Not up to par for Renaissance

Stayed at the Renaissance Riverside after reading the reviews on TripAdvisor. Maybe my experience was just a fluke, but I was not impressed with the hotel. I booked a club level/city view room on Expedia for $110 plus tax, and upon check-in, everything seemed to be going okay. Then there was apparently a problem, so they asked us to wait, and offered us a complimentary drink -- very nice so far. But then they preceeded to ask me if I wanted a riverview room for $10 more, I said no, and they were obviously confused about what to do. We tried to order our welcome drink (a vodka & sprite), but were then firmly told that we could only have a straight drink, with no mixer. So we could have a sprite or a vodka, but not mixed. This seemed rather odd to me, but as our room was finally ready, we asked that two vodkas be delivered to our room. Getting to the elevator, we tried to access the club floor (which you need a key), but our keys had not been programmed. I had to go back again and get them to program them. Finally got to the room, which was spacious, but nothing special. Decor a little dated -- the king size bed was actually two twins placed side by side (not uncommon in Asia I guess). I have stayed at much nicer rooms at the Renaissance chain. I took advantage of the complimentary club room to get a 7up for vodkas. The club room had some problems that day (it appeared to be flooded, and the rugs were wet and being dried). We returned later for afternoon complimentary cocktails and snacks (cocktails were good, snacks were not), and the floor seemed to be dry. While we were enjoying ourselves, the hostess came up to us and "told" me that I did not have club privledges, and I would need to pay for the drinks. I was starting to get annoyed at this point with all the problems, and "told" her that I was in fact on the club floor, and that she need to clear that up with the management. She apparently did, since she didn't return. Breakfast in the club room was just okay, nothing special (though the sausages were maybe some of the best I've had in Asia). Had to wait 20 minutes for a bellman to bring down the luggage at checkout. Overall, this hotel appears to be in need of better management and customer service. I'm not sure I would stay here again.

Excellent Value and Service

I stayed for 4 night at the Renaissance and had a great time there. The hotel has an extremely friendly and knowlegable staff and all of the front desk speaks English very well. I had never been to HCMC before and they steered me in the right direction regarding sightseeing, bars and restaurants throughout the trip.

Some of the best amenities at the hotel included the best hotel gym I have ever seen including a full free weight station, treadmills and all the newest machines available. In addition, on the 20th floor, they offer complimentary breakfast and Happy Hour with a great selection of food and free cocktails. Also, I got a great massage for $30/hour one of the afternoons.

The room wasn't the greatest room, but it was what you would expect from a 4-5* hotel. For $120/night, you can't beat that! I saw and did a lot in HCMC and if you are interested in emailing me about what to do, I would be happy to help. Email me at davpaul@yahoo.com.

Wonderful

Very nice hotel in a wonderful location. It is rated 5 stars in some venues but I think it deserves an admirable 4 star rating. It is so inexpensive for what you receive. This hotel is very clean with moderate rooms set within an atrium of tranquility. Guestrooms are comfortable, not huge by any means and have a nice bathroom.

Instead of chocolates they give you "good night guys". These are miniature porcelain charcters (female and male) of the Vietnamese people and a great keep-sake and souvenir.

I would definitely consider staying at this property and can assure you that you will not be disappointed!

Oasis of calm!

The Renaissance is a great hotel. We stayed from 1st July for 4 nights and upgraded to the executive floor. This gives you access to the lounge that serves breakfast in the morning, snacks and soft drinks all day and then free alcohol and snacks (sushi, ribs, spring rolls, etc) from 5.30 - 9.30, then back to soft drinks and cheese. Well worth the extra. Didn't try any of the other restaurants in the hotel, they all looked very nice but there are plenty within walking distance and it's worth getting out in the smoke. They were kind enough to provide a lovely flower display for us, we were there on honeymoon which was a nice touch. They operate a turn down service at night. We had a room that overlooked the river, it was interesting to compare one side against the other and watch the very busy ferries going about their business. I had a great time there with my new husband, and though we would probably not go back to HCMC we would recommend the hotel to any one going there.

Great hotel!

Fantastic hotel in great area, District 1 which is the city shopping district and overlooking the river.

Staff were very helpful and sincere. Rooms were large, comfortable, clean and well maintained.

We stayed on the Club level which for an extra $20US a night you get free breakfast - buffet but you can ask the chef to cook you what you want. Free snacks, coffee and soft drinks all day in the Club lounge. Free evening cocktails and canapes in the lounge after 5pm. We were on the non-smoking floor which is great if you are a non-smoker.

Pool is on the roof and the water is refreshingly cool (unlike some others which get too hot) although the area is not huge the views over Siagon are fantastic.

Try the lunch buffet in the ground floor restaurant, the food is fresh, tasty and they have a great selection, even for vegetarians (something that the room service menu lacks).

Beds are quite hard but you will find the same in all the hotels in Ho Chi Minh.

Overall we stayed 7 nights in the Renaissance and it was one of the best hotels in Asia.

First Class Hotel !

Stayed at Riverside on 19 May. Superb location across street from river. Executive floors (18th and 19th) are great as they provide access to unbelievable lounge overlooking the river. Exec lounge provides open bar in evening and enough appetizers that you don't need to eat dinner! Breakfast is also very good. Service from staff in lounge and at front desk is excellent.

Be sure and secure river view room. Unfortunately I did not ask for one and instead looked directly into office building across the street and had to keep curtains closed all day/night.

Will definitely come back for a longer stay provided I can get river view.

Superb hotel

Superb hotel on all counts. Breakfast, room, staff & location. Try and upgrade to the 18th & 19th floors wrhere you get , at a private louge overlooking the Saigon river, a complimentary buffet (hot & cold) morning and evening, tea, coffee & soft drinks throughout the day, free internet, free bar in the evenings & free laundry. We were there on business but intend to take my family there this summer. Go, enjoy...

Excellent - shame only 1 night!

I stayed at the Renaissance Riverside recently but only for 1 night.

I found the staff very helpful and friendly and the room very comfortable and spacious. The view from my room across the river was brilliant.

The bed was really nice (or was it that I was so tired!!).

The breakfast was excellent.

I would definitely stay there again.

Loved the renaissance riverside hotel in saigon

In April 2004 i spent 5 nights with my husband and two teenage children at the renaissance riverside hotel in saigon. It was a very memorable stay with the hotel rooms being of an excellent standard. The hotel has a large atrium that is in the middle of the inside of the hotel that gives you a rather grand feeling when you go up the elevator to your room. The hotel has one of the best breakfast buffets that i have ever eaten and the service was just great from the staff. The hotel has a pool up on the roof that gives an amazing view of the hustle and bustle of city and the saigon river. Just to stand up on the roof and look at the city traffic was amazing.The location of the hotel was also good with it being close to shops and restuarants......i loved staying at the riverside renaissance hotel in saigon