Hotel Review: JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon

The JW Marriott Hotels & Suites in Ho Chi Minh City just experienced a reflag from InterContinental Saigon on the 10th of September 2024, which happens to be the date we checked in. All former IHG staff have been integrated into the Marriott International, with additional Marriott staff brought in from other properties around Vietnam to train the team during the first two weeks.

The JW Marriott Hotels & Suites in Ho Chi Minh City recently transitioned from the InterContinental to JW Marriott on the 10th of this month.

Checkin :

It is roughly about 30-45 minutes drive from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport depending on the traffic jam. We arrived to the hotel at 8:30 pm and we were warmly welcomed by a doorman saying "welcome to JW Marriott". All the front staff are with JW Marriott logo. While the hotel confirmed my suite upgrade before the arrival, the check-in process was relatively slow as there was a miscalculation in suite upgrade in the hotel system. The hotel has two towers, the hotel tower and the residence tower.

Room :

My suite is 2017 and I assume I am the first guest in this room under JW Marriott.

2010 is the highest category suite in the hotel, 2004, 2014, and my room 2017 are the suite, and 2002 and 2019 are the corner junior suite.

Living room:

The welcome message chocolate came with a JW Marriott name

Some of the miscellaneous amenities including a power key, pen, notepad, and slippers are still from InterContinental.

Bedroom:

Bathroom:

Powder room:

The room definitely felt something else than JW Marriott which is a plus for me. Marriott would never install a shower head like this property.

Overall, while the transition was seamless, with the new JW Marriott identity being established in a matter of days, the room retained a distinctive charm from InterContinental. It is slightly sad to get reminded this room will no longer exist after the renovation.

Lounge :

The executive lounge is conveniently located on the 19th floor, just one floor down from my suite. Just follow the direction of the sign on the wall and you will find the entrance at the corner of the corridor. The sign was later replaced to a brand new JW Marriott's sign on the 2nd day.

Lounge provided 3 meals a day with a combination of a la carte and buffet, including breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening canapé. Each but afternoon tea and canapé were later replaced to a buffet on the 5th day. The menu is exactly the same as the InterContinental menu, but the staff said they will gradually change the menu to match the JW brand.

Conclusion :

Overall, 2 weeks in JW Marriott Hotels & Suites in Saigon was a solid option for an extended stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

The hotel manager mentioned the they will firstly renovate the hotel side and the main restaurant. Lounge staff said they were taken a back by the increase in the number of people on the first day under JW Marriott. I am interested to know how the lounge will be renovated to accommodate the Marriott higher status holders.

There are 4 other Marriott properties in Saigon, including Sheraton, Le Méridien, Renaissance, and Autograph Collection. While Autograph Collection is the newest property located in the iconic Vinpearl Landmark 81, the location is inconvenient. Other 3 properties are all located in the heart of city centre, but come across relatively seasoned. I would choose JW for sure.

Other luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City :

1. Park Hyatt Saigon
2. Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery