I'm planning our first trip to SE Asia and HCM City will be our first stop. The posts on hotels on this site are 2 years old or older. I've been looking at various sites including TA & Vietnam stay which was recommended in an older post. But with so many hotels it's rather difficult to even begin narrowing them down, so I thought I'd see if anyone can make some recommendations for us. We generally like boutique type hotels, but would consider a larger one. It would be nice to have something that has a colonial style, but again that's not terribly important. Budget would be around $100USD assuming we can get a good hotel for that amount. Room rates seem to go from $20 up to several hundred and having never been to SEAsia its hard to judge what one gets for their money. We'd like something that has a central location. Thanks for any suggestions

We loved the Majestic Hotel-lots of character and rooms are comfortable with big baths and it's got a wonderful Skybar. Just stayed there in Jan.

We stayed in the Liberty Central Hotel in May and loved it. This is a brand new hotel in the heart of the old town, just walking distance to the Binh Tay Market and within easy walking distance to most of the major sights. The breakfasts which were included were excellent offering both western and asian food selections. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the service very good, there was free internet service in the lobby of the hotel and wifi in the rooms. There was also a pool and I believe a spa area.

the Somerset Chancellor is excellent. You can get a studio with a kitchenette for about 120 USD. They have a nice pool and a gym on property.

I have other ideas at other price points if you want. Restaurants too. I have been to SGN four times.

I echo the comments above about the Somerset Chancellor. I spent two weeks there on my first visit and would certainly stay there again.

we too are planning to stay at liberty central... thanks dun

Thanks all for the suggestions. This really helps by narrowing the field. Any other ideas are welcome.
In general for travel in Feb how far in advance do u need to reserve?

Its Lunar New year (Tet) at the beginning of February (3rd) - so you need to take that into consideration when booking.

Krgystn & ekscrunchy, I was considering Somerset Chancellor for our visit to HCM in October, so is good to know you both thought it good.

Krgystn & ekscrunchy,

are there any restaurants within walking distance from the Somerset Chancellor? the reviews seem to say that their breakfast is lacking. thanks.

There are lots of restaruants walking distance, although restaruants change frequently. Cabs are also very cheap.

Two that I like are Bunta (touristy) and Quan an Ngon (more local). They are right next to each other. You can walk there in 15 min or taxi in 5 min.

Also any of the "Windows" cafes are nice for lunch and a festive atmosphere to just hang out for a coffee or drink.

I stayed there in 2000. At that time, and probably still, there were lots of street-side restaurants right outside. I ate a few breakfasts inside the complex and did not think it was all that terrible, but that was a while ago. But since the apartment I stayed in, and I suspect all the apartments there, have kitchens, there is not much reason to have breakfast out.


I do think it is a terrific place to stay and the large pool was wonderful, very helpful on a hot Saigon afternoon! I like the location better than the Liberty, by the way.

I just have to say that I wish I were back there right now. I really love that city!

me too...

Bob - when do you go to Vietnam? Are you doing that along with your current trip to Bali? - June

eks, by the way the groundfloor restaurant was taken over by Highland Coffee (the Starbucks of VN which sadly drove a lot of other great local places out of business) so it is now a buffet breakfast and not as good as the place they used to have. It's OK though.

Oh, thanks! They used to have a small mini-mart in the building, too--has that been eliminated? If so, where is the nearest place to shop for staples? (I am not planning a trip anytime soon, I just like to keep current and like talking about Saigon with someone who also loves the city!) By the way, I stayed there with my cousin, who was living there at the time of my visit.

I stayed at the Somerset 4 times (first time in Feb 2004, last time December of 2008.) Yes, the conveniece store was still there. This post has me longing for SGN....

How does the Somerset HCM City compare to the Chancellor? The Somerset HCM city's rate is quite a bit cheaper. I am not sure if this is because of the quality of the property or the location, or perhaps both.

I am also looking for a family room for family of 4.

thanks.

I have only stayed at the Chancellor; price difference is probably due to the location. Both should have 2 bedroom suites with big kitchen and family room.