Vietnam forum

Booking hostels online and airport pickup

Pokol

flashpacker
Posts: 32

Hi,

I'm thinking of booking a room using hostelbookers.com. Has anybody tries this? I can also book an airport pickup here. how does this work? Do they wait for you with a sign showing your name or how does this work? Can I trust booking online or should I just risk it and make it into HCMC and fins a room by myself?

#1 Posted: 29/9/2009 - 21:04
daawgon

som tam seller
Posts: 552

I usually email the hotel directly to book a room with airport pickup - most every place has computer access. Yes, a sign is held up in the arrival area and it works quite well. It's especially nice when arriving late at night in a strange country - having someone meet you is a real plus. I reserved by email recently at the Bich Duyen (bichduyenhotel@yahoo.com) in Saigon and the manager there responds almost instantly. Some of those booking sites now charge - I know that hostelworld does.

#2 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 01:33
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
Located in:

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Hostelbookers is one of the larger hostel resellers, unlike HostelWorld they don't charge a $2 fee on top so the rooms sometimes work out a little cheaper.

There's around 432,432,765 cheap guesthouses in Saigon so as long as you're not arriving late at night and are not fussed by having to try a few places to find one you like, reserving ahead isn't essential.

Also worth noting that on both HostelWorld and Hostelbookers, the descriptions are written by the guesthouses themselves.

#3 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 07:33

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Pokol

flashpacker
Posts: 32

Thank you! I think I'll try and walk into the hotel directly. In any case, late at night...How late is late? After midnight??

Thank you!

#4 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 16:50
idreamofdur-
ian

som tam seller
Posts: 561
Located in:

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Hostelbookers is great -- I use it when I'm going to be arriving late and/or aren't in the mood to pound the pavement looking for the best room. I usually book for only 1 night then, if it's any good, ask to extend my stay at the online booking price :) I've only been picked up at an airport by a hostel once -- they had a sign with my name on it.

#5 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 16:57

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Pokol

flashpacker
Posts: 32

And what if your flight gets delayed? Do they still hold your booking and come back to the airport when you arrive?:) Sorry for all these silly questions but I've never arranged an airport pick up...I've always risked it.

#6 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 17:16
Pokol

flashpacker
Posts: 32

Also, does it get any cheaper if you arrange an airport pick up or is it better to get a taxi to the hotel?

#7 Posted: 30/9/2009 - 17:32
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5884
Located in:

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Pokol,

It depends on the property, but generally if you're booking beforehand there is some kind of facility to let them know you'll be arriving late in the evening -- just run it past them -- they should advise if it is a prob.

Personally I wouldn't bother prebooking an airport transit with your accommodation (unless they offer it at a very discoutned price) - Saigon's airport is close to downtown and there will always be transport hanging around -- some better than others of course.

Hope that helps.

#8 Posted: 1/10/2009 - 09:00

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macman1945

flashpacker
Posts: 35

Hi pokol,
Do yourself a favour and listen to the words of wisdom of daawgon.
I travelled to vietnam last trip and his advice regards bich duyen hotel is spot on. Great manager and really reasonable and safe transfers.

#9 Posted: 1/10/2009 - 16:45
Pokol

flashpacker
Posts: 32

Hey, you were right. Chanh is soooo friendly and quick. There was no room in his hotel but he managed to get me something cheaper and arrange airport pick up. So far it is ok. I will let you guys know if this was good at all when I arrive:)

#10 Posted: 15/10/2009 - 15:35
Indoluso

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 133

Hello!

My experience is that airlines which provide online check-in allow you to choose your seat when checking. Another option is to call the airline when you buy the ticket and ask for the seat you want (just did it for my next trip in 4 months). Both of these are fee-free.

Cheers

#11 Posted: 13/3/2010 - 04:13
peterscot

newbie
Posts: 2

Hi all.
I found an online service, http://www.checkmein.eu/uk/ which provides online check in by giving the best seats preferred by us.
They send boarding pass by email.

#12 Posted: 13/3/2010 - 14:02
indochinaqu-
eenhotel

longtail driver
Posts: 6
Located in:

Posted from within Vietnam.

I think both hostelworld and hostelbooker is good, but maybe you first find hostel on this website and then read reviews which was rate by previous customer so that you can know this hotel is good or not, and then book hotel. After that maybe hotel will contact you and they will confirm whether you need taxi to pick up at the airport or not?

#13 Posted: 14/3/2010 - 15:54