I thought I would treat myself at the end of my two-week trip in Vietnam and stay at a charming colonial hotel. (Besides it will be New Years's Eve. Why not live a little!) I tend to gravitate towards smaller places, with a laidback feel. I appreciate any comments from travellers who have stayed in either places.

I have stayed at the Grand which I enjoyed,but last year I stayed at the Majestic down near the river which is even better in my opinion. These hotels are in Saigon so I am not sure what area you will be in.

Reread your title and see you did say Saigon. The Majestic is an old colonial hotel.

I've stayed at the Majestic in 2000 and really enjoyed it. I got a ridiculous rate of $55/night on the internet and it was perfect. The room was HUGE--king size bed with about 15 feet of space on either plus nice bathroom. There are also lots of great restaurants nearby--you know the kind that have guys standing outside competing for your business. I highly recommend the Majestic.

We stayed at the Majestic in January 2003 and I would definitely stay there again. The rooms were very nice and the included breakfast buffet was great. We had superior rooms which we booked through planet holiday for $71 per night.
http://www.planetholiday.com/

I stayed at the Continental Hotel in October 2002. It is an older hotel but was a very pleasant experience. Also located in the middle of town so very convenient.