Recently, students majoring in Hospitality Management at the NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE) – Nguyen Tat Thanh University had the opportunity to participate in an industry connection activity at Mermaid Seaside Hotel – Vung Tau, as part of their course on Facility Operations and Management. In addition to exploring the facilities of a 4-star hotel built to international standards, this trip offered students a more comprehensive view of the operations and management of technical and physical systems in the hospitality industry—bringing classroom theory to life in the most engaging way.
Mermaid Seaside – A Premier Destination in the Heart of Vung Tau
Located on the prime Tran Phu street in Vung Tau City, Mermaid Seaside Hotel is a well-known destination for both domestic and international tourists. The hotel boasts 221 upscale rooms designed with modern luxury, offering an array of amenities, including an infinity pool, bar, Asian–European restaurants, and fully equipped meeting and event spaces. More than just a getaway, it is also a leading partner in training and developing talent for the service industry.
Practical Learning – Gaining Deep Insight from Real-World Operations
The special learning session began with a representative from the hotel sharing the story behind Mermaid’s establishment and growth, as well as its branding strategies amidst fierce competition in a coastal tourist hub. Insight into brand positioning, customer service strategies, and building brand identity helped students grasp the vital yet intangible elements of hotel operations.
Right after the presentation, students were given a guided tour of the hotel’s facilities—from the reception area, guest rooms, and restaurants to the bar and the stunning infinity pool, considered one of Mermaid’s signature highlights. More than a sightseeing experience, each space came with a detailed explanation of its design, functionality, and arrangement—offering a hands-on lesson in optimizing customer experience. Students also had the chance to observe and analyze the hotel’s asset management, maintenance procedures, and operational strategies—key components of their current course.
A particularly interesting part of the tour involved the story behind the interior and exterior design. From the choice of dominant color tones and materials to lighting layout, every detail was thoughtfully curated to evoke emotion and elevate aesthetic value. The hotel representative also discussed how room pricing varies by floor level, view orientation, and accompanying amenities—an essential strategy for maximizing revenue that every future hotel manager should understand.
In addition, students were introduced to the hotel’s modern room management system, operated via specialized software. They gained practical insights into the check-in process, occupancy monitoring, guest request handling, and lodging data management—highlighting the critical coordination between human resources and technology.
The journey ended with a delightful lunch at the hotel restaurant, where students not only sampled a sophisticated menu but also learned about menu planning, ingredient selection, and food safety standards in luxury hospitality.
Learning from Reality – Preparing for the Future
The visit to Mermaid Seaside Hotel was far more than a field trip—it was an eye-opening experience that helped students clarify many questions surrounding facility operations in a real-world setting. Rather than working with simulations, being able to observe, interact, and learn directly from professionals enabled them to gain a deeper understanding and more flexible application of theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Many students shared that the experience helped them “connect the dots” in understanding the industry—from minute operational details to broader strategies like brand positioning, asset management, and technology integration in customer service.
Connecting Today – Succeeding Tomorrow
The NTT Institute of International Education (NIIE) constantly innovates its teaching methods by bridging classroom learning with real-world experiences through corporate engagement activities. The site visit to Mermaid Seaside Hotel is part of its practical training strategy. This approach makes NIIE’s students in Service and Tourism stand out and be ready to impress employers right after graduation.
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NTT INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION – NGUYEN TAT THANH UNIVERSITY
GLOBAL LEARNING – GLOBAL SUCCESS
Address: 458/3F Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0934 116 244 / 0938 116 244
Email: niie@ntt.edu.vn
