Elegant Inn

Just around the corner from the city's backpacker mecca, this hotel is just a step above typical backpacker fare. The hotel is situated in a tall and narrow building distinguished by a bright yellow sign with red lettering that stands out on the busy street. Upon stepping inside it's clear that this is a simple hotel, with few frills, but a pleasant vibe. The small lobby is long and narrow, with a computer desk at the back. Carved wooden chairs and benches in the front give guests a place to sit in the reception area. Aside from breakfast, there's no real opportunity to mingle, and most travelers use this as a home base for exploring. The hotel attracts a diverse cross-section of guests, from couples and groups of friends to families and solo travelers.

The hotel is located in the Pham Ngu Lao Ward of District 1, just around the corner from the Bui Vien Street and within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The area is well-known among backpackers and is home to a number of the city's most basic budget hotels and hostels. Popular attractions such as Ben Thanh Market can be reached in 15 minutes on foot, or five minutes by cab. Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum are a bit far to walk, but will take five to 10 minutes to reach by car depending on traffic. One of the most popular sights in the area is the Cu Chi Tunnels, from the Vietnam War era; they're nearly two hours outside of the city. Tan Son Nhut International Airport is about a 30-minute drive northwest of the hotel. 

Rooms are simple, but well-equipped, with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free bottled water. Decor features white tile floors, modern paisley accent walls, gold damask drapery, white bed coverings, and dark wood furniture. Nothing is particularly memorable, but it's all well-kept and clean. Tile bathrooms are compact, with tiny tub/shower combos in some, wall-mounted sinks, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some bathrooms have open showers with no separation between toilet and shower -- a wet room layout that's not unusual in Vietnam. Some rooms look directly onto an adjacent brick wall, not the most pleasant set up, but one that guarantees quiet in this hectic city.

Like most budget hotels in this part of the city, features are thin to the point of threadbare here. Breakfast is served in a sunny breakfast room with potted plants lining the large windows. It's included in some rates but not all, and includes a well-liked array of Vietnamese or Western dishes. A desk in the lobby has a computer set up for guests to use, and a tour desk assists with booking trips as well as bicycle rentals. Wi-Fi is free, but can be spotty.