Posted by admin on June 28, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Info, Vietnam hotels | 
Windsor Plaza Saigon hotel (18 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, HCMC)
The Royal Wedding Fair at the Windsor Plaza Hotel will take place from July 8-10 with exhibitors that are available for free to the public. Every evening, a fashion show features stunning attire for brides, grooms and the entire wedding party with lucky draw prizes including diamond rings, wedding gowns and much more. Besides, hundreds of vouchers for various products and services will be given away to attendees. And
every guest who books their weddings there will enjoy 10% off.
New World Hotel Saigon (76 Le Lai Street, District 1, HCMC)
The fourth wedding fair that takes place on June 25 and 26 consists of a wedding exhibition in Ben Thanh Hall banquet room and the catwalk fashion show on June 26 in Mekong Ballroom. During the two-day wedding fair, the hotel offers special promotions for all weddings held before October this year besides joining a lucky draw with prizes such as a jewelry set, room and dinner vouchers, and more.
Life Heritage Resort Halong Bay
The resort in Ha Long Bay is offering brides and grooms-to-be a private wedding photo cruise in Ha Long Bay, including three hours aboard a heritage sailing junk manned by a personal crew, drinks and a light snack meal for four.
While on the cruise, couples will have their pick of prime photo opportunities within the bay, from the scenery at the Tuan Chau marina to panoramic sunset views from the upper deck. They will participate in a quarterly lucky draw, with the chance to win a 50% discount on a two-night honeymoon at the resort.
Posted by admin on April 21, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Info, Vietnam hotels |
To many, Easter Sunday signifies the true beginning of spring and the renewal of nature and life. It is also a sacred day for the Christian faith and an occasion to celebrate with the city’s five-star hotels fighting it out for your presence on Sunday.
*Caravelle Saigon (17-19 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, tel: 38234999)
Guests are invited to try caviar, champagne, lobster and more than twenty different desserts at the Caravelle Hotel’s buffet brunch.
Seafood is always the big pull at Nineteen Restaurant, and Easter Sunday is no exception. Consume fresh lobster, tiger prawns, soft-shell crab, clams, mussels, snails and more cooked to order.
A huge salad bar, barbeque station with rack of lamb and imported beef tenderloin, choice of soups, lengthy list of appetizers and more traditional main courses like roast turkey, duck and rabbit will also help loosen a few belts.
The price is around VND1.1 million++ per person
*Park Hyatt Saigon (2 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, tel: 3824 1234)\
Easter Brunch will be offered in the Opera Restaurant from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, with a rich buffet set throughout the open kitchen. Brunch begins with a variety of starters including seafood on ice, artichoke crust, followed by savory Easter pie, fish and meat and assorted pizza from the wood-fired oven. More than ten dessert items will also be offered to finish brunch on a sweet note.
Easter eggs made of chocolate will be on sale.
Easter brunch is priced at VND1.1 million ++ per person with a free flow of Prosecco or VND1.7 million with a free flow of Champagne.
*Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon (8-15 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, tel: 3822 0033, ext. 2300)
The Renaissance is hoping to attract visitors with their alcohol choices in combination with Sunday Brunch at VND624,000++ per person or VND832,000++ per person (including a free flow of chilled vodka, wine, beer and soft drinks)
Dining Vouchers are accepted with food only. Dinning Club Members accepted. The brunch is available from noon to 3 p.m. at the Riverside Café on the hotel’s Ground Floor.
*Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers (88 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1, tel: 3827 2828)
Celebrate Easter Sunday with brunch at Saigon Café with all your favorites. Enjoy freshly chilled seafood including crabs, prawns and scampi, rack of lamb, the Sheraton’s famous grill station and splendid selection of desserts including baklava with chocolate and almonds and puff pastry filled with custard and raspberry.
*Windsor Plaza saigon (18 An Duong Vuong St., Dist. 5, tel: 3833 6688)
On Easter Sunday, the Café Central An Dong on level 4 of the hotel will feature an Easter brunch with traditional activities for children such as an Easter egg hunt and egg decorating. Additionally, classic Easter dishes, such as roast lamb, will be available.
To celebrate in style take in a superb dinner at TOTT Bar & Restaurant on level 25.
