Vietnam additions forum

This is a small hotel in Central Saigon, quite close to the Opera House and the luxury hotels /shopping district and the river. We had a big air-con double room was at the front, with a balcony fringed with plants, which we bargained down to US$20/night (from US$30 I think). Our friend travelling with us got a tiny double room without a view for US$13. We liked it a lot and walked everywhere from it (even the Reunification Palace is within walking distance) - it was very clean, very central, the owners were friendly, and unlike all the few other bland, budget options nearby, it was funky and had some vibe. Don't drink the bottled water in the room though (even if you replace it before you check out) - strictly US prices, at US$1/bottle.

There's a bamboo-clad bar downstairs with pictures of 1940s Hollywood movie stars (not surprisingly, given the name). It's a bit pricy and serves mostly American food (the owner is American) but was a good option for a cold drink and filling in down time in the heat of the day.

It's at 20 bis Thi Sach St and the phone number is 08/825-1311.