7 Reasons Why I Loved Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel

29 June 2017 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

After an epic backpacking adventure around Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the city of Ho Chi Minh was our final destination. Touching down Ho Chi Minh felt bitter sweet; bitter because it meant that we would soon be going back home to the Philippines, and sweet because I had a feeling we had saved the best 'til last.

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and most chaotic city. I love the chaos here, though you need to be careful (and patient) when walking across the street! Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever and whenever they please and lots of street stands and market spill into the traffic lanes. It’s a city with a billion things happening at once. There is a lot of information here about the war, from the War Remnants Museum to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There’s a great historical museum here, though the English translation leaves a lot to be desired. The city has a lot to offer: wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. Because of all this, I was itching to see and experience it for myself.

Saving the best 'til last, it only made sense to find a base near the airport. This is why we decided to call Ibis Saigon Airport for 2 days and 1 night, as Part 1 of our South East Asia project. After all the adventure, adrenaline and endless modes of transport from airplanes to busses we had crammed into the previous 2 weeks, we couldn't have chosen a more idyllic place to unwind before the long journey back to the Philippines. Here are 7 reasons why I loved Ibis Saigon Airport...

1. The Contemporary Design


Ibis Saigon Airport is not your average airport hotel, it is a contemporary hotel with a huge dose of wow, meaning the ceilings are high, the rooms are grand without being pretentious, and there are characterful original features in every corner of the building throughout. The lobby looked bright, inviting and sumptuously decorated. I loved the quirky details, such as the super-stretched lobby chairs, internet lounge area, the staircase that dominated the whole lobby, and the huge lighting work that is perfectly fitted high up above the ceiling - shifting myriad of colors from blue, pink, purple, and to green - which made everything look very luxurious. They added a lovely dose of character and a nice balance between classic and contemporary.


2. The Cozy Room


My room is a standard room that was located on the 9th floor of the hotel, which meant it came with incredible views overlooking Saigon. To my left, I could see the Tan Son Nhat runway, and to my right were buildings and houses of different shapes and sizes. The room has two single beds - heavenly like cloud beds.

The room is equipped with a 42-inched LCD TV, mini fridge, a safe box, and a tea and coffee making facility. The bathroom was equally as cute and the amazing rain shower was perfect after a long day out the sun. A plate full of fruits added a personal touch and definitely didn't go unappreciated.


Price: Standard Rooms start at around $50. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.

3. The Hub & The Pool In The Sky


An un-doubtable talking point of Ibis Saigon is the stunning rooftop pool and rooftop bar - an open air rooftop bar and magnificent rooftop pool with epic views of the whole Ho Chi Minh city, including the Tan Son Nhat runway. Scattered with sun loungers and luscious green plants are beautifully lined along the pool. Ibis Saigon's rooftop is definitely a gorgeous place to relax, especially when the sun is shining. Out here you can order snacks, cocktails, beer, or almost anything that floats your boat from the bar. At night time, the pool is beautifully lit in blue and is a beautiful extension to the bar. Imagine wading on its cool waters while watching the planes go by.


The Hub Bar also comes alive at night. Here you can take advantage of "The Hub Bar Happy Hour", where you can buy 1 draft beer and get 1 free from 5pm until 8pm everyday, a perfect timing to watch the sun go down as you sip your poison of choice. As we only get to experience the rooftop once, the skies were dramatic - you get a spectacular view of the city at night and it meant that it is a perfect way to kick off your evening. I think it's one of the most unique rooftops in Saigon.


4. The Starbucks


On our first and final morning of our stay at Saigonr, I was not able to join Lee and Mhae in exploring the city, I opted to stay at the hotel and get to enjoy a late leisurely break at Ibis Saigon's very own Starbucks. I perused the menu but knew there was only one clear winner; the Matcha Frappucino in Venti. I found myself a spot at the internet lounge just next to the Starbucks area while enjoying my drink. I'm struggling to remember a place where I've had a better Matcha Frappucino, but clearly the Starbucks at Ibis Saigon was impeccable.


