Ruby Star 2 Hotel

The location is what kept bringing me back to this hotel each year for four years, whenever I arrived in Saigon before heading elsewhere. It’s handy for a short city stay, but the rooms have become less pleasant over time. They didn’t seem very clean, had a faint moldy smell, and the slippers felt sticky on my feet. This visit was especially disappointing. I’d booked a room with a window, but the room on the 8th floor had an AC unit so loud it sounded like a tractor, and the toilet wouldn’t flush properly. Reception moved me after I called, but the replacement had no window and I wasn’t refunded for the downgrade. If you only need a basic place in the center to leave your luggage while you’re out, it’s just about okay. For somewhere clean and comfortable to rest, I wouldn’t choose it. I won’t be staying again in Saigon. There are other hotels nearby that cost only 100-200k VND more, around $5-10, and are much nicer.

I’d give this place zero stars if I could. They overbooked despite my having paid for a room in advance, then wouldn’t refund me. The woman at reception didn’t seem to know anything. Don’t come here expecting an easy, relaxed holiday. Shame on this hotel.

The room was comfortable and clean, and it had a bathtub. There was an odd smell from the bathroom, though I didn’t find that a big deal. What really affected my stay was the AC. It barely cooled the room, and I hardly slept during my two nights here. The good service made me want to rate the place higher.

I booked ten days here after losing my passport and visa, since the hotel was close to the counter and it seemed easier to get replacement documents from there. When I arrived, I showed them a passport copy, a photo, and a certificate stamped by the police station. They still refused to let me check in and wouldn’t return my payment. I had to find another hotel, where the police report was enough for a smooth check-in. The staff and service attitude here were very poor.