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Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

About the US$130 Airfare Reimbursement Promotion

1.

How does this offer work?

Stay a total of 3 nights at Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City on the special room rates for this promotion and a US$130 reimbursement will be given for each person. E.g
 

Single Room
=
 US$130 reimbursement

Double Room
=
 US$260 reimbursement

Triple Room
=
 US$390 reimbursement





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2.
 Do I need to have a 3 night stay booking to qualify for this offer?

Not necessarily.  You can stay for 3 separate occasions for a single night per stay or any combinations so long as the accumulative number of nights meet the minimum total of 3.

The last stay must be by 30 September 2010.

Example 1

1 night (first stay)
 Check-in: 28 May 2010
Check-out: 29 May 2010

2 nights (second stay)
 Check-in: 1 June 2010
Check-out: 3 June 2010



Example 2

2 nights (first stay)
 Check-in: 28 June 2010
Check-out: 30 June 2010

1 night (second stay)
 Check-in: 31 July 2010
Check-out: 1 August 2010



Example 3

1 night (first stay)
 Check-in: 31 May 2010
Check-out: 1 June 2010

1 night (second stay)
 Check-in: 4 June 2010
Check-out: 5 June 2010

1 night (third stay)
 Check-in: 30 September 2010
Check-out: 1 October 2010



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3.
 How, when and where can I claim the reimbursement?

The reimbursement amount will be issued upon check-out at the hotel once the total 3 nights minimum stay has been utilised.


4.
 Do I have to book all the 3 separate nights in one reservation?

Not necessary.  Even one night stay bookings will be accepted.

The reimbursement however will only be issued once all 3 nights have been fulfilled by 30 September 2010.


5.
 How will the hotel know that I am entitled for the reimbursement after my initial stay?

The hotel will have details of your previous stay and this will qualify you for the special rates extended for this promotion as well as the reimbursement. 

Upon fulfilment of the 3 nights, the hotel will do the reimbursement at point of check-out.

Just remember that all stays must be by 30 September 2010.


6.
 Do I need to specifically identify myself as being eligible for the special rates and reimbursement upon placing reservation after my initial stay?

Yes, simply tell the reservationist over the phone that you are booking this promotion.  If the booking is made via facsimile or email, indicate in your correspondence.

If however, you place the reservations from www.equatorial.com/airfare, you need not make any additional remarks.


7.
 What if my first 2 nights are for single rooms and the 3rd night is on double?  Will I get reimbursed for one person (US$130) or two persons (US$130 x 2 = US$260)?

In the event that the accumulated 3 nights have different number of occupants, the reimbursement will only be for one person.



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8.
 If I travel with my spouse and child, will I get reimbursed for 3 persons (US$390)?

Yes, on condition that you are booked as a triple room.  If you are booked on a double room, the reimbursement will be limited to only 2 persons (US$260).


9.
 Can I qualify if I just stay for a straight consecutive 3 nights?

Absolutely.  In such cases, the reimbursement will be issued at the end of that stay itself.


10.
 Can I stay for more than 3 nights?

Absolutely.  The special room rate will still be applicable.  The reimbursement is however fixed at US$130 per person regardless of number of nights stayed.


11.
 How much do I pay for the room / stays?

The special room rates for this promotion are: -
Room Category
 Single
 Twin
 Triple
Deluxe
 US$113++
 US$146++
 US$191++
Executive Deluxe
 US$133++
 US$166++
 US$211++
Club Deluxe
 US$198++
 US$231++
 US$276++
Reimbursement (after qualification of 3 nights stay total)
 US$130
 US$260
 US$390
* Room prices above are subject to 5% service charge and a further 10% VAT thereafter
* No taxes are levied on reimbursement amount


12.
 Do I have to show proof of airtickets / receipt to claim the 'reimbursement'?

Not at all.  The reimbursement will be automatic without the requirement of producing airtickets or receipts.



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13.
 Does this mean that I don't get reimbursed for my airfare?

You will get reimbursed US$130 per person for qualified accumulative 3 nights of stay.  This US$130 is typically the upper average price of return economy class airfares (excluding taxes, fees and surcharges) to Ho Chi Minh City originating from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok.


14.
 What if my airfare works out to be less than US$130 per person?

You will still get reimbursed US$130 per person for a minimum total of 3 nights stay.


15.
 What if my airfare works out to be more than US$130 per person?

You will still get reimbursed US$130 per person for a minimum total of 3 nights stay.


16.
 How can I check the prices of airfares from my point of origin to Ho Chi Minh City?

Go to each airline's website for fare enquiries.


17.
 What are the carriers flying into Ho Chi Minh City from regional hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok?
       

Kuala Lumpur
  
  • Air Asia
  • Vietnam Airlines
  • Malaysia Airlines

Singapore
  
  • Tiger Airways
  • Thai Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Vietnam Airlines

Bangkok
  
  • Air Asia
  • Thai Airways
  • Vietnam Airlines


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About Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City
   

1.

What types of rooms does Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City have and what are the tariff rates?

Besides the Deluxe Rooms that is being offered in this programme, the hotel has 6 other room types.  The tariff rates for all the rooms are as follow:

Room Type
 2010 Tariff Rates (++) per room/suite per night

Deluxe
 US$300

Executive Deluxe US$350

Equator Club Deluxe
 US$370

Equator Club Executive Deluxe US$390

Executive Suite
 US$520

Senator Suite US$800

Presidential Suite
 US$1,200


2.
 How much is an extra bed?

Extra bed is chargeable at US$45++ per night



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3.
 How many restaurants does Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City have and what are they?

