Hotel General Managers are the quintessential hosts.
Indeed they have made a career of welcoming people into – what is in essence – their home.
I find conversations with them to be fascinating – not only are they master of their ship (for running a hotel really is like a large ocean liner – requiring precision and flexibility to navigate whatever unexpected events might be thrown at you). A good GM also has their finger on the pulse of the local community – they know all the best places to go.
When I was in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) recently, I persuaded the gorgeous Mr. James Young to share his secrets. Mr. Young (of the mammoth title -Mr. James Young, Area General Manager of InterContinental Hotels Group Indochina, General Manager of InterContinental Asiana Saigon) – has over 22 years experience working in hotels and holds the key to many of the Ho Chi Minh hot spots (Saigon to the locals).
The Urban Mum: I am a coffee drinker through and through, my first cup becomes a ritual that anchors my day. Which are you, coffee or tea drinker? Where do you enjoy your ‘first cup’?
Mr Young: My first cup is a coffee, around 5.30am, on the balcony of our 28th floor apartment – our views over Saigon are spectacular.
I am both a morning person (and coming from London) a born city dweller. I love watching the city come to life.
I spent part of my childhood in India so I am also a tea drinker – I enjoy stronger teas like Asssam, nobody does it better than two places in London: Fortnum and Mason and The
Goring Hotel, where my wife and I had our wedding reception. We always make a point of going when we are in the UK.
The Urban Mum: Vietnam is on the list for many families, several locations (like Danang) are popular. Which little known Luxury Escape ‘resort’ locations should families consider for their next Vietnam holiday?
Mr Young: Nha Trang is a great weekend getaway, either by train or plane. The islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao are beautiful, you should visit now before they become too popular.
The Urban Mum: Tell us about your Luxury Escapes in Saigon…
Mr Young:
Favourite café in Saigon for people watching? I always enjoy L’Usine – a hipster cafe with an eclectic clientele. Don’t go expecting an authentic Vietnamese cultural experience, go there to understand where this country is going.
L’Usine – 151/1 Dong Khoi Street, District 1
Current ‘hottest’ bar in town? I enjoy the Sorae whisky bar – a great selection of whiskies from around the world in a beautiful setting. Otherwise, the Racha Room and the newly opened Stoker are well worth visiting.
Sorae – 76A, Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, 24th Floor, ABTower
Best fine dining experience? If you enjoy top quality beef, you cannot go wrong with El Gaucho. Otherwise, my favourite cuisine is French and there is a great influence here, I recommend Le Bordeaux as worth a detour.
El Ggaucho – 74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1
Not to be missed ‘local’ food experience. I will probably sound very boring but I love the Vietnamese omelette, Banh Xeo, which is filled with pork and prawns. You take a slice, put it in a lettuce leaf, add herbs and then enjoy with dipping sauce. Wonderful and very addictive!
Your tailor? I have to admit that, as a Londoner, I am passionate about tailoring and get my suits at Harvie and Hudson in Jermyn Street, London. There are great tailors here in Saigon as well – when my son comes out on holiday he always gets at least one suit made at Mr. Nhut.
Mr. Nhut – 232 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1
The Urban Mum: You are a regular traveller, can you reveal some of your travel tips…
Mr Young:
Always in your hand luggage? I carry a charger and an additional battery pack..the cost of being connected. In addition I always take a change of clothes in case my case decides to go on its own voyage of discovery!
Can’t leave home without? I would like to say my family, even though the children are grown up we still enjoy our time together and have memories of great holidays in different parts of the world. And a good book or magazine – now on my Kindle.
Favourite hotel in the world? We stayed with the kids at a hotel called the Fishtail Lodge in Pokhara, Nepal. Not the grandest, high tech place (it can only be reached by a pontoon across Pokhara lake). Yet this property has a wonderful atmosphere, history and the opportunity to enjoy stunning sunrise views of the Annapurna range. Enjoying a ‘first cup’ with my family – that is a memory that will stay with me forever.
What is your number one tip for getting the most out of a hotel stay? Be genuine and nice to people, you will find this reciprocated back to you ten times over.
The Urban Mum: As Area General Manager for Vietnam & Cambodia you are across travel trends for the Region, where is next on your Bucket List?
Mr Young: My wife and I have just spent some time in Luang Prabang, Laos (well worth visiting) and want to find out more about this part of South East Asia. Myanmar (Burma) is also on the list as my father spent time there during the Second World War. He always wanted to return and I owe it to him to go and explore what I am sure is a fascinating country.
Thank you Mr. Young for your time and insights on Saigon…
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Do you enjoy a Luxury Escape in a city?
