Express by M Village Pham Ngu Lao, a brand of Modern Village Lifestyle

We booked a deluxe studio on the building’s corner, with a wraparound balcony facing one of the city’s busiest boulevards. Thanks to the double glazing, traffic noise wasn’t an issue. The modern rooms are beautifully decorated, and the bathroom has a large walk-in shower. Staff were very friendly and helpful, checking on WhatsApp a couple of times to see if we were comfortable or needed anything. Guests can use the washing machines and dryers for free, and complimentary washing liquid is provided. There’s also a great rooftop space. From this spot on the edge of Saigon’s tourist district, sights are easy to reach on foot, or by an inexpensive Grab if you’ve walked enough. Great value, highly recommended.

Across the five hotels I stayed in during my 10 days in Vietnam, this was the best experience. Linh at Reception was so friendly and helpful. I was short on cash for my Grab fare, and without asking any questions, Linh came with me and paid the driver using her own E-wallet. I paid her back at checkout. Staff also message guests on WhatsApp each day to check how the stay is going and offer more help. The room was lovely, the bed very comfortable, the AC worked perfectly, and there was a hairdryer and mini fridge. I’ll definitely recommend it and return.

The staff were consistently helpful, and there’s a wide choice of food around the hotel. The location is one street from walking street and 200m from the big red hop-on hop-off bus. The nearest market is a 20-minute walk. My room was smaller than I’d expected, but it was cleaned every other day. No TV, which I actually found refreshing, and the WiFi was good. There’s a nice terrace on the fifth floor, an honesty box for beers, and free laundry with soap and a dryer. I’d stay again if I return to HCMC, and would recommend it to friends.

Helpful front desk staff earned the stars for this stay. The hotel is close to the walking street, with its clubs, scantily dressed women, and sleazy massage places, so there’s noise through the night. The double glazing doesn’t block all the honking and drunk people yelling. Rooms are really small, more than I expected, with no table for work or makeup, and the bedsheets were very rough and didn’t seem to be the usual cotton. Cleanliness was passable, though there was some dust. For this price, I could have stayed in a slightly bigger hotel nearer Ben thanh. I wish I’d read a review like this before booking.