Duc Vuong Hotel

Budget travelers around the world are familiar with the kind of digs found in most of Asia's backpacker neighborhoods. Thankfully, the Duc Vuong -- located right on Ho Chi Minh City's most popular backpackers strip -- is a step above the frequently glum offerings in this category. Like so many other hotels in District 1, it's situated in a tall, narrow building. The lobby is also narrow, with a long reception desk along the side. Clocks behind the desk display the time in London, Vietnam, Paris, and Tokyo. Chairs along the walls give guests a place to perch, and traditional artwork and dolls add a Vietnamese touch. The space is usually busy with guests coming and going and getting advice from the staff. Its slogan is "We are family," and many guests have commented on how helpful the staff can be. The hotel is geared toward budget-minded travelers of all types, including couples, families, groups of friends, and solo travelers.

This hotel is located in a busy downtown area at the end of Pham Ngu Lao, the most popular backpacker street in the city. It's located right in District 1, which is the heart of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel is surrounded by other budget hotels, cafes, bars, and clubs, and a bus stop is a five-minute walk away. The Ben Thanh Market is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and the Independence Palace are all around 20 to 25 minutes from the hotel on foot (five to 10 minutes by taxi). One of the more popular area day trips is to the Ci Chi Tunnels, a holdover from the Vietnam War that's around two hours from the hotel. Tan Son Nhut International Airport is about 30 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. 

While rooms do look a bit different across categories, all are basic when it comes to decor, with a few decorative flourishes. Floors and furniture in Standard Rooms are done with mid-tone wood, and there's a subtle leaf-motif on one wall. Many lack windows. Superior and Family Deluxe Rooms have tiled floors and more vibrant -- if dated -- art on the walls depicting still lives, portraits, and landscapes. Monogrammed bed runners and pillows are on the beds in all rooms. Adjoining rooms are available for families and groups. All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. Some include mini-fridges. 

Higher category rooms -- like the DV Wooden Room and the spacious VIP Suite that we saw -- look more polished. As the names might imply, these have sharp wood floors plus handsome wallpaper walls and ornate lamps. They also have additional seating, and the VIP Suite has a dining area separated by a curtain from the sleeping area. 

Bathrooms are clean and all are en-suite. They have separate walk-in showers, or shower/tub combos in some units, and all have at least a bit of counter space around the sinks. Limited toiletries and towels are both provided. Unfortunately, street noise can be an issue in some rooms, and those staying on the hotel's top floor may be disturbed by patrons arriving at and leaving the popular rooftop bar. 

Among the hotel's highlights is its open-air rooftop bar and restaurant with views of the city. It's an extremely popular spot, both for guests and for other travelers staying in the area. It also serves a free breakfast buffet daily, and guests applaud the breadth of the offerings. Other freebies include a welcome drink plus popcorn and bottled water in the rooms. Bicycles, motorbikes, and cars can be rented on-site, and there's a tour desk as well to arrange area excursions and activities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and guests can use the computers in the lobby. Services like laundry, dry cleaning, and airport transfers can be arranged.