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[title]Ho Chi Minh is a charming city with great food, fantastic coffee and a bustling atmosphere that will leave even the most hardened of Hongkongers breathless. While the city’s central District 1 is where most of the action is, if you prefer to stay somewhere with more local charm then Windsor Plaza Hotel in neighbouring District 5 is a good choice. Nestled in the heart of the city’s Chinatown, the hotel is fitted with emblems of oriental opulence such as ornate marble-tiled floors that extend from the lobby to the lifts as well as gorgeous crystal chandeliers dotted throughout the property.
The rooms
The huge hotel complex houses 376 contemporary and spacious rooms and suites which offer panoramic views of Cho Lon, Saigon’s historic Chinatown. Every room is fitted with high definition smart TV and seamless WiFi that’s available for multiple devices. White marble panelling adds a touch of elegance to the bathroom with a deep tub so you can relax in style.
The facilities
Where do we even begin? Well, the restaurants alone are enough to get you tickled. First, there’s the Café Central An Dong that is one of the most impressive buffets in Ho Chi Minh city. Ngan Dinh is a restaurant that has the best seafood Vietnam can offer prepared in authentic Chinese-style cooking as well as Top of the Town that offers unobstructed panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City. Add to this a swimming pool on the rooftop, fitness centre and even a kids room for those travelling with the brood, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy on the hotel premises alone. If you want to take wander around Ho Chi Minh city there is a free shuttle bus that takes you to many of the city’s landmarks and other dining and entertainment precincts that also act as pick up point to take you back to the hotel.
The bottom line
Windsor Plaza Hotel is an unconventional choice when you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh after all, it’s not close to the city’s centre but on the other hand, there’s local charm aplenty on this side of town. With facilities abundant and a free shuttle service that can ferry you around town, this is a fantastic choice for the budget conscious traveller.
18 An Duong Vuong, Ward 4, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, +84 28 3833 6688; windsorplazahotel.com. Room rates start at $580 per night.