Friendly Homestay by OYO Rooms

The staff made me feel at home straight away, even with the language barrier. They’re great with Google Translate and shared local tips, including hidden alleys and good spots that aren’t in guidebooks. Friendly Home Stay, Saigon is also well placed, with gyms, malls, markets and all kinds of food nearby, from Pho to butter chicken and sushi. The rooms were spotless and peaceful, a nice place to recharge after the city. Wi-Fi was fast, and I loved having Vietnamese coffee on the rooftop terrace at sunset. If it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, this budget stay is a good fit. Bring walking shoes and an appetite. I’d love to come back.

Be careful about the bill. The quoted price was 300 thousand, but I was charged around 330, and I don’t know why. I also heard that cleaners and other staff gossip about what guests do in the hotel, including which girl they spent the night with or who came to visit. The air conditioner in my room had a problem, though they fixed it after a while. Based on my experience and the other comments, I can’t recommend this hotel. Even one or two stars seems too generous.

For this price, it’s one of the better rooms in the area. Mine was clean and had a refrigerator and kettle, and the bathroom was decent. There’s a good coffee shop across the street, plus street food nearby. It’s cheaper and the food is better than right in the tourist area.

I’ve stayed here twice and really like it. Nothing fancy, but it feels like home. The rooms are clean, the Wi-Fi is great, and the air conditioner works properly. Staff don’t say much, but they’re always nice. Honestly, I don’t really understand the bad reviews.