Morin Hotel, Hue

Review

It’s hard not to feel disappointment with the renovations that have been carried out on Hue’s oldest hotel since it was taken over by a state tourism conglomerate in the late 1990s. They also added "Saigon" to the hotel's name to maximise confusion. While the hotel is one of the city’s most popular, it’s a long way from the grand old historic property it should be.

The Saigon Morin was a rundown backpacker’s before improvements began in the late 1990s.

While the renovations lifted the hotel out of the backpacker market, they lacked the ambition and expertise that both the hotel and the city deserved leaving an historic building with dissonant design and architectural features.  

The hotel’s location, facilities and history have ensured it remains popular with travellers despite its failure to live up to its potential.

Location

There is no better position in Hue than this - overlooking the Perfume River and the historic Truong Tien Bridge.

Architecture,  ambience and people

A great disappointment on what it could be but there are still traces of history and atmosphere to be found.  Higher category rooms feel a lot better than the public areas.  Avoid the damp carpets of the standard rooms. 

The central courtyard is a lovely space - but again so disappointingly designed. Staff are friendly and helpful but you’ll likely still see glimpses of the old state mandated service ethic if you need any special assistance.

The hotel’s facade has been taken over by garish shop hoardings that further diminish its visual appeal.

Facilities

All mod cons and with smallish pool, basic gym, free wifi in public areas.