Can anyone recommend a 3-4 star hotel centrally located in Saigon. I usually like to stay at hotels that are not Americanized but after long flight from San Francisco would like to at least have use of Jacuzzi or massage facilities. We would like to be in walking distance for shops anf nightlife. Thank you in advance for response. Margie

The Caravelle is prob more than 3 star but has a fab location - www.caravellehotel.com. Same comment re stars for Sheraton - www.starwood.com - have service apts too. What is your budget (as stars in Vietnam mean something different from elsewhere quite often)

We will be traveling three weeks but we really perfer to mix with local people. When away usually don't like Americanized hotels but need some perks when we first arrive. Any other recommendation for places to stay in Vietnam. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Margie

I just left Saigon on 9/21. I also preferred a non americanized hotel with character and we found it! We stayed at the Majestic (4 star). We reserved through www.vietnamstay.com and got what I believe to be a good price for a deluxe room $65 U.S. It's just around the corner from the Grand, Rex and within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. I walked into the Rex, Continental and the Grand and while they were nice was so happy we chose the Majestic. Their morning breakfast buffet was incredible and the staff very very friendly. Service was perfect as well. We were first assigned a room with no view, but after requesting another room they immediately moved us to a room looking to the pool courtyard. It was pretty quiet. They also have fitness center facilities, sauna, massage etc. We actually spoke to one the locals in the hotel and he suggested going to a beauty parlor a couple of blocks away. I had a foot massage, facial, pedicure, footscrub, shampoo and hair done for about $24 tourist prices! My husband had the hour massage, facial, manicure and pedicure for very little also. Even though we had little time in Saigon we were so glad to just pamper ourselves for an afternoon. I asked how much my room would cost if I had reserved directly and they still quoted about $25 more, so it's true you can get better prices over the internet through some of these 3rd parties. There are many restaurants. Don't miss the views from the 2 terrace bars they have overlooking the Saigon River. Live music on the top floor bar.
We also really enjoyed the Lemon Grass Restaurant about 4 blocks away near the Continental. It was difficult to find, but well worth the effort. If you go try to sit downstairs with live music.

DEar Wanda: Thank you very much for your reply. I do want to stay at the Majestic but I'm having trouble getting confirmation through vietnamstay.com. Do you have any recommendations? Also I'm confused we want 1 queen size bed , is this considered a single? I was quoted a price of $90.00 for deluxe room. your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Margie

Usually a single is one person and double is 2 people. We had a queen bed and charge was $65 for deluxe room. I'm surprised about the response. I would usually get an e-mail the next day.

Here is the name of the sales executive I dealt with. Her name is Do Thi To Uyen, email: [email protected]
Fax (84-8) 9201079
I hope she can help you get in to the Majestic. Good luck

We also stayed at the Majestic and it made us want to return to Vietnam. Beautiful room with balcony overlooking the river. Being old, I am an early riser and loved the exercise and badminton going on in front of the hotel from 5:00 AM on. Very quiet and wonderful employees. The view alone would recommend it.