(Saigon times)
Posted by admin on February 10, 2011 under Vietnam Travel Info, Vietnam hotels |
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| A couple write their names on a heart-shaped cookie at the Valentines buffet at the Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon’s last year – Photo: Courtesy of the Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon |
For Valentine’s Day, impress your partner with romantic dining, accommodation and gifts in saigon hotel and some other hotel in the central.
Caravelle saigon (19 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 4999)
All afternoon on Valentine’s Day, the hotel’s Lobby Lounge will brew sweet nothings and a remarkable high tea. When the day wanes, both Nineteen and Reflections restaurants are set to prepare meals once enjoyed by Aphrodite herself. Each dinner comes complete with a flute of Mumm Champagne. Dinner at each of the restaurants costs nearly VND1.3 million++ while the high tea costs VND398,000++ per person.
Lobby Lounge & Restaurant Nineteen – Ground Floor – Caravelle Hotel
Reflections Restaurant – Third Floor – Caravelle Hotel
Duxton Saigon (93 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 2999)
Wine and dine your Valentine at the hotel’s The Grill Restaurant with romantic music by the Stroller Band, candlelit tables, heart-shape chocolates and flowers for the ladies. Valentine’s dinner buffet is priced at US$30++/person.
Mövenpick Hotel Saigon (253 Nguyen Van Troi St., Phu Nhuan Dist., tel: 3844 9222)
There will be romantic dinner menus at all the hotel’s restaurants.
The first 15 couples to book a table on this special day will receive a complimentary stay at the hotel’s brand new deluxe rooms. The price is at VND620,000++ per person including free flowing house wines, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Valentine’s dinner is available from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Legend Hotel Saigon (2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 3333)
For this cupid celebration, the hotel’s executive chef Romeo Bantiling and his team will prepare a sumptuous international buffet serving an array of fresh seafood and a lavish spread of gourmet dishes at the Atrium Café. Ladies will be surprised with a special gift attractively arranged by the chefs for the night. The Valentine’s Buffet is priced at VND500,000++ for lunch and VND960,000++ for dinner. Children from 6 to 12 are half price.
Deli Corner from Feb. 12-14 offers a range of delicious chocolates and heart-shaped cakes for you to take away.
Park Hyatt Hotel (2 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1234)
Create precious memories over a private dinner at Opera Restaurant with Italian dishes prepared by Chef Michele Gulizzi, including a bottle of champagne and a special Valentines Day chocolate. The price is VND3.7 million++ per couple. A distinctive evening for two at Square One Restaurant is another choice at the hotel.
Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel (8-15 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 0033)
The hotel’s Kabin Chinese Restaurant offers Valentine’s Day dinner with an eight-course “couple menu” and a bottle of sparkling wine while Poolside Terrace and Riverside Café have their own ways to delight couples. Also includes roses and chocolates during dining.
Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers (88 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1, tel: 3827.2828)
The hotel’s Signature Restaurant offers a delectable seven-course degustation in truly intimate ambiance while Libai Chinese Restaurant offers a romantic dinner with a traditional flair. Saigon Café and Mojo coffee shop have something special for guests.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza (17 Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1555)
Until Feb. 28, the hotel has the “Magnifique Romance” offer – a touch of French elegance to mark Valentine’s Day including a Valentine’s accommodation promotion, with double A/CLUB points, a bottle of champagne on ice and a romantic gift.
Windsor Plaza Saigon (18 An Duong Vuong St., Dist. 5, HCMC, tel: 3833 6688)
Sit down together to a magnificent Valentine’s buffet dinner with over 170 Western dishes at Café Central An Dong plus a gift from an angel and delectable heart-shaped cookies to decorate and declare your love for each other. The buffet price is only VND350,000++ per person. Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant’s chefs will prepare special dishes for one evening only on Valentine’s Day, including two glasses of wine and live music for around VND1.2 million++ per couple. TTOT Bar & Restaurant on level 25 also offers a lavish multi-course set menu for only VND550,000++ per person.
Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort & Spa (Hon Tre Island, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, tel: 058 3590 611)
There will be a special program named “A moment of love – Speak for love” on Valentine’s Day featuring special buffets from Asian to Western cuisines for guests at Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort & Spa. The resort will be transformed into a paradise of multicolored flowers from the bedroom to dining table. Guests will receive a chocolate box from the resort to make their Valentine’s Day sweeter.