There are 4 outlets that you can dine and they are:

Outlets


Orientica Seafood Restaurant & Bar



- Serves seafood, uniquely prepared before you with FIRE, STEAM or ICE

Daily
Lunch: 11.30 am - 2.30 pm
Dinner: 6.30 pm - 10.30 pm
Bar & Lounge: 11.00 am - past midnight


Chit Chat at the Café
-
 An all day dining restaurant that showcases a range of food and beverages to suit all palates.

Daily
Breakfast: 6.30am - 10.30 am
Lunch: 11.30 am - 2.00 pm
Dinner: 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm


Chit Chat Corner
 -
 A cosy corner for you to unwind with pastries, coffee, tea or even  smoothies and fresh fruit juices.

Daily
6.00 am - 10.30 pm


Pool Bar
-
 The sunken pool bar offers refreshing drinks and snacks while you take an some time off.

Daily
9.00 am - 9.00 pm

In-room dining is also available 24 hours


4.
 What other facilities can I find at Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City?

General facilities available are:
  • Wireless High Speed Internet access available in the Lobby, Chit Chat at the Café, Orientica Seafood Restaurant & Bar and Equator Club Lounge; plus Laptop is available at Chit Chat at the Café and Equator Club Lounge
  • Airport and City Shuttle
  • Limousine Service
  • Gift Shop
As for recreational, the Equinox Fitness and Leisure Centre offers
  • Outdoor Swimming Pool with Sunken Bar and Children's Pool
  • Steam Room, Sauna and Jacuzzi
  • Fully Equipped Gymnasium
  • Step Aerobics Studio
  • Massage Centre
  • Hair and Beauty Salon with full Spa treatments
  • Rest Area
Daily
6.00 am - 1.00 am


5.
 Do you have a website I can visit?

Yes, click here to visit Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City's website.


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About Ho Chi Minh City
   
1. Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

All foreign nationals visiting Vietnam require a visa.  Visa to enter the country is obtainable at Vietnamese embassies, consulates or a travel agent.  The visa takes around five working days to process and once issued, you must enter the country within 90 days.  Tourist visas are available on a single or multiple entry basis and business visas can be applied for through a Vietnamese sponsoring agency, valid for up to six months and allowing multiple entries  If the visa is issued as a loose piece of paper make photocopies and keep these separate from your passport.


2. What is the name of the airport for Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is Tan Son Nhat Airport and the airport code is "SGN".


3. What is the best currency to carry in Ho Chi Minh City?

US Dollars is widely accepted in Ho Chi Minh City.  It is also advisable to have a fair amount of money in Vietnamese Dong as this will be needed to pay for small items and public transport.


4. What is the weather like in Ho Chi Minh City?

In general, the climate of Ho Chi Minh City is tropical, it is hot but mild thanks to the sea.  Humidity is 80%, low when compared with other regions of the country.  Tourism is convenient for all 12 months of the year.


5. What is the dress code in Ho Chi Minh City?

Dressing in Vietnam is casual but modest dressing is recommended.  Dress even more respectably when visiting temples and churches ensuring that shoulders and legs are covered.


6. How is the health situation in Ho Chi Minh City?

There are reasonably good medical services in Ho Chi Minh City.  Discuss with your doctor on health requirements prior to your trip.

It is also advisable to drink bottled drinking water and mineral water.  Ensure that food is well cooked.



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7. How do I get around the city?

The hotel offers complimentary city shuttle transfers.  Guests must make prior bookings as there is limited space.  Once in the city, it is recommended to take taxis. 

Metered taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, where numerous taxi companies compete for passengers. A car with a driver is also an option in major cities and can be rented for between $25 and $100 per day.


8. How is the tipping policy here?

Tipping is not expected but definitely appreciated. Some of the more expensive restaurants add 10%-15% service charge and VAT. About US$ 0.50 - US$1 is considered acceptable for a chambermaid or porter.


9.
 Will my mobile phone work in Vietnam?

The network accepted in Vietnam is GSM.


10. When is the next public holiday in Vietnam?
Festival
 Date
 Detail
National Day
 2 September 2010
 National holiday, 1 day




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11.
 Where are the places of interest?

There are a lot of places to visit but the must sees are:
  • Ben Thanh Market
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Ceramic shops and factories at Song Be
  • Cha Tam Church
  • Cholon - Chinatown
  • Dong Khoi Street and surrounds for handicrafts and art galleries
  • Historical Museum
  • Ho Chi Minh Museum
  • Military Museum
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Reunification Palace
  • Saigon City Hall
  • Saigon Waterpark
  • Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
  • War Crimes Museum
  • Xa Loi Pagoda
Interesting day trips from Ho Chi Minh City are:
  • Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels
  • My Tho


12.
 Are there any guided tours available?

Yes.  Simply contact the concierge or the Front Desk at Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City and the personnel will be able to assist you with the booking.


13.
 What websites can I visit to find out more information?

Of course, Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City's own website at www.equatorial.com/hcm.  You may also try www.lonelyplanet.com for travelling tips and experience.


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