Sanouva Saigon Hotel

Set a wee bit back from the street and accessed via a short flight of stairs, the lobby of this slender 10-story hotel feels blessedly removed from the often chaotic scene below. Angular sofas upholstered in a plush brown fabric and an equally plush area rug in a matching shade define the small seating area, which is separated from the restaurant behind it by a broad built-in planter. There’s nothing remarkable about the space in terms of either its decor or amenities; however, it's clean, comfortable, and provides a convenient gathering spot for the tourists and business travelers who routinely check in here.

Set amidst shops and restaurants on a bustling commercial strip, this boutique property puts guests within walking distance of most top tourist attractions -- including Ben Tranh Market, Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the heartbreaking War Remnants Museum, all of which are no more than 15 minutes away on foot. The Bitexco Financial Tower and other CBD office buildings can be reached in the same amount of time, making this spot convenient for leisure and business travelers alike. When you’re ready to go farther afield, off-site tour operators abound in the area and airport transportation can be arranged directly through the hotel (guests booking a minimum two-night stay are eligible for a free pick-up or drop off). If you’re brave enough to drive a car or motorbike here, vehicle rentals are also available, and free parking can be arranged with an advanced reservation. 

• Four-minute walk to Ben Tranh Market
• Eight-minute walk to Independence Palace
• 10-minute walk to Pham Ngu Lao ("Backpacker Street")
• 10-minute walk to Union Square Shopping Mall
• 12-minute walk to the Saigon Opera House
• 12-minute walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral
• 12-minute walk to the Saigon Central Post Office
• 14-minute walk to the War Remnants Museum
• 15-minute walk to the Bitexco Financial Tower
• 16-minute drive to Phuoc Hai Temple (Jade Emperor Pagoda)
• 21-minute drive to Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
• 26-minute drive to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (more depending on traffic)

Ranging in size from 258- to 431-square feet, rooms here are simple yet well-designed. Built-in furnishings finished in a rich mahogany tone lend weight to an otherwise neutral decor comprised of beige-tile floors, white walls and crisp white bed linens; floral bouquets and, occasionally, a swath of bright fabric introduce a dose of color while bamboo blinds add texture. All include air-conditioning, digital safes, minibars, tea/coffee-making supplies, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi; the cute fruit baskets and free bottled water are welcome extras. Executive Rooms also boast separate seating areas. In all categories, the surprisingly stylish matching bathrooms have soft lighting, vessel sinks set beneath big vanity mirrors and glass-enclosed shower stalls cheekily inscribed with phrases like “Get Naked.” Light sleepers should note that rooms at the back of the hotel are quieter than street-facing options, which are prone to pick up traffic noise.

In keeping with its clientele, the Sanouva Saigon has features aimed at both corporate types and vacationers. The former can make use of well-equipped meeting spaces that accommodate up to 50 people, while all may take advantage of the public computer stations and the small but bright fitness room with its stationary bike, cross-trainer, step machine, bench press, and treadmill. The hotel also contains a little restaurant on the lobby level, which offers a light East/West mixed menu. It doubles as a breakfast room, and the basic buffet laid out there each morning is included in most rates (bottom-tier rooms are the exception); be advised though that it has a limited number of tables, and the service can get crowded. Other on-site features include a 24-hour front desk with a concierge and currency exchange; laundry/dry-cleaning, luggage storage, and room service; vehicle rentals and airport transfers; plus free Wi-Fi throughout.