I checked into the Pullman Hotel in the heart of Saigon, marking my third stay with the Pullman brand. Located right in the center of District 1, this hotel is just a short walk from Bùi Viện Street and all the city’s vibrant action. Join me as I explore what this property has to offer.
Check-in was a breeze—the Bellman, doorman, and front desk
staff were fantastic, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Despite
getting there quite early, around 9 a.m., the staff took care of me while I
waited for my room to be ready. I set up camp in the lobby lounge, which is a
comfortable spot to relax or get some work done.
For lunch, I indulged in a burger that was quite the treat. It’s been a long time since I had a good hamburger, and this one didn’t disappoint. With a squid ink bun, Angus beef, cheese, lettuce, pickle, and tomato, it was worth every bit of the 300,000 VND price tag. A satisfying start to the day!
The Pullman brand has an intriguing history. It’s inspired,
though not directly named after, George Pullman, founder of the Pullman
Railroad Company. His legacy lives on in places like the Pullman neighborhood
in Chicago, originally a company town for the workers of his railroad empire.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and the brand was bought and evolved into what we
know today—a chain of hotels catering primarily to business travelers.
The architecture of the Saigon property is reminiscent of the iconic Flatiron Building in New York, with its sleek lines and bifurcated design. As I explored the room, I noticed it was a bit on the small side but well thought out. The mirrored walls gave an illusion of space, and the decor, with its raw wood finishes and purple accents, added a modern touch. The queen-sized bed was firm but comfortable, which is typical for this part of the world.
The bathroom was equipped with a large shower featuring a
rainfall head, although the water pressure left something to be desired. The
minibar was well stocked, including a variety of snacks, chocolates, and
beverages. While the amenities were solid, the room did show some signs of age,
and the extremely dry air from the air conditioning made it a bit
uncomfortable.
One of the highlights of the Pullman is its central
location. Being in District 1 means you’re right in the thick of it, close to
some of Saigon’s most vibrant nightlife and historic landmarks. The view from
my room on the 21st floor was stunning, offering a panoramic look at the
bustling city below. I could see Bùi Viện Street from my window, where the
party never seems to stop.
The hotel’s sixth-floor pool area is a great spot to relax, with a decent-sized gym for those who want to squeeze in a workout. I’ve been focusing more on yoga and running lately, but the gym was well-equipped for anyone looking to lift some weights. Despite the hotel’s age, the facilities were well-maintained, reflecting Pullman’s commitment to quality service.
However, the Pullman Saigon Centre experience wasn’t without
its drawbacks. The room, while functional, felt uninspiring and lacked the
comfort I’d expect from a hotel in this category. The engineering issues,
particularly the poor water pressure and the dry air, detracted from the
overall stay. While the location is excellent for those looking to enjoy the
city’s nightlife, the room itself didn’t live up to the Pullman brand’s usual
standards.
After one night, I was ready to move on. For the price,
there are better options in Saigon, particularly from local Vietnamese brands
that offer more value and a more authentic experience. While I appreciated the
service and the breakfast, I don’t see myself returning to this Pullman on
future visits to Saigon.
All in all, it was a mixed bag—some highs, like the friendly staff and convenient location, but also some lows with the room’s lackluster amenities and overall comfort. There are plenty of hotels in Saigon that deliver more for the same price, making this one a less compelling choice in a city full of fantastic options.
Rojo Rating:
Location: 8
Facilities: 6
Amenities: 6
Décor: 5
Staff: 7
Food: 7
Cleanliness: 6
Comfort: 5
Uniqueness: 4
Value: 5
Total: 59/100