Palace Hotel, Saigon - review by Rusty Compass
Ho Chi Minh City | hotels guide

Independent reviews and recommendations by Rusty Compass. No advertorial, no paid placements and no sponsored content.

Palace Hotel, Saigon

| 26 Jun 2017
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Map

Map
Palace Hotel, Saigon
56 - 66 Nguyen Hue St, District 1
, Ho Chi Minh City
+(84-8) 38292860

Map

Price guide: From around US$90

Our rating
Location
Design
Ambience
People
Facilities
26 Jun 2017

When it was built in 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War, this was Saigon’s tallest building. These days it’s a quaint relic of those days with recently renovated rooms and an excellent central location. Be warned - the lead in rooms should be avoided.

Note: The information provided in this review was correct at time of publishing but may change. For final clarification please check with the relevant service

Location

Right on Nguyen Hue walking street at the heart of the city. Easy access to sights, restaurants, bars and shopping. Excellent location.

 

Review

There's still plenty about the Palace Hotel that's reminiscent of its many years in the hands of the local communist government.  It’s been tarted up a few times but you’ll still find traces of Eastern bloc service style during a stay.

The higher category rooms here are good value for money and recommended in their price category. Avoid the lead-in “superior” rooms - they're small and most don't have windows.


Design, ambience and people

The Palace is an iconic piece of 1960s Saigon modernism. It may be an acquired taste but these buildings form part of an architectural movement that was significant in the city before 1975.

The interiors have been renovated twice in the past decade. The look is stock standard modern. It’s bland but it works just fine in the high category rooms. Most rooms (not the lead in rooms) have balconies and the corner suites have great views down to the river.

The atmosphere is neither warm nor corporate. Many of the staff are disinterested. Things are improving - but only slowly.

The best feature is the good value of the suite rooms. They’re large and comfortable and priced well below lead in rooms at nearby 5 star hotels. Expect plenty of quirkiness though.

The pool is tiny but can still be a relief on a hot summer Saigon day. The rooftop bar has great views across the city.


Brief:
Free wifi, small pool, breakfast, spa, rooftop bar

Mark Bowyer
Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass.
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