Korean speakers invented the word hocance, a portmanteau of the English word hotel and the French word vacance (vacation), to describe staying in a hotel near one’s home in order to relax and pamper oneself.
English speakers understand the concept via the term staycation, which many Vietnamese also use. But regardless of what you call it, a few days lounging in luxury not far from home represents a terrific way to rest and recharge without breaking the bank.
Saigon boasts numerous acclaimed properties that allow city residents to recharge in what feels like a different world without needing to board a plane or even leave the city limits. One boutique hotel, in particular, has all the key components for an ideal staycation venue. Boasting a perfect location, a unique and inviting atmosphere, exciting dining opportunities with a view, an acclaimed spa and attractive rates, Mai House should be at the top of every Saigoneer’s mind for a long weekend.
District 3’s many charming heritage villas, expansive streets and enticing hẻms make it one of the nicest areas in the city to stroll through or stop within for a coffee. It’s close to downtown District 1 and all the events, restaurants and nightlife available there, but far enough away to remain calm and quiet. This makes it a prime location for a staycation. Those living and working in Saigon’s farer-flung areas, such as District 7 or District 2, find it feels like a world away thanks to the access it provides to activities that are simply too much of a hassle to reach on an average day.
Opening Mai House’s stately doors brings you into a world of refined and meticulously arranged opulence as evidenced by the grand staircase spiraling beneath a shimmering chandelier. Depending on the hour of your arrival, a piano will fill the lobby with dulcet notes. This scene is a favorite amongst the city’s social media-inclined folks as it provides stunning Instagram backdrops. But you will feel just as exhilarated if you sit in one of the comfy chairs to read a book or chat with a friend. The Thom Lounge hosts afternoon tea with a rotating selection of sweet and savory bites made freshly in-house and a wide selection of teas including decaffeinated options as well as wine and spirits.
Each room mirrors the lobby’s sense of grace and beauty. The pillows, especially, exemplify Mai House’s dedication to comfort. Seven different types are available, including feather, buckwheat, latex and memory foam. The blankets are also feather, though synthetic options are always available for those with allergies. The Club and Suite rooms feature Roberto Cavalli toiletries while exfoliating bath salts are provided beside the large bathtubs in each room type.
After checking in and getting comfortable, you will likely want to explore the hotel with a stop at the recently opened rooftop bar. Even though Mai Sky is located on the 14th floor of the hotel, because there are no large buildings nearby, the view is spectacular. You will be able to see the Bitexco tower, Landmark 81 and even planes arriving at the airport in the distance. The vantage point makes it sought after for special occasions like New Year’s Eve when it offers unobstructed views of Saigon’s many fireworks displays. And on regular nights, the atmosphere is chill with live DJs providing a chic background for chatting with friends or an intimate date night.
A visit to the rooftop bar often leads to dinner at one of Mai House’s four dining outlets. Saigoneer can personally vouch for C’est la Vie Restaurant, an all-dining restaurant that specializes in French and Vietnamese cuisine. When we visited for the weekend seafood buffet last year we were delighted by the balance of classic dishes like salmon wellington and creative new trends such as mangosteen chicken salad as well as a very impressive cheese, sushi and of course fresh shellfish.
No staycation is complete without a spa treatment and Mai House excels in this realm. Priding itself on the rave reviews it receives from Saigon residents who place it amongst the best in the city, The Four Elements Spa follows the theme of fire, earth, wood, and air. Each room is dedicated to one of these elements that sets the atmosphere mood. You can enjoy many different treatment packages, the majority of which last two hours to allow for physical, emotional and mental stress relief.
In the same way you are unlikely to have a spa in your home, you probably do not have your own pool, and certainly not one as nice as the Mai House’s Fifth Element Pool. The peaceful fifth-floor pool features purified water and a terrific vantage point to watch the slow rhythms of the surrounding neighborhood. A lifeguard is on duty from 6 am to 9 pm every day so your mind can be completely at peace while floating around like an errant cloud. A sauna, meanwhile, caters to those that don’t like to get wet.
During Covid’s restrictive travel periods, amidst economic challenges and routine low seasons, hotels in Saigon have been pivoting to attract staycation guests. But Mai House has been prepared for this type of guest from the beginning, serving as a home away from home since its inception, as evidenced in its name. Current special rates and membership promotions make this summer the best time for you to come.
Endless Summer Getaway package:
- Food & Beverage credit of VND 300,000 net per stay.
- Spa Offers: Up to 30% discount during the Golden Hours (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
- Early check-in at 11:00 AM & Late check-out at 2:00 PM (Subject to availability).
- Complimentary breakfast is provided for up to two children aged under 12 years old (who share the existing bed with their parents).
- Valid for bookings with a stay period from June to September 2024 (Terms & conditions apply).
To make a reservation, please visit our reservation page or send us an email at rsvn.saigon@maihouse.com
028 7303 9000
157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
