Caravelle Hotel*****
Our brief comments:
The historic Caravelle is located at the top of the famous Rue Catinat, now called Dong Khoi Street, and overlooks Saigon's Opera House and the river. The original hotel was built in 1956 at a time when architecture was at its nadir after WWII - an unimpressive 10-storey rectangular block with a rounded corner.
Despite its prosaic appearance, it became the choice of dignitaries and politicians, as well as the many foreign correspondents who made it their meeting place during the American War. In 1998, a new, and much better designed, 24-storey wing was erected alongside the original building, which was extensively renovated and upgraded. 
Rooms are furnished with modern decor and Brazilian teak furniture, and have marble-floored bathrooms. Suites have full-length floor to ceiling windows, a stand-alone writing desk incorporating power points and internet access, an open living room and mini-kitchen with a choice of one or two bedrooms.
The Port Orient restaurant serves an international buffet and offers an à la carte menu with a selection of both Western and Asian dishes. The Asian Reflections specialises in brasserie cuisine 
blending Western specialities infused with touches of Asian flavours. A selection of fine wines, beers and drinks are also available.
The lobby and pool bars serve snacks. The Saigon Saigon Bar on the top floor of the old wing has panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City's nightlife and offers a light menu and an impressive drinks list.
Feedback from our clients is nearly always favourable - they comment on the high quality of service and attention to detail.
(Last inspected in November, 2002 - comments welcomed if you've visited more recently!)
Room facilities :
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Room Categories
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Superior
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Deluxe
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Signature Superior
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Signature Deluxe
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Signature Suite
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| Number of rooms |
220
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26
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51
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7
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6
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Air-conditioner
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Satellite television
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Bath or shower only
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Bath with shower
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| Bath + separate shower |
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Personal safety box
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Coffee and tea facilities
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| Laptop connection |
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| Free broadband access |
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Extra bed available
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Child's cot available
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Room size (m2)
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39
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44
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39
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44
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67 to 104
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View
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city
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opera
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city
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opera
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opera
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Additional room facilities: CD and DVD players
Additional benefits for Signature rooms:
- Express check-in at the Signature Lounge
- Welcome drink on arrival
- Daily fresh fruit basket
- Breakfast, tea, coffee, evening cocktails & canapes at the Signature Lounge
- In-room high speed Broadband Internet connection
- In-room CD player, VCR and fax machine
- Use of Hotel Spa and Fitness Centre
- Use of private room (capacity for six persons) for one hour per day
- International newspapers and magazines at the Signature Lounge
Hotel facilities:
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Outdoor pool
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Non-smoking floor(s)
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8
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Pool bar
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Non-smoking rooms only |
n/a
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Fitness/health centre
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Vietnamese/Asian restaurant
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Sauna
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International restaurant
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Massage
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Patisserie/coffee shop/cafe
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Jacuzzi
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Business centre |
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