"5 Star Hotel at the outskirt" Windsor Plaza Hotel Tip by walterwu

CHECK-IN
I booked an Executive Room for 2 nights stay (23rd and 24th Dec).

Check-in was a refreshing experience. We were led to the 24th floor where we present our booking and they ask for the passports while we wait at the Executive Lounge (which has happy hour from 5:00pm to 7:00pm). While we help ourselves to the finger foods, drinks, wine available (complimentary), they process your check-in and brings the card keys to you.

Check-In for Deluxe rooms would be at the 4th floor main hotel lobby.

They asked whether we were there for shopping or sightseeing and even suggest places for you (with addresses) and explain the prices at various malls and market and indicate to you whether it is fixed prices malls or bargaining is required. Even warn you that in places where the prices are bargainable, you should slash asking prices.

They asked whether we would like to upgrade to next level of room for US$20 which we decline and was the right choice.

Its a good thing that we had booked the room for three guests coz if it weren't so, we would have felt very awkward with the thee of us sitting in the executive lounge on the 24th floor with the hotel guest reception officer bringing the passport / keys to you and us having helped ourselves to the finger foods.

Breakfast in the morning can be taken at the 25th floor (Executive) or 4th floor (common).

ROOM
The room was with a King Size Bed (as per booking) with the extra bed. Room was on 21st floor (non-smoking floor as requested).

Rooms was with broadband internet (via cable supplied). However, access to Facebook is not available (as with the rest of Ho Chi Minh city).

A basket of fruits is already in the room and the view of the city (from the room) was good.

Power outlets seems insuffficient though.

Toilet include long bath and, also, a separate standing shower compartment.

At times, the Aircon seems pretty cold. Even after adjusting to 30C, the rooms stills feel pretty cold.

BROADBAND INTERNET/WIFI
Broadband internet is available in the Executive Room (complimentary). Wifi is available on 24th floor and 25th floor - buffer breakfast/bar (complimentary). The cafe at the 4th floor has Wifi but at US$5/hour. No access from Facebook from Ho Chi Minh City.

BREAKFAST
Breakfast at 25th floor (top floor) was with good quality food and good service. Breakfast can be taken indoor or on open-air with city view.

Breakfast at 4th floor (at our own choice, the next day) was a larger area with more guests having breakfast there. I would prefer the 25th floor after experiencing the 4th floor cafe area breakfast.

ROOM SERVICE
Morning newspaper arrived at the door about 9:00-10:00am and is left outside the door on the floor.

Rooms rates includes 2 pieces of clothing for laundry and pressing service / day.

Room cleaning was good but not fantastic. A pair of socks was where I had left it.

SHUTTLE BUS
The hotel provide shuttle bus service at hourly interval from the hotel. First place of drop-off is near Ben Thanh Market and the second drop-off place is within very short walk to Tax Mall (shopping mall with supermarket - fixed price shopping mall).

The shuttle service would have been more perfect if it includes drop-off point near other tourist spots within the city center.

CHECK-OUT
Check out at the 24th floor Executive Lobby was a breeze. They asked whether we consume anything from the room's bar and off we go. Room was pre-paid. They don't seems to want the room card keys back but we handed it in anyway.

Unique Qualities: SHOPPING
Ah Dong Shopping Plaza is within the Hotel/Building complex separated by separate entrances. There are 4 floors of shops selling almost everything including a supermarket. Prices are higher then other low price shopping center but you could get almost everything here. More of this under the shopping tip.

Address: 18 An Duong Vuong St, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Comparison: about average
Directions: Taxi service from Airport to the Hotel cost VD 124.000 during after office peak hours
see http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=914222 for trip from Airport to Hotel
Phone: 84-8-833-6688
Price: US$120-180
Theme: Hotel