Saigon Domaine Luxury Residences (1057 Binh Quoi, Ward 28, Binh Thanh Dist., tel: 3556 6163)
This Valentine’s weekend, Saigon Domaine, a luxury serviced residence complex on the banks of the Saigon River on Thanh Da Island offers a special package. Guests who book a four-night stay (Feb. 11 -15) will get a special low rate of US$169 per night, with the fourth night for free. The package also includes a bottle of chilled champagne and fresh flowers in the room upon arrival.
The chef’s special Western set menu in the intimate al fresco setting of the River Garden is just US$19++ per person, and don’t miss the 25% discount off a romantic moonlight Thanh Da island boat tour.
Posted by admin on December 30, 2010 under Vietnam Travel Info |
The festive season is a time to celebrate and make merry with family and friends. This year, the two important holidays, Christmas and New Year fall on the weekend so people have more time to relax and enjoy entertainment and dining with family and friends. In the Daily’s issues on Dec. 10 & 17, TravelLiving features Chritsmas and New Year programs of hotels and tourist areas under the management of Saigontourist. Here are some more interesting venues for you to choose for your holidays.
ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES
*September 23 Park in HCMC’s District 1:
The fifth “Tastes of the World” festival will take place from Dec. 26 until Jan. 2 in the park with 60 booths from 24 countries. Apart from honoring local and international cuisines, the festival features a bartender contest, a ceremony to set Vietnam’s record for the biggest banh xeo (pancake), and a cooking contest with celebrities. Delegations from the Republic of Korea, Russia, Germany and Vietnam will perform traditional dances and folk songs in their national costumes. Youth Advertising Company.
*Dai Nam tourist area in Binh Duong Province:
The tourist area will launch a 20-minute science movie projected onto a dome screen. The dome movie theater is a combination of film making technologies, an 18m diameter dome a surround stereo system with 18 speakers and six projectors. The theater which seats 200 will screen a nature movie. The tourist area will organize a fireworks display on New Years Day Jan. 1.
*Suoi Tien Theme Park in HCMC’s District 9:
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| The children choir at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Caravelle Hotel Saigon – Photo: Courtesy of the Caravelle Hotel Saigon |
For Christmas, Suoi Tien will be transformed into snowy mountains and forests with Santa Claus riding his reindeer sleigh as angels and a snow princess give gifts to children.
An ornament festival will be held from today until Jan. 1 featuring 60 booths from cities and provinces nationwide. Some contests on bonsai, orchids, ornamental fish and dogs will be held.
*Dam Sen Cultural Park in HCMC’s District 11:
The park will launch a special “Sweet Noel & New Year” program from Dec. 24 until Jan. 2. A new drama for children named “Vi than may man’ (A lucky genie) produced by Idécaf will stage for four days Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. A hip-hop battle called “Red Lotus 2011” featuring break-dance, Deejay, Rap, Graffiti, Beatbox by Vietnamese dance groups and a judging panel from Thailand will be organized all day Jan. 1 at the musical fountain stage from 7am to 6pm. An ice sculpture show featuring images of the world wonders including Vietnam’s One-Pillar Pagoda, Thailand’s Golden Pagoda, Lao Pagoda, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Champs-Élysées and the Leaning Tower of Pisa is on display until next September.
*Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden (2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, HCMC)
On Dec 24 and 25, the central Youth Union in conjunction with Yeah1 TV will hold the Yeah1 Wonderland festival. The festival lineup includes a Hip Hop Supernova contest for hip hop and break dance groups, a cosplay show, a carnival, a street parade with performance art, musicians and dancers and a swapping festival.
*The Canal Area of Phu My Hung Urban Zone in HCMC’s District 7:
The Canal Area will be decorated in the Christmas theme with images of Santa Claus and the reindeer sleigh, the Snow Queen, dwarfs and penguins until Dec. 26.
DINING OUT
*Caravelle saigon(17 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 4999)
On Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1, the hotel’s Nineteen Restaurant and Reflection Restaurant will serve buffet lunch and buffet dinner with a live jazz quartet. Price is VND998,000++ to VND2.1 million++. At the Saigon Saigon Bar, there’s a countdown dance party with live entertainment featuring Cuban band Luna Negra for VND800,000++.
