Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Tips by machomikemd

Palace Hotel overlooks downtown and the Saigon River and is perfectly located for everything the city has to offer. If you are travelling on a low budget this is the hotel for you. Palace Hotel is situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, 7 km from Tan Son Nhat International airport and right in the administrative and commercial area of the city. The rooms are very clean and offer views of Sai Gon (see my pictures) although the coffee lounge disco at the second floor can be loud at times since it is a prime hotspot for saigon's young Urban Professionals!

I Stayed here for 2 days then moves to the nearby Bong Sen Hotel at the Back.

Unique Qualities: Palace Hotel is one of the well-known and luxurious hotels in District 1. It is also near to the shopping areas of Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue Streets, like Lucky Plaza and is only a walking distance to Saigon River for a Saigon River Cruise, Ho Chi Minh Statue square and People Committee Building and many commercial buildings, traditional boutique shops and entertainment venues are all around the hotel.

There are lots of good in-house services, including a large, open pool area, a good restaurant overlooking a funky little fountain area, a big bar area, and BS massage services wherein you can get a 30% discount. The staff are used to international clients and service is quite efficient for the price.

10 Minute walk to Benh Thanh Market, 15 minute walk to Malaysian Owned Parkson Dep't Store, 10 minute walk to Saigon River and Vung Tau Ferry. 8 Minute walk to Kem Bach Chang Ice cream, Givral is just beside it and rex hotel & People's Comittee Bldg & Ho Chi Minh Statue is just a 3 minute walk from here.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (84-8) 8292860
Address: 56-66 Nguyen Hue Blvd, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: www.palacesaigon.com/
Other Contact: Fax : (84-8) 8244230

The Bong Sen is a bland but affordable and convenient downtown operation. It always offers special rates, and especially good ones if you contact the hotel directly -- you can't beat paying as little as $56 to be right in the heart of the city in and among the likes of the Sheraton and the Caravelle. The place is always busy, though, so be sure to try to book in advance.

Rooms are large and plain, with a standard host of amenities; everything is clean and works.

Unique Qualities: Bong Sen Hotel was awarded one of top ten Vietnam hotels in 2001. the Mangostine Cafe serves International and seafood buffet; Catinat Box Bar offers a quiet place with elegant atmosphere for relaxation. The Vietnam House offers traditional Vietnamese cuisine (The BEST! see my vietnam house photos!) plus the Buffet GANH serving vietnamese buffet, also good!; The Brodard Cafe and the Delicatessen provide specialties of French, Italian Asian food with a wide delicious home-made pastries, bakeries, cakes and ice cream.

Walking distance to everything like 11 minutes to Benh Thanh Market, 3 Minutes to Rex Hotel, 2 Minutes to Municipal Theater, 16 Minutes to Parkson Mall.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (84-8) 8291516
Address: 117-123 Dong Khoi Street Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City, HC,
Website: www.hotelbongsen.com/
Other Contact: Fax : (84-8) 8298076

There are a variety of rooms, but all are large and clean, with fluffy carpets and kitschy bamboo detailing everywhere. The lampshades are big royal crowns, which are a hoot. There's good indirect lighting throughout. Some of the suites have beaded curtains and Christmas lights over the bathroom mirrors. The beds and pillows are firm but fat, and there are good views from some balconies.

The Rex is in a great downtown location, across from a square that has a lively carnival atmosphere at night. It is also known for its rooftop bar, with its panoramic Saigon view. The pool is small, just a toe-dipper, but it's in a quiet courtyard. Amenities here cover all the bases, if you can find them in this labyrinth.

Unique Qualities: During the French time, the Rex began as a two-story garage located in the heart of commercial center of Saigon. Between 1959 and April 1975, Mr. and Mrs. Ung Thi, a Vietnamese couple purchased and renovated it into a six-story building with 100 guestrooms and renamed it as Rex Trading Center and then the US Information services rented much of the premises for office and residential use. The remaining space housed three cinemas, a cafeteria, a dance hall and a library.

During the Vietnam War, the Rex was a favorite watering hole for American officers. Renovations have seen it return to some of its former splendor. Many of the city's best shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. The hotel also has three restaurants, including the famous Rooftop Garden where you can enjoy a drink or a meal overlooking the busy streets below.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: (848) 829-3115
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vi 70000
Website: www.rexhotelvietnam.com/

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: 84-8-833-6688
Address: 18 An Duong Vuong Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnan