Hotel Review: Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery (Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room)

Located in the vibrant heart of District 3, Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery offers guests a prime location just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Opera House, and the historic Saigon Central Post Office. The hotel is approximately 7km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers. While Ho Chi Minh City boasts several Accor properties, including the Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Pullman Saigon Centre, and Novotel Saigon Centre, I chose Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery for its unique design and the allure of the Executive Sky Lounge (which I have access to under my ALL membership).

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Hotel Lobby
Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

Upon arriving at the Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery, my luggage was promptly taken by the attentive staff, and I was escorted to the Executive Sky Lounge for a private check-in experience. The process was seamless and personalised, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to exceptional service. Even though I arrived just five minutes before evening cocktails ended, the lounge staff graciously offered me a choice of beverage and invited me to help myself to the remaining selection from the buffet while my check-in was being processed.

Bedroom
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

As an ALL Platinum member then, I was upgraded to the Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room, which came with all the exclusive perks, including a complimentary minibar stocked with a curated selection of beverages and snacks. Spanning 30sqm, the room though not the most spacious by luxury hotel standards, was thoughtfully designed to maximise comfort and functionality. The bathroom is situated directly behind the bedroom and is separated by a curtain rather than a traditional door. While this design choice contributes to the room’s contemporary and open-concept aesthetic, it may not be ideal for guests who prefer more privacy. The lack of a proper door and lock could be a consideration for those sharing the room who are not entirely comfortable with this arrangement.

Bedroom
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

As my flight arrived late into Ho Chi Minh City, I reached Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery quite late in the evening. By the time I checked into my room, the evening turndown service had already been completed. However, before settling in, I wanted to capture photos of the room in its original condition. You may notice that the images appear slightly darker than usual due to the time of day. Despite my late arrival, all welcome amenities were thoughtfully arranged in the room, ensuring a warm and seamless welcome.

Work Desk
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

As previously mentioned, the room itself is relatively compact, and the only dedicated workspace available is a small side table. However, this space was partially occupied by the welcome amenities and two glass bottles of water, leaving limited room for actual work. For guests who require a more functional workspace, the Sky Executive Lounge offers a far more conducive environment during the day. With its spacious seating, quieter atmosphere, and better lighting, the lounge provides a much more comfortable setting for productivity.

Coffee Machine
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

The Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room at Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery includes a Nespresso machine with four complimentary capsules, which are replenished both in the morning and again during the evening turndown service. This is a thoughtful amenity for guests who enjoy the convenience of in-room coffee. However, when in Vietnam, I personally prefer to indulge in the rich and flavourful local coffee at cafés outside the hotel. Additionally, as a Platinum member, I have access to the Sky Executive Lounge, where coffee is available throughout the day, and I typically enjoy my morning cup during breakfast. The lounge also serves as a great spot for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up if you are too lazy to head outside during the day.

ALL Platinum Welcome Amenities
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

As an ALL Platinum member, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous selection of welcome amenities provided in my room. The offering included a beautifully arranged platter of fresh tropical fruits, along with sunflower seeds, cashews, and dried fruits - a thoughtful touch that added a local and premium feel to the experience. My experiences with welcome amenities at Accor properties have been quite inconsistent as a Platinum member. At some hotels where one would expect a more elaborate offering - such as Swissôtel properties - the amenities can sometimes feel underwhelming. However, at boutique properties like the Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery, I received a much nicer and localised range of snacks which I personally prefer.

Complimentary Minibar
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

According to the welcome letter I received at check-in, the minibar is complimentary for guests staying in Sky Executive rooms and suites. Even though my stay was an upgrade as an ALL Platinum member, I was still graciously accorded the same benefits, which was a nice touch. However, I have always found it somewhat unclear whether the complimentary minibar includes just the non-alcoholic beverages or if alcoholic drinks are also covered. Additionally, it was not explicitly stated whether the snacks in the minibar were included. To avoid any uncertainty, I chose not to consume them during my stay. That said, I found the evening cocktails and refreshments in the Sky Executive Lounge more than sufficient, making the minibar offerings less of a necessity for me.

