Kim Tho Hotel
A smart hotel, verging on the boutique, Kim Tho sets a new standard for midrange properties in the Mekong. The rooms are stylish throughout and include designer bathrooms. The US$50 river-view rooms are a great deal...
In general, accommodation in Vietnam offers superb value for money and excellent facilities. In big cities and main tourism centres you’ll find everything from hostel dorm beds to luxe hotels. If you’re travelling in the countryside and visiting provincial towns there’s less choice; you’ll usually be deciding between guesthouses and basic-but-decent hotels.
Cleanliness standards are generally good and there are very few real dumps – even in remote rural areas there are some excellent budget places. Communication can be an issue at times (particularly off-the-beaten-path where few staff speak English), but it’s usually possible to get an understanding. Perhaps because of this, service standards in Vietnam can be a little haphazard.
Prices are quoted in dong or US dollars based on the preferred currency of the particular property. Most rooms fall into a budget price category and dorm bed prices are given individually. The price ranges used are:
Budget ($) Less than US$25 (525,000d) a night
Midrange ($$) Between US$25 (525,000d) and US$75 (1,575,000d)
Top End ($$$) Over US$75 (1,575,000d)
These reflect high-season prices for rooms with attached bathroom, unless stated otherwise. Discounts are often available at quiet times of year.
Passports are almost always requested on arrival at a hotel. It is not absolutely essential to hand over your actual passport, but at the very least you need to provide a photocopy of the passport details, visa and departure card.
A smart hotel, verging on the boutique, Kim Tho sets a new standard for midrange properties in the Mekong. The rooms are stylish throughout and include designer bathrooms. The US$50 river-view rooms are a great deal...
Setting the standard as the smartest hotel in Saigon, the Park Hyatt has a prime location opposite the Opera House. This neoclassical structure is as easy on the eye as its lavishly appointed rooms...
Still the most stylish place to stay on Phu Quoc, La Veranda is designed in colonial style and is small enough to remain intimate, with just 44 rooms...
A central hotel with clean and comfortable rooms albeit devoid of any noticeable design flair.
This towering hotel includes a rooftop pool with views to the beach. Rooms are squeaky clean and well appointed, although it is worth investing a few more bucks for a spacious sea-view. Breakfast included.
This centrally located hotel is popular with tour groups. Rooms in the old building are cheaper but there’s no lift; those in the new building are better appointed.
The swish entrance to this hotel is proof of the ongoing gentrification of the PNL area. The rooms don’t quite live up to the lobby’s promise but they’re clean and modern, with safes and writing desks...
High-rise but low on atmosphere, this is a business-style place with splendid views. Almost top end, this place offers midrange online deals.
Run by Saigon Tourist, the smart, modern rooms include deep-pile carpets and bathrobes. Other facilities include in-room safety boxes, free wi-fi, a small swimming pool and a rooftop bar with serious sea views.
An elegant, polished lobby sets the tone at this atmospheric little hotel, which blends Eastern flavours and Western chic...
Sixteen-storey luxury hotel with a renowned Japanese restaurant, and the Sky Lounge bar here has panoramic city views...
Built in 1998, this impressive neoclassical edifice blends in well with its surroundings, especially the adjacent Opera House. Rooms are spacious and plush, and both business and leisure facilities – including a gym and a pool – are impressive.
Asian glam on a budget, the Northern’s rooms are some of the smartest in town for this kind of money. The bathrooms are a cut above the average, plus there’s a rooftop bar and gym.
Unquestionably the most luxurious address in the north of the city, this hotel is setting new standards in the luxury sector, with a contemporary Asian-design theme running throughout...
Emperor Bao Dai’s former residence is one of the most charming beachside retreats on the south coast, the bungalows and cottages set in immaculate gardens fronting the beautiful private beach...
About 1.5km (1mi) north of Hoan Kiem Lake, away from the standard hotel areas, the Thien Thai is a big mid-range place with attractive rooms and attentive service...
Rooms enjoy sweeping views over West Lake and the hotel is a short walk from the trendy Xuan Dieu strip.
Adopting the attention to detail of the boutique-hotel concept but adapting it to a large Old Quarter structure, this impressive new place has 55 rooms, all with a distinctive Oriental design...
Creature comforts on the road to Cat Cat is what you get at this modern hotel.
Overlooking a plunging valley, this ecolodge has 25 lovely stone-and-thatch bungalows, each with front balconies to make the most of the magnificent views...
A grand entry (complete with an oversized birdbath of a fountain) welcomes guests to this smart business hotel. It’s well located for city explorations on foot.
The BS, as it's affectionately known by business travellers, is an attractive choice, with friendly management and staff. Rooms are clean, carpeted and somewhat uninspiring - but it's fair value for the neighbourhood.
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