“We want our guests to be comfortable and happy, like at home”, is the mission of the Lotte Legend Hotel, says Mr Hugh, Marketing Manager. Lotte Legend is located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (or as the locals prefer, Saigon). 18 years old, the hotel is Legend by name and legendary by reputation, not to mention its fantastic location, right next to the Saigon River and in the heart of the tourist area, it is one of the very few, ‘truly’ five star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
On our arrival at Legend, gold framed glass doors open with welcoming Vietnamese smiles. The hotel lobby is an opulent sea of pink and cream marble with a water fountain centrepiece and two, magnificent, grand rearing black stallion statues which guard the bar and dining areas. The horses were a favourite and passion of the original Japanese owner of the hotel. Further legendary symbols like the stained glass zodiac motifs in the hotel’s blue and yellow ceiling and the gold phoenix next to the Chocolatier and Patissier display make this hotel unique in this busy, cosmopolitan Asian city.
When shown to our riverside room after a friendly and efficient check-in we did the important travellers test. The beds revealed a five star crisp, ‘white linen’ experience and the oversized pillows were completely seductive.
The bathroom was exceptionally clean with a washlet toilet (as found in most Japanese hotels). Later, to our pleasant surprise we found the toilet seat to be heated for that added comfort and just one of the little luxuries that makes this hotel stand out from the rest. The bathroom product range was extensive only to be exceeded by the large sumptuous white bath towels. The management here is very proud of its staff and the executive housekeeper, with good reason.
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- Crisp white, linen sheets and a spectacular view of the river.
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- The grand hotel foyer includes a collection of iconic statues and elaborate glass ceilings.
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- Breakfast dining are.
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- The buffet provides a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines.
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- Choose to laze by the pool and use the free wifi or get in some laps for daily exercise.
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- A well equipped, air-conditioned gym awaits the energetic and health conscious visitor.
Looking out to the panoramic view through the window of our 11th floor room we could see the energy and vitality of the city below. The road was filled with an army of motor bikes, cars and brave pedestrians testing their commitment to life as they tried their luck to cross the road.
We could almost reach out and touch the Saigon River. This river is no Venice of the East like the Chayo Prayer River in Bangkok, but still provides guests unique scenic value. Heavily laden barges slowly creep amongst the tourist dinner cruisers which have their party lights ablaze like a Hollywood set, while their passengers enjoy the neon accentuated views of Ho Chi Min City.
Next morning, the breakfast buffet, brimming with Asian and European choices, meant our perpetual diet would have to wait another day. The bright purple skinned dragonfruit with its white centre and studded with a profusion of tiny black seeds, added contrast to the array of other colourful tropical fruit selections such as bright orange papaya, a compote of yellow jackfruit, vibrant jumbo passionfruits and scarlet, sweet red watermelon.
The freshly carved, succulent gambon sat glistening under the light warmer next to the Asian soup bar where a small line of people selected the traditional Vietnamese Pho (beef noodle soup). Others chose such delights as the egg fried rice, fried noodles with vegetables, sea bass, pork medallions or visited the egg station to have eggs cooked to their personal taste. The bakery section was also a favourite with freshly-baked, crusty breads, croissants and pastries prepared daily in the hotel kitchens.
After breakfast a relax on the pool lounge beds was essential. Here we caught up on our emails using the hotel’s free Wi-Fi. Alternatively, hotel guests can relax with a soothing massage at Legend’s spa or use the hot tub and sauna facilities available. For the more fitness conscious there is a very well equipped modern gym.
The hotel’s pool is one of the biggest in any of the five star hotels in Saigon. Completely round and twenty meters in diameter, the crystal clear water is perfect for lap swimming or just floating around and cooling off in the sweltering mid morning sun.
Through the convenient rear entrance of the hotel you can easily make your way into the heart of District 1, the centre of Saigon. Within a short walking distance you will find a wide variety of shopping options such as Saigon Centre, Diamond Plaza and the ultra new Vincom high-end shopping complex. This is one of the largest shopping malls in Vietnam today and it has an excellent underground food court. Also close by are many historic buildings such as the city’s Opera House, Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the famous Rex Hotel and the Bitexco Financial Tower with its 49th storey sky observation deck.
Lotte Legend is now Korean managed and, although currently renowned as a popular business hotel, is trying hard to attract more of a tourist clientele in the future. A short walk to the centre of this bustling city and around the corner from Republic Lounge and Café, this is a great choice for discerning gay visitors who enjoy quality and comfort.
Facts
The Lotte Legend Hotel is 7 km or a 30-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Other dining options in the hotel include Crystal Jade Restaurant and Yoshino Japanese Restaurant.
2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Street
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam
Tel : (84-8) 3823 3333
Fax : (84-8) 3823 2333
Winner 2014 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
Winner of The Guide Awards 2009-10 For “It’s combination of natural beauty and sheer opulence offers the best option for the discerning traveler. A hotel of luxury and tranquility”.