Looking for a luxurious stay in Saigon? Look no further than Landmark 81. At a towering 470 meters, this building dwarfs the Empire State Building and soars over any structure in Australia. Join me on a humorous and insightful journey as we explore the ins and outs of this remarkable hotel.

The Check-in Experience

Checking in at Landmark 81 is an experience in itself. As soon as you arrive, friendly staff assist with your bags and guide you up the lifts to the lobby. The high ceilings and stunning chandelier display create a grand welcome. You’ll even be greeted with a complimentary cocktail upon check-in. If that cocktail tickles your fancy, head over to the Cloud Bar near the reception lifts for another round.

The Room

We stayed in room 6112, a corner room with spectacular views. The mini bar was pretty standard, though some snacks were wisely kept in the fridge to avoid the room’s heat. The bathroom was a bit on the small side, but the luxe finishes and additional toiletries, like a hairband and sewing kit, made up for it. The highlight? Playing around with the light system controlled by an iPad. There was also a coconut and chocolate on arrival and the drinking coconut had so much juice!

The views from the room were absolutely breathtaking, especially from the corner chair, perfect for horizon-watching. As I gazed out, I couldn’t help but wonder how they clean a building this tall.

The Lounge

The lounge exudes Vietnamese-French charm, with comfortable furnishings and a delectable spread of pastries and desserts in the middle. Hot food is served on the side, and the large bar area ensures you can enjoy a view from any seat. The best spot? The corner behind the bar, of course.

One of the highlights was the egg and pho stations. Now, I might get judged for this, but the beef pho we had in the hotel lounge was the best pho we had in Saigon. The broth had been stewing for so long, it had developed a rich, salty flavour that was simply amazing.

Breakfast

Breakfast at Landmark 81 offers a mix of Vietnamese and Western options, with a cold food and salad bar on one side and hot food on the other. The chef bar featured pho, and once again, this was the best pho we had in Saigon, even better than Pho Vietnam. My “bastardised banh mi” was a quirky creation I’ll never forget.

Evening Drinks

In the evening, the lounge serves a cocktail of the day along with snacks and other hot food. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring the city.

Buffet Breakfast

The buffet breakfast at Landmark 81 is a superstar spread of Asian cuisine. Various stations offer popular dishes like congee, banh mi, vermicelli rolls, eggs benedict, and charcuterie meats. Don’t miss the large bar area at the back that also serves fresh juices. While dining in a quieter area was nice, the buffet breakfast selection was so impressive that we chose to eat there most days.

Blanc

Blanc is a bar with tall windows and an industrial chic design, overlooking Saigon. Almost every seat in the bar offers a stunning view. The cute desserts, like the salted egg cheesecake, and the drinks with interesting flavors made our visit memorable.

Gym

The gym, located next to the pool, was smaller than expected. Since I mainly used the treadmill and mats, it was fine, but there wasn’t much space to stretch. People doing their stretches in front of gym equipment made it a bit awkward at times.

Pool

As with everything at Landmark 81, the pool is all about the views. The infinity pool overlooks Saigon, providing a breathtaking backdrop for a swim. The bar area at the back allows you to order drinks and food, adding to the luxurious experience.

Spa

The spa is a must-visit, with a choice of scents like lemongrass, lavender, and peppermint. We opted for a package that included a bath and massage, all overlooking the stunning cityscape of Saigon. Gorgeously decorated, the spa was the perfect way to end our trip before heading to the airport.

Hot tip: go to the spa early so you can use the locker rooms as well, where there’s a spa bath overlooking the city.

Conclusion

Staying at Landmark 81 was a luxurious and unforgettable experience. From the grand check-in to the breathtaking views, every aspect of the stay was meticulously designed for comfort and enjoyment. Whether it’s the incredible pho in the lounge, the infinity pool, or the relaxing spa, Landmark 81 is a top choice for anyone visiting Saigon. So, if you’re planning a trip, make sure to add this towering marvel to your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!

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