Vinpearl Landmark 81 Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection – hotel review by CardMeCanada.com

From above the clouds in the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vinpearl Landmark 81 joined Marriott as an Autograph Collection hotel in the 3rd quarter of 2022. This stay was booked with points for 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The cash rate for the hotel is currently ranging from around CA$250-275 a night for a Premier room.

Vinhomes Central Park

Located in Vinhomes Central Park, the complex is also home to a shopping centre, ice rink, cinema, supermarket and restaurants. The complex is considered a “green city” in Vietnam. To get to the hotel, a taxi or carshare ride from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport should cost somewhere around CA$15-20.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection

The hotel is located in the 461.2-metre, 81-story building as known as the tallest building in Vietnam, second tallest building in Southeast Asia. It’s built on the western banks of the Saigon River in the city’s Binh Thanh District, located just north of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic centre and to the immediate south of Saigon Bridge.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Ground Floor

Upon entering the building, you will be welcomed with luxurious gold and marble details of the interior finishes.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Elevator Lobby

The hotel lobby and front desk is located on the 48th floor. Hotel staff will greet guests at the entrance and escort guests to the elevators to take guests to the hotel front desk to check-in.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Elevator

The elevators will make your ears pop at the speed it travels at.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Lobby

Ultra high ceilings welcome you when you enter the hotel’s main lobby. As soon as the elevator doors opened, there were two waiting staff members who took all my luggage, gave me a warm welcome and guided me to the front desk to check-in.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Welcome Drink and Cold Towel

The check in was quick. The front desk agent was friendly, professional and made sure my check-in was smooth. Absolute top notch service. You can tell that the service from the staff was genuine which makes you feel welcome at the property.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Lobby Seating

The lobby was surrounded by windows with seating throughout.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Premier Room

The Premier king room was 36sqm/387sqft with natural light beamed in from floor to ceiling windows, reflecting off the light coloured walls to make the room feel more spacious. 

Vinpearl Landmark 81 View

All rooms will have unrestricted views of Ho Chi Minh City all rooms are well in the sky.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection View of Vinhomes Central Park
Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Platinum Elite Welcome Letter

Guests who are Marriott Bonvoy Elite Platinum or higher will receive a welcome amenity in this case is a fresh fruit platter placed in the room before arrival. Complimentary breakfast for two, lounge access and other services are also included as shown in the welcome letter for Platinum or higher.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Gym

The fully equipped gym allows you to have a full workout. All the equipment was new. At the time of my visit, I was the only person in the gym.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Gym

Using the gym here will allow you to appreciate the view the gym has to offer.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Pool

The infinity pool is at level 47 and is big which allows swimmers to swim laps comfortably.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Executive Lounge

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite and higher members will get access to the Executive Lounge on the 71st floor. The lounge is tastefully designed with an elegant appearance. It is quite massive in size and has sweeping views of Ho Chi Minh City. The staff were super friendly and interacted with the guests. The Canapes were amazing and you can see that they paid close attention to detail with presentation.

Canapes that were available during my visit were deep fried spring rolls, meat balls, salad and various desserts. A selection of beer, red, white and sparkling wine and cocktails are complimentary. Non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary all day.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Executive Lounge

With direct access, the hotel is connected to a shopping centre with essential shops, a supermarket, restaurants, cinema and an ice rink. The shopping centre is open until 10PM in case you need to make a purchase in the evening or craving food other than the hotel food.

Breakfast is served on the 66th floor at the Oriental Pearl restaurant. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members and higher will receive complimentary breakfast for two. As like the Executive Lounge, the restaurant was tastefully designed with a modern elegant style.

They had several made-to-order cooking stations. A noodle bar, an egg station, a Vietnamese roll station, Banh Mi (sandwich) station and meat carving station. Additionally, almost every section is serviced and continuously replenished such as the fresh fruits, smoothies, juices or the bakery section with different croissants, danish and pastry. They had a good spread which included bacon, sausages, yogurts, waffles, pancakes, French toast, a cold cuts section with a selection of cheese and smoked salmon.

All the restaurant staff were going the extra mile for the customers with any requests from the customers. Needless to say, the breakfast was amazing with the view as an added bonus.

Vinpearl 81 Autograph Collection Breakfast

Conclusion

One of the best stays in Ho Chi Minh City. The Vinpearl Landmark 81 was excellent and welcoming. The hotel is new and luxurious. All rooms are beautifully designed and has amazing views of the city. The Executive Club Lounge is spacious and elegant. The selection of food and drinks in the Executive Club Lounge as well as the breakfast were impressive.

