Park Hyatt Saigon

The only thing keeping the Park Hyatt Saigon off the list of historic Ho Chi Minh City landmarks is the fact that it’s a modern building. But give it time. Not only is it already by a long way the top hotel in town, but its classic colonial-style facade fits seamlessly into the city’s central Lam Son Square, as though it had always been there.

When you see a chain’s name over a hotel’s door you generally know what to expect, for better or worse — in this case it’s for the better, as the Park Hyatt can be counted on to deliver subtly stylish modern-classic interiors, along with first-class facilities, and in-room amenities that are state of the art. Nods to French-era Saigon abound, from the understated to the explicit: there are period details in the décor, and the walls are hung with black-and-white photos of the city.

In-depth renovations have substantially enhanced the physical comforts of the place. There’s room here for a top-end spa and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a landscaped garden, and two restaurants: Square One is authentic modern Vietnamese and Opera is an impressive Italian trattoria.