Onetel Saigon Hostel

The rooftop is nice and the staff are friendly. I liked the place, but check that you get the room you booked. They offered me a different room, so I had to wait about two hours before I could get into mine. They said there had been an electrical problem. If they have guests booked, they should make sure everything is ready.

I gave this place five stars before because it was clean and nicely designed. This time I left really upset by how they handled the price. I paid $7 for a dorm bed on my first night, then they asked for $9 for the second night just because it was Friday. They can have their reasons, but this isn't a good way to build a long-term business or customer loyalty. I wouldn't recommend it. There are plenty of other nice hostels nearby.

I feel lucky I got to hear the story behind this interesting hostel and learn something new. Onetel Dinh Cong Trang was built by the Americans in the middle of the 19th century. After independence, it became government property, and many 'big men' lived there. Over time, people left and the building became dirty and smelly. Few people lived there, and crime was out of control. Then a company bought some apartments and set about bringing the building back to life, repairing and decorating them as a new hostel. The idea was to bring foreigners and other travelers closer to local people and everyday Saigon life. Guests can watch locals watering plants, playing chess, and cleaning the floor, and talk with them to learn more about the city. The company kept buying more apartments and improving each floor, then got the rooftop on the ninth floor and turned it into a green yard and kitchen where people can come together. From there you can see a panorama of Saigon, including two old water towers nearby and life below. In the kitchen you can cook, chat, learn, play, sing, and enjoy the atmosphere of staying in Saigon. Each Onetel branch has its own design and concept, and I think the architects must be very talented and have a lot of love for Vietnam and Saigon. That's what I love most about this hostel. Thanks for reading my long essay! Lol! :D

A comfortable, eco-friendly hostel in central District 1, with a coffee shop. It's near Hoa Sen University, the mall, market building, supermarket, and bus station. From here it's easy to get around the city and explore fashion shops, restaurants, and parks. Good service, a good place to stay in the center.