These tricks include platform beds (the in-room safe built into the platform), a floating vanity/sink, wall mounted flatscreen TV, built-in shelving and reading lights. Decor in the form of wall graphics and fun pops of colour livens the space up and makes the stay more memorable than the average boring hotel.

Not many rooms like this in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Cindy Fan

The cheapest private room does not have a window, while all others (double or twin) do. Rooms also come with a desk, WiFi, air-con and bathrooms with shower, toiletries and hair dryer. There’s a computer in the lobby free for guests to use.

Best of all is the location. Town House 23 is on a quiet street running off Calmette St, around the corner from Maison Marou Cafe and Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum. Metro construction is a minor obstacle/annoyance to getting to Ben Thanh market, which is only 300m away. You wouldn’t realise it since the street and hotel is so low-key, but backpacker street Bui Vien is just 500 m to the west.

Brushing your teeth after a night out on the town could be a challenge. Photo: Cindy Fan

When we inspected in June 2017, we noticed one room had some rainy season water damage and another looked like it could use a fresh coat of paint. On that note, we couldn’t see their one dorm—accommodating 12-persons—because it was being renovated, so they do invest in keeping things maintained. Overall, it’s a great location and tidy, clean, quiet hotel.