, very brief, encounter with him when he was GM at Aloft Bangkok. When I was checking in once, he came out of the back room to welcome me personally. He said that he had seen that I was an Ambassador level guest and wanted me to know that it's important to him that I am comfortable and enjoy my stay. I was impressed that he took the time to do this.