Hotel Review: Hilton Saigon (Executive Room) - Beautiful Property in the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City
The Hilton Saigon has been one of the more anticipated openings in Ho Chi Minh City, and it certainly feels like Hilton wanted to make a statement with this property. It is sleek, modern, and safely positioned within District 1 where most business and leisure travellers end up anyway. I checked in as a Hilton Honors Gold member and was upgraded to an Executive Room - always a nice start to any stay, even if the programme has become slightly stingier over the years.
Walk-in Wardrobe
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
I arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) on Qatar Airways from the now-defunct Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) - one of those quirky fifth freedom hops that never lose their charm. I checked in to the Hilton Saigon as a Hilton Honors Gold member and genuinely did not expect an upgrade to an Executive Room, so it was a welcome surprise. It also meant I could experience the Executive Lounge, which normally requires a rather hefty supplement
Bedroom
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
By the time I reached the Hilton Saigon, the sun had already checked out for the day, so I photographed the room exactly as it was. This means most of the shots are noticeably darker than my usual work, but at least they capture the space in its untouched state. The Executive Room carries the familiar Hilton design language but with sharper lines and a noticeably more premium finish. The layout is functional rather than flamboyant, and the materials feel fresh, something I cannot say for many Hiltons around the region. The bed is genuinely comfortable, the blackout curtains work, and the air-conditioning is perfect - all the things you appreciate in a city where humidity wins most battles.
Bedroom
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
The Hilton Saigon is easily one of the pricier chain hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, yet despite being “just” a Hilton, the interiors are impressively polished. The furnishings feel premium, the lighting is wonderfully moody, and the room offers enough cosy corners to unwind while watching the city drift by.
Gold Member Welcome Amenity
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
As a welcome amenity, I received a packet of cashew nuts (which Vietnam is actually known for) and a welcome card - simple touches, but appreciated nonetheless.
View from Room
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
My room at the Hilton Saigon faced the Saigon River, offering a surprisingly serene vantage point over one of the busiest districts in the city. From above, you can spot the steady stream of boats cutting across the water, the low-slung warehouses around the port, and the broader sprawl just across the river. Having stayed at Le Méridien Saigon previously, I can confidently say the Hilton Saigon offers far superior soundproofing. Street noise is reduced to a faint murmur at most, and most of the time you barely register it at all. This sense of peace and the expansive view is the kind of outlook that reminds you Ho Chi Minh City can be calm when you are high enough above the noise.
King-size Bed
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
My room at the Hilton Saigon came with a very comfortable king-size bed, flanked by modern conveniences that made the stay genuinely effortless. Power outlets are positioned right beside the bed, and every light in the room can be controlled from the bedside panel, so there is absolutely no need to get up once you’ve settled in. It’s a small detail, but one that always makes a room feel far more thoughtfully designed.
Nespresso Coffee Machine
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
Complimentary bottled water is provided in the room along with a Nespresso machine, and while Executive Lounge access means you can wander in for a coffee at any time, I still prefer the convenience of brewing a cup without leaving the room. It is one of those small luxuries that makes a big difference, especially in the mornings. TWG teabags are also available, which is a nice upgrade from the generic blends many hotels still insist on. The minibar area is neatly arranged, everything feels intentionally placed, and it all adds to that quiet sense of comfort the room does so well.
Bathroom
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
The bathroom of the Hilton Saigon is wrapped in sleek marble and is easily one of my favourite features of the room. It comes with a standalone bathtub and a separate shower, both generously sized, and the entire space is bright, airy, and beautifully lit throughout the day. There’s also a magic glass panel that frosts over at the touch of a button - a crucial bit of privacy if you’re sharing the room or simply prefer not to be on display.
Bathroom
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
The bathroom also features a single vanity with a bulk-size pump bottle of handwash in place of the usual bar soap. Essential amenities like a razor, toothbrush, and other disposable items are also provided. While many hotels have phased these out in the name of sustainability, it’s still incredibly helpful for travellers who inevitably forget to pack something.
Bath Amenities
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
In line with Hilton’s global standards, the bath amenities at Hilton Saigon are from Crabtree & Evelyn, presented in bulk-size bottles mounted neatly in the shower. The shower setup is also more refined than usual, with both the handheld and rain shower activated by push-button controls rather than the typical dials - a small upgrade, but one that makes the whole experience feel more modern and intuitive.
