Bee Saigon Hotel

The room was clean and affordable, with a balcony looking out over the busy alley. It's close to the lively backpacker street, but feels calmer and less crowded. The staff were kind, and laundry cost a little less than at most places nearby. I'd gladly stay again and recommend it. The restaurant downstairs has an enormous menu with eight different cuisines, but don't let that put you off. We took a chance and had some of the best Italian food we found in Vietnam, especially the gnocchi.

This is just about the food. There are so many choices, from Western dishes to Brazilian and Mexican food, noodles, rice, and plenty more, that it's hard to decide what to order. The staff are friendly, but the food is only so-so. I wouldn't recommend the seafood pho, which wasn't nice at all. The fried spring roll was the one thing I'd recommend trying.

There are two hotels run by the same people, Bi Saigon and Bee Saigon. Bi has a lift and costs a bit more, while Bee has stairs and is cheaper. Room options run from around 12 dollars for a windowless room with stair access to about 40 dollars for a large family suite with lift access. The restaurant's food is quite good, the menu is huge, and the staff are helpful and friendly. I may be biased since I stay here every time I visit Saigon. I even stayed here with my family when I was 10, in 2000, and the woman who owns the hotel recognized me.

There are a couple or three versions of the menu around, and they differ a little, so ordering can feel like a bit of a roulette. The "Peter" Breakfast and "England" Breakfast are both unusual, but you only find out what they are by ordering them. This is one of the most creative restaurants in Saigon. The homemade ravioli is the standout, especially with sautéed potatoes on the side. They usually make it in the back of the restaurant in the mornings.