Ailen Hotel

SCAM!!! We’d booked Ailen boutique Hotel, but they brought us here instead. I don’t understand how the Booking.com reviews were above 8 stars; they seemed misleading or fake. We’d already paid at the other reception before seeing this room. It was filthy, especially the bathroom and floors, and the old sheets were badly pilled. They also charged us more than the Booking.com price we’d locked in and wouldn’t listen when we raised it. We only stayed because we’d arrived on a late flight and had an early departure the next morning, and didn’t have the energy to move. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have stayed here. Avoid this hotel and any other hotel named Ailen at all costs.

We only spent about an hour there before asking to leave because the room was revolting. The online photos bore no resemblance to what we found: the floor, sheets, curtains, and toilet were all incredibly dirty. They still demanded payment for one night, even though we hadn’t received the service. When we refused, staff stopped us from leaving, blocked the exit, and held our suitcases. They became extremely aggressive, and we were frightened. People on the street were looking over, shocked by how the staff were behaving. We tried to explain that we’d worked in a hotel and knew this was unacceptable. We’ve included the only photo we took. In the end, we paid to avoid trouble. If you want to enjoy your time in Ho Chi Minh, stay away from this place.

This is Ailen Garden 2, not Ailen Garden 1 across the alley. It’s tucked into a quiet little alley in the heart of District 1, and the location is great. My room was clean, comfortable, and everything worked properly. The owner works hard and was very helpful. The price is fair.

The staff were really supportive, and it’s a good hotel.