New Saigon Hostel by RedDoorz

We were put on the ground floor when we arrived late. The room smelled awful, and my friend's sheets had blood on them. They moved us the next day, but the new room wasn’t much better. The rooms are tiny, grim, and very unclean. The location is pretty decent, just off the walking street, though down a slightly weird alley. At checkout they overcharged us. They were completely rude when we disputed it, so we ended up paying the extra fee. The only good thing was the owner's mother, who couldn’t have done more to help us. Worst hostel I’ve ever stayed in, and I’d never recommend it.

The family who run the hostel treat you extremely well, and breakfast is made to order with a smile. They can also help arrange tours and guides if you want to sightsee. Though it’s right in the middle of the city, this little place is quiet and cozy. The rooms are clean, and the rooftop patio is lovely for relaxing with a beer or meeting friends and other travelers. When we’re back in Saigon, we’ll definitely stay here again.

For one night, my friend and I were very pleased with our stay. The place is cheap, so we didn’t expect much in that respect, but the service deserved five stars. The staff are a kind, cheerful family who gave us all the information and help we needed, including advice about the airport bus and things to see. From 7 to 9 pm there was free beer, and in the morning we could have coffee or tea for free. We enjoyed it all on the building's terrace.

The place had no atmosphere at all, and I wouldn’t recommend it. The pictures are very misleading, and the rooms are tiny. I had to climb over my roommate's luggage like an obstacle course just to reach my bunk. The bathroom is even smaller, with the shower over the toilet. I was supposedly in one of the fancier rooms, but the AC was right against my bed. Once I finally got it turned off, the room became stuffy and smelled horrible. Hostelworld said breakfast was included, but it wasn’t. I also wasn’t given a towel at check-in and was overcharged at checkout. Their “private car shuttle” to the airport costs three times what another hostel or a regular cab would charge, so don’t fall for it.