5. The Free Airport Transfer Service


What makes Ibis Saigon one of my favorite airport hotel in the world is that they offer airport transfer service for FREE! Even if you are coming from the airport to the hotel or vice versa, you don't have to worry - totally hassle-free!

6. The Location


Ibis Saigon Airport is located in the dynamic Tan Binh District and the walk from Ibis to its neighborhood department store took only 2 minutes less and made me appreciate how amazingly located the hotel is. As well as being nestled near the airport, it's also an 8-10 minutes walk to Saigon Superbowl - if you want to have some fun bowling with family and friends. The Gia Dinh Park, considered as the lungs of the city, is only just a short stroll away too; and as you get deeper into the park and you'll find it gets more interesting. Winding pathways lined with bamboo lead through well-tended lawns, and frangipani trees fill the air with their bewitching scent. If you want to take the walking tour further, the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and the Southern Vietnam Women Museum is just 30-50 minutes walk from the hotel. It's the best of both worlds.

Whether you are arriving late or leaving early, there is no need to negotiate Saigon's notoriously bad traffic when you pick a room at Ibis Saigon near Tan Son Nhat Airport, meaning you won’t have to set your alarm early or get stuck in a bumper to bumper traffic jam! What’s more, for those that do have time to head into the city center, it's just a stone throw away from the hotel in just minutes.

7. The Great Team & The Overall Experience


It was my first time staying at Ibis Saigon Airport and I absolutely loved this hotel. From the location, to the staff, to the roof top pool, my expectations were exceeded with every element of this hotel stay. Whether you're looking for a pit stop that will not fail you as a part of a longer stay or in need of a short stay. Aside from the 24 hour reception, Ibis Saigon also offers 24 hour food and beverage services. Ibis Saigon Airport is by far the best airport hotel in Ho Chi Minh - an ideal choice for those not only wanting to save time, but also wanting to avoid any unnecessary stress having to rush in and out of the city before catching a flight. We only got to stay here for 1 night, but it made the perfect base for our last destination. Thank you so much to Mr. Oreste, Ibis Saigon's General Manager, and to all the staff involved in our stay.

Perfect for; a short stay in Ho Chi Minh City near the airport. Also a great option if you're looking to stay for a longer time, with an array of studio to apartment types to choose from. Ibis Saigon Airport also offers family room with bunk beds, an ideal choice for a family with small children.

Oh, did you know? Ibis Saigon Airport is the only International Economy hotel in Tan Son Nhat airport area.

Book your stay at Ibis Saigon Airport: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor

What did you think of my stay at Ibis Saigon Airport? Have you visited this hotel before or are you considering a stay? If you enjoyed this post or have any questions about the hotel, please leave me a comment below x

Want to read more about Vietnam? Check out my Vietnam category page and browse more posts!

IBIS SAIGON AIRPORT
2 Hong Ha Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
www.ibis.com

Disclaimer: My stay at Ibis Saigon Airport was complimentary in exchange for this hotel review. All views expressed are genuine and my own.

8 comments

  1. Awesome review and quality images makes me feel like I was staying there too! Airport hotels always useful for crazy flight times!

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    1. Agree with you. Plus, you don't need to worry about getting late for your flight. It really does make a good one last night stay.

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  2. I was in Saigon a few years ago and chose a hotel more in the city center. Not nearly as nice as yours and constant horns all night long. Wish I had seen the post a little sooner.

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    1. It was really nice and clean. It doesn't feel like a budget hotel at all.

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  3. Wow.. Must've been quite an experience. The design has such fun elements to it. I love the deck by the pool. Cheers!!

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    1. It was a great experience indeed. Oh, the skydeck pool is to die for; and a must to experience.

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  4. Great post.
    Never made it to HCMC. Thought Hanoi was the most chaotic city!!!

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  5. Seems like a good place to stay in Saigon :D

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