HCMC Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses
Ho Chi Minh City is huge, and thus offers a ton of accommodation options. You can find cheap beds in hostels here, or opt to shell out for a stay at a world renowned, international chain like the Sofitel Plaza.
The city is laid out in districts, with most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses located in or near District 1. However, there are no clear separations between where the budget accommodation is and where the higher end, pricier places to stay are.
Budget
If you’re on a budget, the easiest place to find cheap hostels or guesthouses is on Pham Ngu Lao, a backpacker hotspot. This area is packed with accommodation options, restaurants, and bars. Simply take a stroll down the road to find a place, or book one online.
Cosman Rucksack Inn is relatively new and has a decent amount of amenities to enjoy. For around USD5, you can book a bed in one of their pods. Rooms don’t offer much privacy outside of the beds, but once you’re inside the actual sleeping space, it’s not a bad choice for cheap accommodation. There’s free wifi here, some excellent food options, and the entire place is kept up well and cleaned regularly. Don’t expect luxury, but you will get great value for your money. (189 Bui Vien St, District 1)
Mi Mi Backpacker Hostel is another good budget option. With a recent remodel, the building is in pretty good shape, with accommodations clean and well provided for. The great thing about this hostel is the vast amount of services offered for such low prices. We were able to set up tours of the city, send our laundry out to be cleaned, and even buy a round of drinks for very reasonable amounts of money. Free wifi and a/c is also included in all the rooms. (Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1)
Mid-range
About a 10-15 minute walk away from the backpacker area of Pham Ngu Lao are Le Thanh Ton and Ly Tu Trong streets, right next to the Ben Thanh Market. This section of town is priced slightly higher, but is also much quieter and less crowded at night. Plus, being right next to the bustling market and transportation hub adds a certain level of convenience that’s hard not to appreciate.
The Elegant Hotel is a great choice for a mid-range budget. Starting at just USD35 per night, you’ll be able to enjoy air conditioning, LCD TVs with satellite, coffee and tea makers, and even a mini bar. This place is less guesthouse and more hotel, so you won’t find much personality, but for the price, it has a lot to offer. Unlike many other budget places in the area, The Elegant Hotel also offers guests a full fitness centre and spa, plus massage services and high speed internet. This is a great deal if you want to stray from the backpacker scene. (122F-122F1 Bui Thi Xuan, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1)
Top end
For travellers looking to spend a little more on accommodation and experience a bit of luxury, you won’t be hard pressed to find a perfect hotel for your needs. Many high-end hotels are located near the opera house, which is a great location to base yourself in.
While you’ll surely have to pay the price for this kind of luxury, the Park Hyatt Saigon is a wonderful option. Rooms cost between USD200-500, but this five star hotel has a lot to offer. Multiple bars and restaurants provide endless dining options, a lap pool is ready for fitness enthusiasts and loungers alike, and a full blown spa awaits travellers after days spent exploring. Expect to pay the price here, but rest assured the service is of very high quality. (2 Lam Son Square, District 1)