Vietnam's hotels gear up for business traveller push

Vietnam's metros are seeing increased activity as the hotel sector sharpens its CEI focus. Ingrid Kwok reports Ho chi minh With the Vietnam Government's efforts to boost tourism, new international hotels are opening in the capital city. Meanwhile, hotel groups are gearing up to improve facilities for business travellers. The Caravelle in Ho Chi Minh City has recently refurbished all banqueting facilities and function rooms with the installation of wireless broadband internet access and revamped soft furnishings. Five additional executive meeting rooms are scheduled to open for the Tet Nguyen Dan — Vietnamese New Year — festival on January 22. Guests using the new meeting rooms will have the support of a brand new business center located in the same area. A new open-plan coffee lounge enables guests to enjoy views of Lam Son Square. "The 335-room hotel with newly refurbished meeting facilities aims to target CEI groups. We have seen a steady growth in this sector over the past few years," said the Caravelle's executive assistant manager Stephen Kerslake. "People can have exclusive functions in the villas within half an hour's drive from the city or tour around Saigon in cyclos," he adds. The Sheraton Hanoi is set to open in February, unveiling 156 rooms in the first phase and a further 143 rooms later in the year. Sheraton director of sales and marketing Diane Curtis has set a clear direction for the new property. "Our facilities and location are well suited to both leisure and corporate market. We have a very innovative CEI product and will pursue both local and international CEI groups." Other five-star hotels in Hanoi include Sofitel Metropole, Sofitel Plaza, Hilon, Nikko and Daewoo. Curtis noted: "We like to think that the opening of the Sheraton Hanoi will compliment the CEI facilities in the city rather than directly competing (with them). With the global Starwood sales office, we will have the ability to attract more CEI business to the destination." The hotel's opening rate will be US$88 per room.