*Duxton Hotel Saigon (93 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 2999)
Celebrate this festive season at The Grill and earn a Duxton Cash Voucher from our Festive Point Program. Christmas & New Year Eve Buffet Dinner: US$59++/person (Dec. 24 & Dec. 31), Christmas & New Year Day Buffet Lunch: US$25++/person (Dec. 25 & Jan. 1) and Christmas & New Year Day Buffet Dinner: US$38++/person (Dec. 25 & Jan. 1).
*Legend Hotel Saigon (2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 3333)
Enjoy Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with a gala dinner buffet, novelties, variety entertainment, and live performance by the Essence Band at the hotel’s Pool Side. At the Atrium Café, Santa will give gifts to your kids. A midnight toast with a glass of sparkling at the New Year’s Eve countdown with a balloon drop and guitar & violin duo will make the start of 2011 memorable.
*Equatorial hotel ho chi minh (242 Tran Binh Trong St., Dist. 5, HCMC, tel: 3839 7777)
Festive activities include carol singing, a Christmas bazaar and festive dishes at the Orientica and Chit Chat at the Café restaurants. The two restaurants present glorious menus of festive cuisines. Party on New Year’s Eve with sizzling menus, exciting entertainment, a lucky draw and the official countdown.
*InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel (corner of Le Duan Blvd. and Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3520 9999)
The Christmas Royal Afternoon Tea at The Library lounge, some Italian home-style delights at Basilico, and a lunch or dinner at Market 39 with special Christmas treats are some highlights. At the Spa InterContinental, a “Get Your Glow Back” package has been created.
*Mövenpick Hotel Saigon and Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi:
At both saigon hotel and Hanoi are launching special brunches and buffets to celebrate the holidays. In HCM City, Santa Claus will be hading out Christmas gifts to the kids in the lobby. In Hanoi, special Christmas activities will be available to children in the playroom. Gift Hampers are also available at the two hotels.
*Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon (2 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1234)
A variety of menus have been created by the hotel’s celebrated chefs at the two award-winning restaurants, Opera and Square One, especially for Christmas and the New Year from VND1.5 million++ to VND2.7 million++. To welcome in 2011 and party in style, customers can revel at 2 Lam Son bar with the savvy Saigon crowd and guest DJ till 2 a.m.
*Ramana Hotel Saigon (323 Le Van Sy St., Dist. 3, HCMC, tel: 3843 9999)
Be entertained by live dance and choir music, a lucky draw, gifts for kids from Santa Claus and a Gala Buffet Dinner at The Café with more than 90 mouthwatering dishes for US$30++ for adults, half price for kids under 10. New Year’s Eve will have live music, lucky draw and a free glass of champagne for the countdown – only US$35 for adults, half price for kids under 10. The hotel offers its Year-End party package for only USD$16++ per person. Customers are offered a choice of menus, standard festive decorations with lighting and sound system, dance floor and one festive banner.
*Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon (8-15 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 0033)
Festive specialties prepared hot at live cooking stations are served at Riverside Café while Kabin Chinese Restaurant offers promotions at its private dining rooms during the season. At the 21st Poolside Terrace, there is a festive BBQ and live music. Kid corners are available to keep your kids entertained while gifts from Santa Claus will complete the little guests’ wishes for the night. For the New Year countdown, thousands of balloons drop at the crack of the New Year. You can pop the balloons to discover your prizes.
*Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers (88 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3827.2828)
The Gingerbread House is offering a wide range of gifts for guests to buy from a chocolate Santa Claus to a gingerbread snow man and Christmas yule logs. Christmas at Saigon Café has carol singers and gifts from Santa Claus for the children besides festive dishes. At New Years Eve, there is the countdown party at the Night Spot bar.
*Sofitel Saigon Plaza (17 Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1555)
On Dec 24, Café Rivoli serves a delightful Christmas Eve buffet dinner with a traditional five-course set menu and a glass of Taittinger Champaign and unlimited Bordeaux wines at VND1.6 million++ per person. An enticing New Year’s Eve dinner buffet awaits you at Café Rivoli to feast for this festive night with a selection of fine French wines on free flow at VND 1,800,000++ per person. Then, indulge yourself with a “Magnifique” lobster brunch, for Jan. 1, with a wide range of desserts at VND900,000++ per person.
*Windsor plaza Saigon(18 An Duong Vuong St., Dist. 5, HCMC, tel: 3833 6688)
The Windsor Plaza Hotel is also serving up special holiday fare at the three award-winning in-house dining establishments. Café Central An Dong will host special Holiday brunch and dinner buffets on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. Dinner buffets feature two free glasses of wine or beer.
