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
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