An Lam Retreats Saigon River
Secret garden
Surveying Saigon River
An Lam Retreats Saigon River hotel was once Mr Lam’s private home: you’ll be wishing you lived here too, thanks to green, leafy gardens, river-watching rooms and zingy Vietnamese food. This quiet Saigon sanctuary has peaceful nooks with rattan chairs and bright cushions to relax in, and the hotel’s speedboat will whoosh you to the city centre in just 25 minutes.
Facilities
Rooms
38 suites, spread across seven tranquil garden villas.
Checkout
Noon; earliest check-in, 2pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability and a fee.
More Details
Breakfast is included.
Also
Look out for statement design pieces by Mr Lam, formerly a furniture-maker. We loved the curved wooden staircases and the circular sun beds, positioned opposite each other so you can admire your companion as you sunbathe, instead of lying like canned fish in a row. The ‘spa’ is really two treatment rooms and a yoga/relaxation area: unwind with a massage or a spot of synchronized bendy stretching.
Fitness Center
Free Internet Access
Laundry
Room Service
Spa
At the Hotel
Gym, spa, yoga classes, free WiFi throughout, onsite parking, laundry service. In rooms: iPod dock, desk, minibar with snacks including Mars chocolate and Tiger beer, espresso machine.
Our Favourite Rooms
Don’t be deceived by the hotel’s modestly named rooms: All combine locally sourced natural materials Thanh Hoa granite stone, Bat Trang ceramic mosaics, and hand-made rattan furniture with a balcony, terrace or garden, meaning nobody goes home without enjoying stellar views of the surroundings. The river-view villas each have a big private pool and terrace overlooking the river: hours can trickle away here, lost in contemplation of the water world around you. If you want to be able to bag the best table for lunch, Sunset has direct access to the restaurant: when Raymond Blanc stayed, he kept popping into the kitchen next door.
Poolside
The large central pool is flanked by tropical gardens, wooden loungers, hanging lanterns and hot-pink bougainvillea.
Spa
With three treatment rooms, the spa offers a range of massages and couples treatments. There's a sauna, steam room, classes and coaching, too.
Packing Tips
To avoid going home decorated with bites, bring or buy insect repellent: the lushly beautiful river-perch makes the hum of mozzies inevitable.
Also
The hotel’s free speedboat service leaves District 1 Pier twice daily: 12pm and 2pm
Children
Little Smiths are welcome: under-fives stay free of charge and six to 11 year-olds stay for half price. Babysitting is available (from US$10 an hour); cots are free; extra beds are US$60 a night, and the chefs will tailor dishes to fussy palates.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
Bag one of the three tables along the river in the ‘Luc Binh corner’, overlooking the water and the Buddhist temple surrounded by palm trees on the other side of the river bank (lucky Smith members get first-dibs on one of these tables each evening).
Dress Code
Cool and Continental: shift dress and Chanel references (pearls, ballet flats) for her; chinos, linen and cologne for him.
Hotel Restaurant
Of course the main restaurant, Sen, surveys the river – they’d be mad not to capitalize on those views. It’s open-air on three sides, with crisp white linen and Vietnamese lanterns typifying the hotel’s fusion of French and Vietnamese elements. There are comfy rattan chairs with big cushions to sink into, perfect for long lazy breakfasts and even longer romantic dinners (start with gỏi cuốn, rice-paper rolls, and move on to succulent duck magret). Breakfast includes platters of fresh fruit, waffles and traditional rice, noodles or pho: fuel for days spent exploring Ho Chi Minh City or venturing to the Cu Chi tunnels.
Hotel Bar
Pick from the riverside champagne bar, the Cigar Lounge or the Chill Out Lounge: you’ll be well looked after and well refreshed at all three.
Last Orders
Sen Restaurant take orders until 9:30pm, poolside service for snacks and drinks is available until 6pm, and the bar stays up as late as guests do.
Room Service
Food is available from 6.30am; drinks are available 24 hours.
Planes
The most convenient airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 15 kilometres from the hotel (www.hochiminhcityairport.com). The airport has a domestic and an international terminal, and offers direct flights to 54 cities (including Melbourne, Singapore, Hong Kong and London). Return airport transfers can be arranged with the hotel; car pick up for two is $65, and van pickup for groups of three to 14 range from $70 to $80 a group. Let staff know your arrival times.
Trains
The closest train station is Saigon Railway, 16km from the hotel, serving Hanoi, Danang and other cities. Train services can be unreliable, so it might be best to hop on internal flights where possible.
Automobiles
Saigon, the closest major city, is a 30-minute drive away. There is free onsite parking at the hotel, but you're unlikely to need it: travelling round by car isn't recommended, due to the crazy congestion and erratic driving.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Ensure you’ll still be eating gỏi cuốn and pho when you’re back home, by taking a cookery class with the friendly hotel chefs. Staff can also arrange brilliant day trips by boat, exploring Saigon’s wonders: the Cu Chi Tunnels and the lush rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, for example. If you’re into golf, head to Twin Doves Golf Club: ask staff to arrange your visit.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
