The InterContinental at The Grand Ho Tram Strip Offers Vietnamese Hospitality at its Best

LF Says: ★★★★.5

As we go along in life, most days seem to become part of a long blur where not much of significance happens. And then suddenly, there are those golden moments that stand out so vividly that you can recount them down to the tiniest detail. My visit to The InterContinental at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam, I feel, was one of the latter – one of those indelible moments.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the opulent world within The InterContinental. Nestled within the impressive confines of The Grand – one of South Vietnam’s premier tourist destinations, InterContinental offers an unparalleled fusion of sophistication and indulgence.

Reaching The Grand Ho Tram Strip is a picturesque journey in itself. It is about 100 kilometers from the Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. The scenic drive took me through the bustling metropolis that gradually transitioned into the blue skies, green fields, and rolling hills of Vung Tau, eventually reaching Ho Tram.

A grand welcome

The InterContinental, sitting adjacent to the Holiday Inn resort at The Grand, offers over 500 luxurious rooms and royal suites. The experience of staying at The InterContinental is marked not only by its luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities but also by the thoughtful and warm-hearted gestures that begin from the moment you check in. I was welcomed with a drink, of course, and given a tour of the hotel, during which I made mental notes of all the places I would visit. All the swimming pools (eight, I think), restaurants (15, including the ones in the Holiday Inn tower), and activities (everything from sea sports and poolside bars to karaoke, movie theaters, nightclubs, mini-golf, and health spa). I was spoilt for choice, and how!

During my stay, I occupied one of the Grand Suites on the 20th floor, and I can vouch for the exceptional comfort and panoramic views it promises. The splendid living room space is fit to host a handful of friends, the suite’s master bedroom features a workspace that you can show off to everyone over a Zoom call (if you manage to get any work done here, that is) and the master bathroom that is almost as large as the bedroom itself. The bathtub came with its own TV screen, and I instantly knew where I’d be found feasting on the complimentary platter of sushi that I was welcomed with.

However, what truly captivated me was the breathtaking view of The Bluffs, the resort’s 18-hole golf course, which stretches endlessly into the horizon. Its allure was irresistible, and soon I was partaking in a few rounds on this championship course, designed by none other than the “Great White Shark” Greg Norman himself.

Culinary delights at your doorstep

The dining experience at The InterContinental is nothing short of exceptional with several exquisite restaurants that cater to diverse palates. During my stay, I sampled many regional specialties and some of my Western favorites, such as the refreshing Spring Rolls that remind you why it is named so. I tried my first ever phos (Vietnamese soup dish) which was so comforting that it sent me back to my boyhood memories, despite the foreign flavors. I tried the fabled Banh Mi baguette sandwich, which I had seen many culinary TV hosts proclaim as one of the best sandwiches in the world, and was happy to find it so.

The InterContinental tower houses a variety of dining options, including Khoi BBQ, which is a seafood extravaganza by the poolside. Khoi is a culinary gem that transforms the freshest sea produce into exquisite delicacies. Picture wok-fried baby squid in an aromatic onion and fish sauce, each bite bursting with flavors that dance on your palate, or savor the decadence of steamed lobster bathed in a sumptuous butter garlic sauce, a dish that marries the richness of the ocean with delectable indulgence. Dining at Khoi is not just a meal; it’s a sensory journey into the bounties of the sea.

For one of my dinners, I visited The Grand Bistro, which features fusion cuisine. The best quality local and exotic produce are used to create an expansive gourmet menu that is paired with fine wines from all over the world to create an outstanding experience. I amused my palate with a variety of cold cuts and cheese, a foie gras served most gracefully with mango sauce, and a rare wagyu steak that was a delight to cut and bite into; paired with a well-considered selection of Merlot and Pinot Noir. Dessert was a plate of the cult-favorite mango and black sticky rice that would suit both the sweet-averse and those with an insatiable sweet tooth.

Ju Bao Xuan is known for its Cantonese speciality delicacies with standout offerings like the exquisite Peking duck, which is presented in different forms over three courses. The anticipation builds as the chef skillfully carves the succulent duck tableside, preparing it to perfection. Each bite of the crispy skin and tender meat enveloped in thin pancakes is a culinary revelation.

Exemplary is the standard at The InterContinental

The devil is always in the small details, and every member of The InterContinental’s staff seems to work by this mantra. One such instance that epitomizes the exceptional service at The InterContinental was during a lunch buffet spread. Curious about the pizza options, I inquired about the margarita pizza at the pizza station. The server kindly informed me that they had just run out. Only a few minutes later, as I had just settled down at my table, the head chef himself walked towards me with a margarita pizza straight out of the oven. On another occasion, the head chef got to know that I was coming from India. The next thing I knew, he was serving me a dish of samosas, which, along with the accompanying chutney dip, passed all checks. This remarkable attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to cater to guests’ desires perfectly encapsulates the exceptional service that pervades the entire property.

Unwinding at The InterContinental

The InterContinental’s emphasis on holistic well-being sets it apart further. For those seeking relaxation, The InterContinental boasts a world-class spa that is a haven of tranquility offering a range of treatments including facial and body treatment, hot stone massage, hair styling, manicures, and pedicures that rejuvenate the mind and body. I indulged in the 90-minute deep body massage and mud scrub at The Grand Spa, and it was a truly transformative experience that left me feeling refreshed and revitalized. That night, I also paid a visit to InterContinental’s state-of-the-art fitness center, which is open 24×7, and had all the equipment I needed to pick up my training schedule, right where I had paused it back home.

One of the three luxurious properties at The Grand, The InterContinental is the perfect blend of opulence, adventure, culinary excellence, and holistic well-being. 

Unwinding at The InterContinental doesn’t have to be just at the spa or the fitness center. There’s Fuel – the resident sports bar that serves excellent tapas and a firecracker of a cocktail called The Ghostrider that I recommend to anyone visiting. Fuel has pool tables, a virtual golf arena, and even live music events. And in case you didn’t want the night to end, there’s always Roxy. Roxy, the nightclub nestled within The InterContinental at The Grand Ho Tram Strip (and the only one for miles around), is the ultimate destination for those seeking an electrifying nightlife experience. Open until the early hours on weekends, dance and create lasting memories in its high-energy atmosphere.

Saying goodbye to The InterContinental

One of the three luxurious properties at The Grand, The InterContinental is the perfect blend of opulence, adventure, culinary excellence, and holistic well-being. With the latest property Ixora recently opened up, I’m sure that we’ll be getting to hear great things about The Grand in the near future.

As my stay at The InterContinental drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the grandeur and hospitality that defines this remarkable establishment. It’s a sanctuary where every moment is a celebration of life’s little pleasures, a place where tranquility and luxury converge to create memories that last a lifetime.

LF Says: ★★★★.5