I got the room that full of cigarette's smoke..very uncomfortable to breath. Breakfast is just ok. One good point is that the location is strategic, at district 1, near ben thanh market, notre dame church, post office, and many other objects of tourism..
We stayed here again in 2011. We wanted to travel to Vung Tao for 3 days and I told them we would be back for the remainder of our stay in Vietnam. I wanted my same room when I returned and I even offered to rent the room while I was gone. They said that wasn't necessary and that I could have the room back when I returned in 3 days. We even left all our luggage there - they held it for us. We return exactly 3 days later, 5 P.M. on Christmas Eve. Guess what? They rented our room to somebody else and didn't have ANY other room available. So Christmas Eve we spent over an hour in a Taxi driving around looking for a hotel. Do not trust reservations with this hotel!! They will give your room away. First come first serve. Come to think of it I watched them do the same thing to an other couple.
I would recommend this hotel as it is easy to get to the Ben Tan Markets as well as the tourist quarter. Nice rooms with window, cleaned every day, staff nice and felt safe with staff sleeping in entrance at night. The breakfast was included which was good.
Stayed here with my mom and 7 other friends. The rooms are nice, clean and the ladies at the front desk and cafe are nice and helpful. The front desk guy, which we met during check in is not friendly but professional in doing his job, so it's okay. However the location is far from Ben Thanh market. One of the bell boy is exceptionally nice and helpful. We even get to keep our luggage for free, before going to the airport.
Breakfast is okay.
The reception staff can speak adequate English and helped us with information. Note of caution! Do not book any tours or taxis from here, you can get it for half the price if you go to the numerous travel agents near Pham Ngu Lao road.
The room was very small, just enough to fit in a double bed and two side tables but was clean and comfy with free WiFi. (Ask the reception for password if it is blocked). Bathroom was quite old but functional.
The breakfast buffet is quite good. Make sure that you try the Iced Coffee in this restaurant. It is a bit pricey (by Vietnamese standards) but it is among the best we ever tasted in all of vietnam, and at only 1.50 AUD, absolutely worth every cent!
Hotel is only 20mts drive form the airport and taxi fare should be around 110,000 - 150,000 (5-8 AUD) inclusive of a 10,000VND toll charge, depending on traffic. Check with driver for a Working meter BEFORE you get into taxi, otherwise they will overcharge you!
The hotel is located a little bit away from the happening end of town on the other side of Le Lai street park where most tourist hang outs are, but it is within walking distance to most city sites. (5 mts walk to Pham Ngu Lao road tourist hang outs) If you are not into walking, do as the locals do and jump on a motorcycle and Hang onto the rider for your life! After all, Saigon is called the motorcycle city.and don't pay more than 10,000 - 15,000 per a ride to any of the city sites.
Word of caution when in Vietnam - Don't book any tours, buses, taxis from your hotel. wait until you've had a chance to check out a few travel agents outside - they are everywhere in every major city and much cheaper than your hotel quoted price. ALways bargain before booking. Everything in Vietnam seem to operate on a commission basis and at the end of the day, everyone is offering the same tour at different prices. (We went to STA travels in De Tham street, very reasonable and Tour guides spoke comparatively better English than other agents we went to)
Overall, this is a no frills budget hotel with basic facilities.
