Frequent Visitor Finds Comfort at Novotel Saigon Centre

I used to seldom visit Vietnam, but in the last couple of years, I've been traveling more frequently. Whenever I'm in Saigon, even briefly, I make an effort to visit Novotel Saigon Centre. I haven't stayed there as a guest yet—my aim was to try their breakfast, but I've not had the chance. In the afternoons, I find myself there quite often, ordering from the menu. I'm a fan of their soups—well-presented using quality ingredients. During my last visit, there was a minor issue with the staff, nothing major, just a slight mismatch between past experiences and current expectations. However, everything resolved nicely; I met the chef over a bowl of laksa (not exactly a local dish and not listed on the menu, but we discussed it) and some local offerings, received a small token from the kitchen, and chatted about the menu. A small gesture, but it brightened the evening and erased the negative vibe. After dining, I typically move on to the OnTop Bar located on the rooftop. It's an open-air terrace offering a pleasant view of the city. There are other Accor hotels nearby with rooftop bars, like MGallery and Sofitel, but Novotel likely offers the best experience. It's missing a pool unlike other hotels, so there's no splashing or stray water. I've never seen a crowd—groups, couples, and solo visitors all merge into the tranquil vibe. Whether alone or with friends, I enjoy grabbing a beer, watching the sunset, taking a few snapshots, and leaving. Despite not being a big drinker, a drink feels fitting here. On the whole, it's peaceful, with reasonable prices. Keep in mind, if you're not a hotel guest, you'll need to ask for bar access. A staff member accompanies you in the elevator when you go up.

Post by _TI***nc | Oct 20, 2025