Bathroom
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

Near the entrance of the room, you’ll find the bathroom, making it the first thing you see upon entering. The layout is compact yet functional, featuring a small vanity sink and a toilet positioned to the side. While the design maximises space efficiency, its placement at the entrance may be something to keep in mind for those who prefer a more secluded bathroom setup.

Freestanding Bathtub
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

The bathroom in the Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room features a charming freestanding clawfoot bathtub, adding a touch of elegance to the space, along with a separate shower area for added convenience. While the design itself is well-executed, what truly stood out to me was the exceptional attention to detail by the housekeeping team.

Freestanding Bathtub
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

One particularly thoughtful touch I noticed was that after every cleaning, the showerhead was always positioned facing inwards. This may seem like a small detail, but it makes a significant difference—there’s nothing more frustrating than turning on the shower only to have cold water on your face. Clearly, the housekeeping team follows a well-defined SOP for room preparation, but the level of thoroughness and consistency I experienced was genuinely impressive for a property of this category.

Bath Amenities
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

The bath amenities provided at the Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery are from Appelles, an Australian luxury skincare and bath brand known for its use of botanical ingredients and essential oils. While the Appelles amenities were perfectly sufficient for use during my stay, they were not particularly memorable in terms of fragrance or texture. I did appreciate the thoughtful placement of the bath amenities. While the bulk-size bottles were securely mounted in the shower area, an additional bottle was placed outside by the freestanding tub for easy access. This small yet considerate detail ensured convenience for guests who prefer to enjoy a soak without having to reach over to the shower area for their bath products.

Seating Area
Sky Lounge - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

The Sky Lounge at Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery offers three distinct meal periods, providing an elevated experience for guests throughout the day:

  • Breakfast: Served from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM, offering a selection of à la carte and buffet options.

  • Afternoon Tea: Available from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury treats curated by the hotel's culinary team.

  • Evening Cocktails: Offered from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, where guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails, wines, and light refreshments in an elegant setting.

Seating Area
Sky Lounge - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

As an ALL Platinum member, I received complimentary access to the Sky Lounge, which is always a welcome benefit. While the lounge is not particularly large, it maintained a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere throughout my stay, with no noticeable overcrowding. That said, I can see how the space might become a challenge during peak periods, especially given how attainable ALL Platinum status has become in recent years.

Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Sky Lounge - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

Even though the food selection during evening cocktails at the Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery may not be substantial enough to serve as a full meal, I found the quality to be relatively good. The offerings were well-prepared, making it a satisfying option for light bites before dinner. The lounge also features a cocktail menu and a selection of house wines, including sparkling wine—which, despite being referred to as "Champagne," is not technically from the Champagne region of France. Nevertheless, the drink selection makes the lounge a great spot for pre-dinner drinks before heading out for the evening. For those looking for a more substantial meal, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, catering to a variety of tastes. Additionally, food delivery is easily accessible via apps like Grab, making it convenient to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your room if you prefer a quieter evening.

Lift Lobby
Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

My sleep quality at the hotel was quite good, largely due to the fact that Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery is a newly built property, rather than a conversion of an older building. As a result, the noise insulation is well-designed, and I never found it to be overly noisy during my stay. The only exception to this is for guests staying on higher floors, as they may experience some disturbance from the rooftop bar’s music in the evenings. However, the noise level significantly reduces after 11 PM, making it much quieter and generally negligible for most guests.

Seating Area
Saigon Kitchen Restaurant - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

As mentioned earlier, breakfast is available at both the Sky Lounge and the Saigon Kitchen Restaurant, with the latter offering a full breakfast experience. Since I typically wake up early and prefer to have breakfast before the morning rush, I chose to dine at Saigon Kitchen Restaurant every day during my stay. The restaurant provides a diverse selection of both local and Western dishes, allowing guests to tailor their meal to their preferences—whether opting for a lighter, healthier start to the day or indulging in a heartier breakfast.