Breakfast
The Strand - Hilton Saigon
Breakfast is served at The Strand, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. During my stay, breakfast was not available at the Executive Lounge - it only opens from 1 pm - but The Strand turned out to be a pleasant alternative. While the spread is not as extensive as Park Hyatt Saigon's, which still holds the crown for the best breakfast in the city in my book, the Hilton Saigon is also priced roughly half as much as the Park Hyatt Saigon, so the comparison is hardly fair.
Breakfast
The Strand - Hilton Saigon
The Strand at Hilton Saigon is bright, contemporary, and comfortably spaced, with a polished brasserie-style aesthetic that feels both casual and refined. The buffet is thoughtfully laid out, with live stations, a good selection of Vietnamese staples, and an emphasis on quality over sheer volume. Service is warm and efficient, and the dining room has enough natural light to make even the simplest dishes look photogenic.
As with most good hotels in Vietnam, you can order Vietnamese coffee directly from the menu and it comes with that familiar, unmistakable punch. A bowl of phở in the morning is always a dependable way to start the day, and The Strand delivers a satisfying version. Beyond the standard continental offerings, there’s a strong selection of proteins and a variety of local dishes - ideal for travellers who want to explore Vietnamese flavours but are too risk-adverse to do so outside of the hotel.
Air-conditioning
Executive Room - Hilton Saigon
After breakfast, I returned to my room and discovered that the air-conditioning bottoms out at 20°C. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely noticeable if you prefer to sleep in an icebox, as I do. The system also resets to a higher temperature whenever the room is unoccupied, so you inevitably come back to a warm room after heading out. It isn’t the most pleasant welcome, but I understand the energy-saving logic behind it.
Fitness Centre
Hilton Saigon
The fitness centre at Hilton Saigon is on the same level as the pool and is surprisingly well-designed. It isn’t huge, but it’s equipped with the latest machines and feels modern throughout. The only slightly odd detail is that it looks directly out onto the pool, which can be slightly strange.
Fitness Centre
Hilton Saigon
There are three treadmills in the gym and they tend to fill up quickly in the morning. I also like that the cardio machines are slightly separated from the resistance and weight area - a small layout choice that helps everyone focus better.
Fitness Centre
Hilton Saigon
The space was spotless during my visit, and a staff member popped in regularly to reset and wipe down the equipment, which kept the gym looking consistently tidy and well maintained.
Seating Area
Executive Lounge - Hilton Saigon
The Executive Lounge at Hilton Saigon is easily the crown jewel of the property. The space is beautifully designed, and the evening spread is surprisingly strong, with fresh prawns and a respectable selection of wines, including sparkling. I stopped by in the afternoon for a coffee and found it a comfortable spot to get some work done, but the lounge fills up quickly in the evenings - no surprise given the quality of the offering.
Evening Cocktails and Canapes
Executive Lounge - Hilton Saigon
The prawns appeared every evening and seem to be a permanent fixture of the cocktail offering - plump, fresh, and far better than what most lounges attempt. The hot dishes rotated throughout my three-night stay, which kept things interesting.
I also appreciated the balance between international items and local Vietnamese options, though the selection does lean more towards an international palate overall.
For those who enjoy sparkling wine, the lounge at Hilton Saigon serves a perfectly drinkable prosecco. It’s not Champagne, of course, but I appreciate that the bottles are properly chilled and replenished promptly. The staff are also proactive about offering refills, which is a thoughtful touch especially if you’re travelling solo.
Evening Cocktails and Canapes
Executive Lounge - Hilton Saigon
Desserts in the Executive Lounge also don’t feel like an afterthought. There’s a generous selection of cakes, snacks, and macarons each evening, and they change daily, which keeps things interesting. Fresh fruit is also available for those who prefer something lighter which is a nice balance to the otherwise indulgent spread.
Hotel Lobby
Hilton Saigon
Overall, the Hilton Saigon delivers a well-balanced blend of comfort, polish, and practicality, elevated further by a genuinely impressive Executive Lounge. The hardware is modern, the rooms are thoughtfully designed, and service is consistently warm without being intrusive. It may not have the heritage charm of some of its competitors (e.g. Park Hyatt Saigon) or the sheer opulence of the city’s top-tier properties, but it gets the fundamentals right and then some. For travellers seeking a luxurious escape in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (especially those with Hilton Honors status), it is an easy property to recommend.
Hilton Saigon
11 Công trường Mê Linh, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
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