Le Méridien Saigon: A gem along Saigon River

Renowned for its stunning views, design, and service, the hotel has become a sought-after destination for both leisure seekers and business travelers, offering a wide array of accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and cutting-edge facilities.

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Le Méridien Saigon provides easy access to major attractions, business meetings, and events. Guests can indulge in a contemporary stay enriched by the culinary delights of its three distinguished restaurants and bar: Akuna, Barson, and Latest Recipe.

In the first half of 2025, the hotel achieved several accolades, including the Best Scenic View award from the Haute Grandeur Global Awards and recognition in Tatler Asia's Top 20 Best Restaurants and Best Sommelier awards for Akuna. Akuna retains its Michelin star for the second consecutive year as announced in June, while the hotel earned the title of Best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in Vietnam at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards in September.

Lars Kerfin, the hotel's general manager, shared his thoughts on how Le Méridien Saigon achieved these remarkable milestones.

Can you share the milestones, challenges and successes during your journey with Le Méridien Saigon?

I started my career as a waiter in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Germany. While I've worked in various departments throughout the years, my heart has always remained close to food and beverage. Joining a hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant feels like coming full circle and returning to my roots.

In 2002, I left Germany for my first international assignment in Thailand. What was initially meant to be a 3-5 year experience turned into 20 years. In 2022, I moved to Vietnam, where I now continue this incredible journey. The experience shaped my career and allowed me to become a general manager at 35. It also enabled me to impact the careers of many talented team members.

The 20 years in Thailand truly prepared me for crisis management. I learned to transition quickly from prosperous business environments to crisis modes, managing tsunamis, political unrest, flooding, bombings, and airport closures. I thought I had seen it all, until Covid hit. Without a doubt, that was the most challenging and character-building experience of my career. I sincerely hope I never have to apply the lessons learned from that time again.

Lars Kerfin, General Manager of Le Méridien Saigon hotel. Photo courtesy of Le Méridien Saigon

How do you demonstrate your leadership and vision, particularly regarding your brand's values and future aspirations?

Our number one core value is to put people first. I firmly believe that if you care about your team, it will lead to great business results. Caring sometimes involves a bit of tough love, but I think every parent can relate to that. I make sure to be there for my team, especially when things get challenging. This approach helps us develop great future leaders.

In what ways do you enhance Le Méridien Saigon's global presence and establish it?

We actively seek out new markets and potential customers, utilizing our Global Marriott channels and personally traveling to these markets to introduce Le Méridien Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnam to prospective audiences. Our key message is that we offer a strong focus on seamless guest experience and exceptional food and beverage offerings. We aim to provide a haven where our clients can relax and discover the wonders of this amazing city and country.

Are there any exciting upcoming projects or initiatives at the hotel?

We have big plans to elevate our Barson Bar experience further. Our bartenders have recently won numerous awards, and we've started a guest shift series, "Nights of the Best," inviting bartenders from Asia's Top 50 Bars for guest shifts. Akuna will continue to evolve, with a few enhancements we hope to introduce in the distant future.

How important is sustainability in your operations, and what steps is the hotel taking in this area?

Sustainability has become a key focus for us over the past couple of years, and we are pushing for further improvements with ambitious, clearly defined goals. We received Green Globe certification last year and are committed to identifying additional sustainability opportunities. Recently, we switched to using 100% sustainably sourced coffee across all hotel operations, building on our already strong sourcing goals.

What do you believe sets Le Méridien Saigon apart from other luxury hotels in the region?

Our ability to combine personalized service with a wide variety of options for dining, drinking, sleeping, and enjoying life. Latest Recipe offers a monthly culinary journey and outstanding brunches; Barson combines world-class drinks with delicious food options in a beautiful venue with outdoor casual seating; and Akuna provides a perfect option for special occasions. All of our venues, along with most of our rooms, offer breathtaking views of the Saigon River.

How does the hotel engage with the local community and culture?

At Le Méridien, it is in our DNA to help guests discover the local community, culture, and art. Each guest floor displays local art, and we currently have a painting exhibition of a local artist in front of Barson. Our concierge team has also developed a digital guide to help guests discover lesser-known local attractions.

We also strongly support the less fortunate members of our community through CSR activities, partnering with Operation Smile for donations, activities, and funds.

Do you have any messages for the guests of Le Méridien Saigon?

We are profoundly grateful for the support of our guests and remain committed to continuously delivering innovative experiences, particularly in the MICE sector. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Le Méridien Saigon in the near future.

As Le Méridien Saigon continues to innovate and craft exceptional experiences for its guests, the hotel remains a premier destination for travelers from near and far. With a visionary outlook, the hotel is poised to maintain its esteemed reputation as a leader in the luxury hospitality industry.