For a more traditional Eastern take on the Holidays, Ngan Dinh Restaurant, on the hotel’s fifth floor will serve a classic eight-course menu with a bottle of imported red wine on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. While the TOTT Bar & Restaurant, located on the 25th floor, is where to enjoy the scenery and the sumptuous cuisine with two glasses of wine or beer on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
*Lion Restaurant (11-13 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 8514)
Buffet parties will take place at the restaurant from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the nights of Dec 24 & 31, with more than 40 dishes. The parties will rock along with Filipino singers, a Christmas choir, circus and magic performances, games, dances and comedy performances for the New Year’s Eve. Participants will get gifts from Santa Claus and take part in a lucky draw. Ticket prices are VND579,000 for adults and VND379,000 for children.
*Victoria Hoi an Resort (Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province): There will be a traditional Christmas food program for guests, accompanied with a music performance by the hotel staff choir.
*Golden Sand Resort Hoi an (Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, tel: (0510) 3927 555): The Christmas celebration will start from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on December 24 with a party, Filipino band and lucky draw. Tickets are US$48 per adult and US$28 per child, free for kids under six.
*Furama Resort Danang (68 Ho Xuan Huong Street, Bac My AN, Danang City, tel: (0511) 3847 333): Enjoy music and dance performances and admire the flower with light displays. The resort also offers tours to heritages sites, martial arts on the beach and sport coaching for children such as tennis, flying kites and dragon dances.
*Silver Shores Hotel and Resort (8 Son Tra Dien Ngoc Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang City, tel: (0511) 3818 888): The hotel will prepare a buffet with Asian dishes such as sashimi, Vietnamese soup, steamed shrimp with chili sauce, Thai duck curry and salads.
Other Christmas promotions include rooms for US$185-US$245 per night, including buffet breakfast, Xmas and New Year parties, and half price for the fourth night.
For New Year celebrations in Hoi An, visitors can enjoy the New Year’s Eve countdown at Hoai River with activities such as a dan tranh (16-chord zither) solo performance, dragon dances, rock and Aspara dance shows. The program starts 7 p.m. on December 31 to 2 a.m. January 1.
Posted by admin on December 27, 2010 under Vietnam Travel Info, Vietnam hotels, Vietnam tours |
HCMC, the country’s biggest tourism centre, will need to build around 6,000 three- to five-star hotel rooms by 2015 to meet the rising demand of MICE guests, according to a report.
The city received 2.6 million foreign visitors last year and the figure was earlier forecast to rise to over 2.8 million this year but the actual number might be around 3.1 million.
Given that growth rate, the Hotel Division of the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has forecast growth of international arrivals in 2009-2015 would be 15% per year to reach over 3.9 million visitors by 2015. Around 988,000 of the visitors will come for business purposes.
The hotel division said at a meeting early this week, “The three- to five-star hotel rooms make up around 24% of the total rooms, so they are not enough to serve to big MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) groups.”
The city now has 785 hotels with over 24,000 guest rooms, including 68 three- to five-star hotels with nearly 9,300 rooms.
HCMC, according to the division, has around 200 meeting rooms measuring a total of 28,000 square meters. Almost all of the rooms are at the standard hotels, and the rest at convention centres such as White Palace, and Saigon Exhibition And Convention Center.
As for the hotels, the Windsor saigon has the biggest number of meeting rooms, at 22 with a total area of 2,700 square meters, and its grand ballroom can seat 1,200 people.
The Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers has 13 meeting rooms covering a combined 1,500 square meters. The seating capacity of its grand ballroom is nearly 1,100 people.
MICE organisers often choose four- to five-star hotels for international conferences but the meeting rooms that meet requirements for such conferences are insufficient to meet the demand.
Rents for the meeting rooms at the five-star hotels vary depending on locations. The 1,000-seat-plus ballroom at the five-star hotels in the downtown area costs US$13,500 per day but the rent is a mere US$3,600 for five-star hotels far from the city centre.
For the same downtown location, the rents may also be different. A five-star hotel may charge a 700-seat meeting room at US$3,000 while another five-star hotel may demand US$6,800 for a 500-seat meeting room.
Source: SaigonTimes Online
