Saigon’s Caravelle Hotel Begins Major Renovation

One of Vietnam’s most historic hospitality establishments is getting a face-lift this summer, as the Caravelle Hotel embarks on its most significant renovation in 15 years.

Situated for 55 years on a prime corner of bustling Lam Son Square in downtown Saigon, the Caravelle began the initial phase of a property-wide renovation on 12 May, with its ground-floor lobby, café Lobby Lounge and Nineteen, seafood buffet restaurant.

During the first round of improvements, scheduled to run until the end of August 2014, the Caravelle’s front desk operations and Restaurant Nineteen will be relocated to the hotel’s third floor.

By September, guests and local residents will be greeted by a completely redesigned reception and expanded lobby café named Café de l’Opera featuring a champagne corner and tapas kitchen.

The entire spate of changes, which will be done in four phases, are targeted for completion by mid-2016. The second phase will see upgrades in all the hotel’s guestrooms.