The service at Landmark 81 was exceptional. The staff at the front desk, restaurant and Executive Club Lounge were attentive and fulfilled requests quickly. The staff interacted with guests and were happy to serve.

Overall, the service at the Vinpearl Landmark 81 is amazing and attentive. I enjoyed my stay and plan to stay there again in the future.

Vinpearl Landmark 81

720A Đ. Điện Biên Phủ, Phường 22, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

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DoubleTree By Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit – hotel review by CardMeCanada.com

The DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit is the newest hotel under the Hilton brand of hotels and is the second DoubleTree in the Bangkok area. Completely renovated from what used to be the Majestic Grande Hotel just before the COVID-19 pandemic, this DoubleTree is now fully operational from the transformation.

The hotel is located between Phloen Chit BTS and Nana BTS stations. It’s recommended to get there from Phloen Chit BTS station as it’s slightly closer at 450m away. If you’re familiar with JW Marriott Bangkok’s location, the DoubleTree By Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit is about 30m down the street.

DoubleTree By Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

Upon arrival, it was apparent that the hotel was well staffed and attentive. The bell staff took care of guests’ baggage upon arrival and took them to the check-in counter where there were no lines at 2PM.

DoubleTree By Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit Lobby

Front desk staff spoke very good English and provided the signature warm DoubleTree cookie to guests upon walking up to the front desk. Check-in was smooth and efficient and information about all the amenities were explained.

DoubleTree Cookie

As a Hilton Honors Diamond Elite member, the hotel offered an upgrade to a king deluxe room, daily breakfast for two and 4 drink vouchers (2 per night) because this property did not have an executive lounge.

Hilton Honors drink vouchers for Diamond Elite members

King deluxe rooms are located on a higher floor and are at least 28 sq m. in size. The layout is very typical and modernized from its renovation.

King Bed at DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
King Deluxe at DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

International power outlets and USB ports are located on both sides of the bed and at the desk. A Bluetooth enabled speaker / alarm clock is provided on one side of the bed.

Night Table at DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

The renovation has modernized the bathroom which has a large shower stall in place of the old bathtub. The only thing noticeable that remained prior the renovation was the sink and countertop.

Bathroom at DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

Crabtree and Evelyn hand wash, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

Crabtree and Evelyn products at DoubleTree

Rooms on higher floors facing the west side will have an unobstructive view of the Wireless Road area.

View from a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit.

Because there is no Executive Lounge at this property, each Diamond Elite member receives 2 drink vouchers per night which is redeemable at “OPEN”, the lobby bar or restaurant. It is still in questions as to whether this property will get its own Executive Lounge in the future.

Drink vouchers in lieu of Executive Lounge DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
“Our Treat” drinks at DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

The fitness centre is located on the 7th floor. It is open 24 hours a day and is well equipped for a good workout however, there is only one treadmill and the room and equipment show signs of aging. The equipment was definitely from pre-renovation and the room has not been renovated.

Fitness Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

The small pool is also on the 7th floor and is one of the last things that was renovated.

Pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

The business centre is available for guest use with Internet access. This was the most quiet space in the hotel. It has a comfortable seating area as well as a meeting room for guest use.

Business Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Meeting Room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

Diamond Elite members will receive breakfast for two at “OPEN” restaurant on the ground floor. Gold Elite members have a choice of a Welcome Amenity and may choose breakfast for two. For those who pay for breakfast, the price is 350THB++ per person. The breakfast is served daily from 6:30AM to 10:30AM. Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond Elite members receive 25% off of their dining bill if they choose to dine here or at many other Hilton restaurants in the Asia Pacific.

Restaurant at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Elite Breakfast Egg Station at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Elite Breakfast Dim Sum Station at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Cheese and Cold Cuts at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Milk and Cereal at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Hot Breakfast Items at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Fresh Juices at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
Diamond Elite Breakfast at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

Conclusion

If you prefer a modern mid-tier hotel in a quiet area but close enough to a BTS station in Bangkok’s city centre, the DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit meets the criteria. The hotel has done an excellent job in renovating and modernizing the previous hotel into a Hilton mid-tier brand hotel.

Benefits for Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members are on point with terms as set out by Hilton.

The staff were excellent and accommodating whether it was the bell staff, front desk staff, concierge, housekeeping or bar/restaurant staff.

DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

12 Sukhumvit 2, Khlong Toei, Bangkok

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The American Express Business Edge Card – 55,000 Bonus Points

Earn 55,000 Welcome Bonus points when you charge $5,000 to the card within the first 3 months. Transfer the points to Aeroplan or other airline partners for free business class flights. Earn 3x the points on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, and eats & drinks up to a maximum of 75,000 points.

