We are learning the hard way that some international brands are taking their notoriety for granted… We stayed at Sofitel Saigon Plaza during their quiet season and after a week of poor sleep, we’ve decided we are done with the entire Accor network.
Location
Sofitel was located in District 1, about 20 minute walk / 5 minute grab to Cho Ben Thanh. It was very central to most touristy attractions, including the other hotel chains, beer garden and night clubs.
Lobby
The lobby was grand. There was a pianist every weekend evening, although he made so many mistakes in the songs lol. The staff opened the door most of the time we walked up to it, and always offered to manage our luggage.
The money exchange was bad. The XE converter was 1.64. Sofitel was doing 1.55 and charged 500 dong for every $100 😢.
The money exchange was bad. The XE converter was 1.64. Sofitel was doing 1.55 and charged 500 dong for every $100 😢.
Room
Bed: The bed was a large king and a soft-firm, but not very comfortable. The pillows were too soft, even for both back and side sleeper. They made the bed every day (with same sheets).
Cleanliness: Everything was cleaned and put back in the right spot every day.
Space: It was very spacious. We had our luggage out for most nights.
Noise: There wasn’t much noise however at 10 am on Sunday, there was loud construction upstairs. We got no warning about it. When housekeeping came, I asked when that would stop, and that was when they gave me a notice paper of the “construction on weekdays 11-3 ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜.
Air-conditioning: The air-conditioning was running 24/7. This helped combat Vietnam’s humidity however after a few days, it became a problem because our throats were getting itchy. There was also a musty smell in the air.
Cleanliness: Everything was cleaned and put back in the right spot every day.
Space: It was very spacious. We had our luggage out for most nights.
Noise: There wasn’t much noise however at 10 am on Sunday, there was loud construction upstairs. We got no warning about it. When housekeeping came, I asked when that would stop, and that was when they gave me a notice paper of the “construction on weekdays 11-3 ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜.
Air-conditioning: The air-conditioning was running 24/7. This helped combat Vietnam’s humidity however after a few days, it became a problem because our throats were getting itchy. There was also a musty smell in the air.
Technology: We didn’t have Netflix or any streaming content (despite our friends in a nearby smaller boutiqe hotel having all this access) and the WIFI was terrible.
Bathroom: This was a yellow-based lit bathroom, with decent de-humidification. There was a laundry line in the bathtub.
Extras: They gave us a tub of white wines after realising we were home during the construction period lol.
Amenities: The gym was great! It had a smith machine and a bar. It got packed at 7:30am so it’s best to exercise earlier. The rooftop pool was nice but was always packed out with retired white people.
Bathroom: This was a yellow-based lit bathroom, with decent de-humidification. There was a laundry line in the bathtub.
Extras: They gave us a tub of white wines after realising we were home during the construction period lol.
Amenities: The gym was great! It had a smith machine and a bar. It got packed at 7:30am so it’s best to exercise earlier. The rooftop pool was nice but was always packed out with retired white people.
Review
For the price we paid for this “5-star experience” we felt ripped off. It seems Sofitel (and other major brand chains) are taking us peasants for a ride so we’d rather spend our money on upcoming luxury boutiques than these “prestige hotels”.
We are done with Accor.
Thanks for reading.
We are done with Accor.
Thanks for reading.
