Rooms

Spread across 3 floors, the 23 spacious rooms are linked by stairs but no lift. All are different, but you can expect muted colours, gliding curtains and beautiful dark-wood floors. Local artwork and monochrome prints of Vietnam life give a sense of place. Mattresses are exceptionally comfortable, pillows plump and bed linen crisp.

Starting at the top, luxurious suites are elegant with four-poster beds and river views. For a real treat, the Villa Suite and Sanctuary Suite have private balconies. Even more decadent, the Imperial Suite has 2.

Of the double rooms, the Sanctuary River Room was beautiful and had the best river views. The single Writer’s Rooms are compact but practical for solo travellers. We stayed in Villa Room, which we felt was a good size and had lovely views of the pool. If you prefer high ceilings and rooms filled with light, request a top-floor room.

Bathrooms, although dimly lit, are the best of traditional-modern. All have top toiletries and showers; the suites have oversized tubs as well.

Complimentary minibars come stocked with fresh fruit, wine, beer and juice. The Suites come with additional Nespresso machines and Apple TV's. Cakes and pastries are part of the turndown service - a nice touch.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is à la carte and delicious. We enjoyed the mix of Western, Asian and Vietnamese dishes, from banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) and exotic fruits to croissants, baguettes, and eggs every which way.

The lunch menu follows swiftly and continues to be available throughout the afternoon. There's a huge choice of soups, salads, pizzas, pastas, risottos, seafood and meats from the grill. Gluten-free? No problem. Vegan? Tuck into fried patties with spicy tomato sauce. If you have a sweet tooth, the lemongrass jelly with lime sorbet comes in for praise.

Dinner is a sophisticated affair and the riverside setting is romantic, whether you’re in the glass-walled bistro or under the swaying palms. When the hotel is all lit up with fairy lights and the grand piano’s playing, it feels a world away from the big bad city. The wide menu has a Western slant; it’s a tad expensive but you’re paying for the setting. We shared a Vietnamese platter (Pomelo salad, prawn mousse, deep fried seafood roll and beef in betel leaf) followed by an amazing cinnamon roasted duck breast served on an (underwhelming) sweet potato rosti, with jackfruit salad and ginger sauce. Cocktails included Watermelon Martinis and the wines were global.

The local area is popular with expats and the hotel can provide a list of recommended restaurants within walking or taxi distance. Of course, there's also endless choice in the city centre.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• A private speedboat leaves the jetty for District 1 six times a day (9am to 7pm). In 15 minutes you can be on Cầu Mống Pier and within walking distance of all Saigon has to offer
  
• This dazzling modern metropolis was once French owned. Start with a stroll down the central boulevards and pick up the architectural legacy. Past the old City Hall, and the statue of Ho Chi Minh, is Paris Square, dominated by the twin spires of Notre Dame. Opposite is the Post Office, designed by Gustaf Eiffel. West is the Opera House; book into a show
  
• Meet the tank that crashed through the gates of Reunification Palace on 30 April 1975 - signifying the end of the war and the fall of Saigon
  
• Don’t miss Ben Thanh market on Le Loi, which teems with handicraft and souvenir sellers by day and food vendors by night. Or grab a fashionable bite at L’Usine, tucked down an alley and loved for its European/Asian fusion dishes
  
• Back at the hotel, chill out beside the river with a beer and watch the boats chug by, or stake out a spot by the glassy pool: the loungers are divine and the laps are long

Kids

Villa Song opens its doors to children of all ages and the team will bend over backwards to make you feel welcome.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

All but the Writer's Room can hold an extra bed or baby cot. Two of the Sanctuary River Rooms can interconnect with the Art Suites via a lounge. If you come with a stroller and a toddler, you may prefer a ground-floor room (no lifts).

Distances:

• Shops: 2 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Villa Song is located on the banks of the Saigon River, in District 2 of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The hotel provides regular free speedboat transfers to take you to the heart of the city (a 15-minute journey).

By Air:
Many international airlines fly into Saigon aka Ho Chi Minh aka Tan Son Nhat International (11km). Click on the list below for a list.

From the Airport
We'd recommend arranging a transfer with the hotel. Taxis do operate from the airport, but much gets lost in translation and fares can double.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Vietnam and getting around