Asia Pacific Hilton Honors Dining Discount

Hilton Honors members get to enjoy up to 25% off food & drinks across the Asia Pacific. Show your membership card or your membership profile on the Hilton app to one of the Hilton team members to enjoy the discounts off your dining bill.

Edge at Hilton Pattaya.
Hilton Pattaya Seafood Buffet at Edge.

Hilton Honors Base and Silver members get 10% off!


Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members get 25% off!

Hilton Honors Diamond 25% discount.

See the full list of restaurants and venues.

Edge at Hilton Pattaya.

Hilton Honors members who are not staying at the property or on ineligible stays can also earn a one-time bonus of 500 Hilton Honors points with a minimum equivalent spend of US$25.

The Hilton website does not have an end date at the time of writing this:

Not a member? Join now to enjoy this offer and more exclusive privileges. As a Hilton Honors member, you always get their lowest price guarantee and earn points every time you book direct.

Edge at Hilton Pattaya.

American Express Aeroplan Card. Up to 55,000 Bonus Points!

Get 40,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in the first six months and 2,500 points for each of the first six months in which you spend $500 for 15,000 points.  Earn 2 points per dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, 1.5 points per dollar on dining and food delivery and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.  Annual fee is $120. 

Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card from American Express with up to 55,000 Bonus Points

Earn 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you charge $3000 in purchases to your card in your first 3 months of card membership. Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott hotels. Plus, earn a total of 3 points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible Gas, Dining & Travel and 2 points on all other purchases. Transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to your favourite airline program. Redeem points for luxury hotel stays at over 1,200 of the world’s most luxurious hotels including JW Marriott, W Hotels, Le Méridien, Westin, Sheraton and more. Receive an Annual Free Night Award after your anniversary each year. $150 annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card from American Express with 60,000 Bonus Points

Earn 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you charge $3000 in purchases to your card in your first 3 months of card membership. Plus, earn a total of 5 points for every $1 on eligible travel & gas purchases for your first 3 months for up to 15,000 points. Redeem points for free luxury hotel stays at over 1,200 of the world’s most luxurious hotels including JW Marriott, W Hotels, Le Méridien, Westin, Sheraton and more. Receive an Annual Free Night Award after your anniversary each year. Annual fee applies.

Getting a US Credit Card for Canadians

Getting a US credit card can come in handy in many cases especially if you want to claim the high welcome bonuses that is offered with a US credit card for travel.  Here are the steps to get your first American credit card.  Note that these instructions are valid in the time of writing and we do not hold responsibility for any outcome with these instructions.

Air Canada International Business Class on Aeroplan Redemption

Step 1: Getting a US Mailing Address

Step 2: Opening a US Bank Account

Step 3: Applying for a US Based American Express Credit Card

Step 1: Get a US Mailing Address

Use 24/7 Parcel’s mailbox account service at http://247parcel.com/mailbox.html.

You need to sign up for an address that is not a CMRA by signing up for a virtual mailbox at the Lynden location either online or in person.  CMRA is a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency and the bank will not allow a CMRA address on the application.  The price for a virtual mailbox is US$90 for 12 months.  You cannot share one mailbox with multiple people.

You will need to set up mail forwarding service so your mail gets forwarded to you in Canada.  The price is $1.50 per letter plus postage.

Step 2: Open a US Bank Account

Open an account with a US bank or with CIBC Bank USA.  CIBC has made it simple for Canadians to open a US bank account.  You will need a US bank account to pay your credit card balances since Canadian banks usually do not give you the option to pay foreign credit cards.

They offer their USA Smart Account (https://us.cibc.com/en/personal/checking/smart-account.html) so you can manage your US banking seamlessly from Canada.  At the time of writing, there are no monthly fees for this account.  There are of course transaction fees.

Vinpearl Landmark 81 Autograph Collection on Marriott Bonvoy Redemption

Step 3: Apply for a US Based American Express Credit Card (You will need to be a Canadian American Express card holder)

Apply for a personal US based AMEX card such as the Hilton Honors Card with no annual fee and get 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending US$2000 in the first 6 months.

Go to https://www.americanexpress.com and make sure you are on the US site.  Choose the card you want to apply for and log into your American Express account.  Upon logging in, they will ask if you want to share your data with American Express in the USA. 

If you choose ‘Yes’, your data from American Express in Canada will be shared to supplement credit checks with AMEX USA then you can continue the application process.

Conclusion:

Getting your first US credit card as a Canadian can be very rewarding.  The process may be complicated at first but after applying for your first card, applying for additional cards will be easier.

Maple Leaf Lounge YVR International Terminal