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Most visitors stay in Districts 1 and 3—the center of old Saigon—where the highest proportion of the museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are found. The gracious old colonial hotels are here, too, as are many newer international hotels. Free Wi-Fi is ubiquitous, but service can be hit-or-miss. When in doubt, just remember that location trumps facilities. Look for bargains during Ho Chi Minh City's low season, from May to October, when some hotels discount their room rates to entice visitors during the rainy season.
At the higher end of the hotel spectrum, management strives to deliver international-standard four- or five-star service, and usually does so. Things can get interesting in the mid-range and budget options, especially if staff is unfamiliar with international service standards. Exercise patience because in most cases, intentions are good.
This is a great, value-priced option if you're looking for a bit of vintage elegance slap-bang in the middle of local life, and a stylish alternative to the big downtown hotels. It's a cute boutique hotel with compact rooms, an artsy black-and-white color scheme, friendly staff, and a huge bookcase in the lobby—hence the name. Rooms are comfortable and bathrooms have rain showers.
Directly across from the Opera House, history buffs will want to head to this French-colonial-style hotel, where Graham Greene's classic The Quiet American was set and the author himself stayed, in room 214; it was also the meeting place of journalists and diplomats during the Vietnam War. The outdoor courtyard and dining area date from the late 19th century—a delightful place to relax with a drink beneath frangipani trees, some of which were planted in 1880. In this setting, it's not hard to envision the way the hotel must have looked in its heyday.
Located on the border of Districts 1 and 5 (Chinatown), the Equatorial has spacious rooms, an excellent Pan-Asian restaurant, and impeccable service. Public areas include a cozy café, a sophisticated lounge with great cocktail offers, and a bar alongside the inviting outdoor saltwater pool, which is lit up at night (do try the swim-up bar). The spa and health club are among Ho Chi Minh City's best, and the weekend seafood buffets are very popular.
True to its name, these one- to five-bedroom riverside apartments house a mix of long-term expat residences and short-term visitors, and can be a great deal for families. The complex has a pool, children's playground, expansive grassed areas, tennis courts, a café, a convenience store, and a fitness center on-site. There are regular shuttle boats and buses to District 1. The views of the Saigon River from the river-fronting apartments are great, and the complex manages to maintain the feel of a boutique resort while maintaining home-away-from-home comforts.