Coffee Section
Saigon Kitchen Restaurant - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

Interestingly, the Saigon Kitchen Restaurant also features a Coffee Bar, where diners can order their usual coffee or explore specialty local brews, such as cà phê đen đá (Vietnamese black iced coffee) and honey coffee, among others. This addition is a great touch, allowing guests to enjoy a more personalised coffee experience beyond standard hotel offerings. I always appreciate the opportunity to sample local flavours within the hotel, as it helps reduce the psychological barrier for those who may be hesitant to try unfamiliar dishes outside. While the hotel’s version of local coffee may not fully replicate the authenticity of what you’d find at a traditional street café, it does provide a useful introduction to the flavour profile.

While the variety of food may not rival that of luxury hotels like the Park Hyatt Saigon (which I personally love), the quality is impressive for a property of this size. The selection is well-curated, focusing on fresh ingredients and well-executed dishes rather than sheer quantity. I was particularly impressed with the pastries, which were of great quality. A flaky, buttery croissant in the morning is something I always appreciate, and the ones served here did not disappoint. The local dishes were also fantastic, providing an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine. A standout feature was the noodle station, which changes daily to showcase different regional noodle dishes commonly found in Vietnam.

Breakfast
Saigon Kitchen Restaurant - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

I appreciated the good selection of high-quality proteins available at breakfast, which was a refreshing change from the typically carb-heavy options often found at hotel buffets. This made it easier to have a more balanced and nutritious meal rather than defaulting to pastries and other high-carb items. Additionally, the coffee service was excellent. Orders were promptly taken, and the staff were attentive in offering refills without needing to be asked.

When traveling to cities within Asia, I have always found the fruit selection to be excellent, as tropical countries naturally produce some of the best and freshest fruits.

Fitness Centre
Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

Even though I enjoy spending weekends in a city like Ho Chi Minh City, one drawback is the limited accessibility to fitness studios. Unlike other major cities in the region, ClassPass is not available in Vietnam, meaning that trying out a new studio requires paying expensive drop-in rates, which can add up quickly. Fortunately, the gym at Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery is quite decent, offering a good mix of cardio machines and weight equipment. While it may not replace a fully equipped fitness studio, it provides more than enough for a solid workout during your stay.

Fitness Centre
Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

The gym also features a good number of cardio machines, ensuring that guests have enough options without having to wait, and during my visit, it never felt too crowded. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for plenty of natural light, creating a bright and inviting space to work out. This made exercising during the day much more enjoyable, as the open and well-lit environment felt far more refreshing compared to the typical dimly lit hotel gyms.

Rooftop Infinity Pool
Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

Atop the Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery is where you will find the Social Club Rooftop Bar which is also open to public. I'm not sure whether it's a good or bad thing, but the swimming pool, which is exclusively accessible to in-house guests, is also located on this level. The infinity pool itself is quite nice, offering stunning views over the city, but one downside is the limited number of daybeds. These are typically occupied unless you head up early, making it a bit challenging to secure a spot during peak hours. If you plan to swim while the rooftop bar is open, it's worth noting that the deck chairs are positioned right next to where bar guests sit, which can feel a little awkward. On a more positive note, I redeemed my welcome drink here and opted for a Negroni, which was actually well-made. I also appreciated that the hotel doesn’t restrict the welcome drink selection to just a couple of non-alcoholic options, which is often the case at other properties.

View from Bedroom
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room - Hôtel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery

The Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery is typically the most expensive Accor property in Ho Chi Minh City, often priced even higher than the Sofitel Saigon Plaza. However, it’s not difficult to see why. While the location may not be as prime as the Park Hyatt Saigon or the newly opened Hilton Saigon, it remains within walking distance of major tourist attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. The rooms are on the smaller side, which may be a consideration for some guests, but the overall experience is elevated by the Sky Lounge and the extensive breakfast selection.

Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection
76 - 78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3 70000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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