Rex Hotel

The Rex Hotel remains the most historic hotel in District 1. It’s undergone massive renovations since its heyday as a hangout for journalists during the war, including the addition of a luxury ground floor filled with pricey shopping. Skip that and head to the hotel’s rooftop bar. Some of my favorite memories have been talking to visitors who were here in the 1970s back to the setting of so many of their evenings. Everyone has told the same story- Saigon has changed but the roof remains frozen in time. The same kitschy elephant statues, stiff drinks, small steaks and the rotating golden crown illuminating the local Vietnamese band playing some pop love ballads. The Rex Hotel 08038292185 141 Nguyen Hue, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Whether I’m at the beach or in the city, sunset is by far one of my favorite times of day. There are few better things in life than taking the time to enjoy a cool cocktail while watching the sun set over a sultry city skyline or glimmering ocean. A city that’s slowly evolving, Saigon is still a quaint mix of old-school establishments like Rooftop Garden at Rex Hotel which came to prominence as a watering hole for journos and US Military officers during the Vietnam war, mixed with sexy new places like the uber-cool ‘dress to impress’ bars like ‘Chill’. As someone who lived and worked in Vietnam for 13 years, I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve tried a fair few of the drinking establishments in Saigon. So, if you’re headed to Vietnam and would like the views of an ‘insider’, you can check out my latest blog to see the best of the well-know rooftop bars (as well as some of the lesser-known ones) and my tips for where to go for that heavenly sunset drink in HCMC.

Our first night in Ho Chi Minh City was mildly hallucinogenic, between the fog of jet lag and haze from thousands of scooters, it was difficult to discern the direction we needed to navigate to arrive at our historic destination - The Rex. The famed hotel headquartering the CIA during the “American War” and an epicenter for journalists attending daily news briefings remains a beacon on the streets of old Saigon. Crossing one of those streets would be our initial challenge. Seems easier to step atop the helmets and handlebars, than chance the pocked pavement. Following the lead of locals, it’s not long before we’re safely in the lobby of the Rex. It is splendidly preserved making it easy to imagine it filled with a mix of fatigues and flowered shirts in ’69 as we hop an elevator to the roof. The topside scene is hypnotic. Servers glide effortlessly over a teak patchwork with formal flair. The crowd is a mix of local and international; surprisingly casual and unpretentious. Garbed in flip flops and shorts, we saunter to the sounds of a local band playing next to the giant, lighted crown. Seated at the bar, we order appetizers to give the gin and tonics something to absorb. Soaking up the scene, an alcohol assist is moving our clocks forward 12 timezones. With imagery safely stored, white lights twinkle. A freshly minted Saigon skyline claws out of the darkness and there is the calming sense as quiet Americans, we are now connected to the past and present of Indochine.

Being conscious of the environment aspects, Rex Hotel Saigon not only aims to provide quality services for its guest, but is also committed to taking appropriate measures for pollution prevention and resources conservation. Rex Hotel Ho Chi Minh City is best luxury hotel with discount rates. 1.Rose Garden : An open air dining in an exotic inner courtyard..The Rose Garden features a tropical garden and waterfall. Relax with a coffee or indulge in a cocktail or sample from our international men 2.Hoa Mai Restaurant : The Hoa Mai restaurant is the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. Here you’ll savor the finest Vietnamese cuisine and other Asian delectables while experiencing traditional folk music and dance shows. 3.Rooftop Restaurant : Acknowledged as “One of the Best Bars Of South East Asia” voted by the Newsweek Magazine in 1996, one of “1000 places to see before you die” listed by Patricia Schultz - the American Travel Writer. Here you will be welcomed by warm & friendly staff 24 hours a day, and enjoy a round-the-clock meals & snack or savor your favorite cocktail at sunset. There is a variety of high quality drinks to suit everyone’s taste. 4.Paradise Coffee Lounge : With daily live background piano music, the Paradise Coffee Lounge – located on the ground floor – is the ideal meeting place for a relaxed coffee, afternoon tea or business meetings.