Job Discussion Forums

[Jbhughes]

My parents are coming to Vietnam for the first time this summer. They will be arriving by plane at Tan Son Nhat airport and continuing onwards by train to Nha Trang the following day. I'll be meeting them at the airport and getting on the train with them.

Therefore, we will need a hotel to stay the night in.


Criteria:

-Location: relatively convenient for taxi trip from the airport and to the train station - looking at a map, PNL is a possibility, but closer to the train station could be great if possible.

-Quality: I'm quite happy with standard Vietnamese-style budget accommodation, but my parents will be coming in from a long-haul flight and will require: comfortable, ultra-clean, quiet rooms, super comfortable beds, AC, internet (ok, that's for me!) etc.

-Trustworthy/Competent Management // Bookable Rooms: For my parents piece of mind, I need to have the hotel booked in advance. I would consider paying some of the room fee during the booking process to ensure the booking is made (something I'd never dream of under normal circumstances).

-Free/discounted airport taxi pick-up: probably a bit hopeful, but this would be very nice.

-Price: 400k-700k room/night. Single room for me at the lower end hopefully, double room for them likely at the higher end.
My parents don't need the height of luxury, or world-class restaurants: I'm not talking about the Caravelle here! I'm not experienced with anything other than back alley 1-200k a night places in Saigon, so I will be guided by people's advice.



Many, many thanks to anyone that can recommend a place. I'm sure people can relate to my situation - after we've beaten off taxi drivers at the airport, I really want the hotel to be the start of a positive first experience for my parents in Vietnam.

[toiyeuthitmeo]

Hello,

The price-range you mention may be a problem. I've found that in general, to step up to a "nice" hotel with the things you desire, you're looking at $50US-$75US/night.

I recently had guests stay at the Golden Hotel. Quite pleased with the experience and fits your list. They have a website, you should find it with a google search.

Look at the Liberty brand of hotels, there are several, and one that comes to mind is on Pham Ngu Lao street. Actually, several of the hotels on the street facing the park are a nice "step-up."

Taxi to the train station is no problem from Dist 1 / PNL, I seem to recall it taking 15 minutes or so.

[Jbhughes]

Apologies, I seem to have started this thread and promptly forgotten about it.

Firstly, many thanks for your reply, Toiyeuthitmeo.

Secondly, wow. I obviously underestimated how much nicer hotels costs in Saigon! I may also have made it sound like they needed a bit more luxury than is necessary - I doubt my parents have ever stayed in a four-star hotel before!

I've stayed in enough of the budget places to know enough about them, but I don't really know what happens one looks for a hotel with room prices about say 250k in Saigon. Would you say that there simply aren't any hotels in the 300-700k range or is it that they are no real improvement on 250k hotels?

You mentioned hotels facing the park - are any of the nicer ones of those within my price range and worth it?

Anyone else feel free to dip in if you've stayed somewhere a bit nicer than budget and a bit cheaper than 4 star.

thanks again tytm.

[LettersAthruZ]

[tonyjones01]

There are many places to stay in HCM that are in that price range. I recommend the Asian Ruby II (see link). It's quiet (for D1) and the rooms are nice (Western style beds). The breakfest is pretty good and people nice. The pictures in their site are accurate. The prices are $500k for a room without a window and $600k with window. The also have nice rooms with balconies for $800k. If you stay more than 1 night they should have someone pick you up. It's close to the market so if you pay for your own taxi if will run you around $100k. You can do an online booking or just give them a call.

http://www.asianrubyhotel.com/2/