Palace Hotel Saigon

First opened in 1968, the hotel has undergone several major renovations, the last being in 2006. Decor is mostly contemporary now, but rooms are a little basic for an upscale hotel, and offer limited amenities. The lobby is bright and modern (if generic and not quite stylish), with couches in two different colors, a marble front desk with a wood-paneled wall, and a funky ceiling lamp. This contemporary style continues in the rest of the common areas, including the restaurants, spa, and hallways. The most attractive features of this hotel are probably the rooftop restaurant -- featuring expansive city views -- and the quaint outdoor pool, complete with bar service and nice vistas.

The Palace Hotel Saigon is located in the heart of District 1, within walking distance of most major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants, upscale shops, and hotels within a few blocks from the hotel, and Ho Chi Minh’s famous Opera House is an easy stroll away. Most other main sights in town can be reached on foot, including Ben Thanh Market, the Fine Arts Museum, Huynh Thuc Khang street market, Notre Dame Basilica, the War Remnants Museum, and the Independence Palace. Xa Loi, the largest pagoda in HCMC is a seven-minute drive away, and the airport can be reached by car in about 25 minutes.

The hotel features three main room types: Standard Deluxe Rooms, Family Suites, and Palace Suites. Dark wood furniture, cream-colored walls, white linens, and bare walls make rooms feel basic and generic. Yellow pillows and small red ottomans add some color, but decor is overall average. LCD TVs, air-conditioning units, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles are all standard amenities, but there are no mini-fridges or minibars here. Bathrooms are fairly modern and appealing, with rectangular sinks featuring modern fittings, and deep shower/tub combos. Deluxe Rooms have carpeting in earth tones, and suites feature polished wooden floors in the bedroom. Family Suites have beds for up to two adults and two kids, while Palace Suites are corner rooms with king beds and separate showers and tubs. 

The hotel features three main restaurants, including a Vietnamese one on the rooftop, a regional buffet, and an international restaurant with Vietnamese specialties. Additionally, there is a café offering pastries, coffee and sandwiches, and a small bakery. With eight upscale treatment rooms and an array of salon services, the spa is probably the most upscale feature in this hotel, while the fitness center -- offering four machines and no natural light -- is tiny and a little drab. The outdoor pool is small but has great city views, bar service, and padded loungers, and offers a quiet respite from the bustling city below. Freebies include Wi-Fi (although service can be spotty), an average breakfast buffet, and purified water in rooms. The hotel also offers four fully equipped meeting rooms and secretarial services.