Rough Guide to Vietnam - Jan Dodd [55]
Asian 150 Dong Khoi 08/3829 6979, asianhotel@hcm.fpt.vn. Centrally located mid-range hotel, but compact and intimate enough not to overwhelm. All rooms have satellite TV, IDD, bathtubs and mini-bars. US$51–150
Bong Sen 117–123 Dong Khoi 08/3829 1516, www.hotelbongsen.com. Stylish yet personable upmarket hotel right at the heart of Dong Khoi with an in-house business centre. The Bong Sen II (08/3823 5818), around the corner at 61 Hai Ba Trung, has newer rooms at slightly cheaper rates, but without the Dong Khoi address. US$51–75
Caravelle 19 Lam Son Square 08/3823 4999, www.caravellehotel.com. A grandiose entrance leads to the city’s most prestigious hotel, featuring luxurious rooms and suites with all conceivable comforts and dizzying views across the city. US$151 and over
Continental 132–134 Dong Khoi 08/3829 9201, www.continentalvietnam.com. The grandly carpeted staircases, marbled floors and dark-wood doors of this venerable address’s halls and corridors convey a colonial splendour that doesn’t quite extend to its rooms, though some do boast commanding views down Dong Khoi. US$151 and over
Dong Do 35 Mac Thi Buoi 08/3827 3637, dongdohotel@hcm.vnn.vn. Nicely furnished mini-hotel with all facilities and a restaurant with a view on the sixth floor. US$31–75
Duxton 63 Nguyen Hué 08/3822 2999. Nearly two hundred rooms in this luxurious place with a restaurant and business centre. US$151 and over
Grand 8 Dong Khoi 08/823 0163, www.grandhotel.vn. Painstakingly restored 1930s hotel, whose spacious suites and friendly staff lend an old-world charm. Attractive furnishings and polished wooden floors add to the effect, while modern facilities include a swimming pool and jacuzzi. US$76–US$151 and over
Kim Long 58 Mac Thi Buoi 08/3822 8558, www.kimlonghotel.com. Another good mini-hotel right in the centre, with bathtubs in some rooms and cable TV. US$31–50
Lavender 208–210 Le Thanh Ton 08/2222 8888, www.lavenderhotel.com.vn. This place occupies a great location for shoppers, just beside the Ben Thanh market, and features smallish but cosy, carpeted rooms with all facilities. US$76–US$151 and over
Linh 16 Mac Thi Buoi 08/3824 3954, www.linhhotelvn.com. The most appealing of the mini hotels on Mac Thi Buoi, this place has 22 bright, well-appointed rooms with attractive bamboo furnishings. US$31–75
Majestic 1 Dong Khoi 08/3829 5517, www.majesticsaigon.com.vn. Historic 1920s riverfront hotel, still oozing character. All the rooms are charming (especially those with a river view) and the staff fall over themselves to be helpful. There’s a first-floor pool and rooftop bar too. US$151 and over
May 28–30 Thi Sach 08/38234501, www.mayhotel.com.vn. With a good downtown location, this new place features a pool, spa and fitness centre. Rooms are bright with solid furnishings and ADSL connections. US$76–150
Park Hyatt 2 Lam Son 08/38241 234, www.saigon.park.hyatt.com. Enjoying a prime spot on Lam Son Square with over 250 classically elegant rooms, three stylish restaurants, a pool and spa, the Park Hyatt rivals the Caravelle, which it eyes over the Municipal Theatre, for the title of top spot in town. US$151 and over
Renaissance Riverside 8–15 Ton Duc Thang 08/3822 0033, www.renaissance-saigon.com. This smart hotel in a modern building down by the river offers a challenge to other top-line hotels in the vicinity with its immaculate rooms and personalized, friendly service. US$151 and over
Rex 141 Nguyen Hué 08/3829 2185, www.rexhotelvietnam.com. A recent make-over has re-established the Rex as one of the most appealing options on the Ho Chi Minh City hotel scene, with plush, comfortable rooms, and an excellent central location. A sundowner on the fifth-floor terrace is one of the city’s treats. US$151 and over
Riverside 18–20 Ton Duc Thang 08/3822 4038, www.riversidehotelsg.com. This modernized grand colonial pile proudly eyes the river from the base of Dong Khoi, and offers much cheaper rooms than its famous neighbours like the Majestic and Grand. Rooms are spacious and cosy, making them good value. US$31