Do not be put off that the hotel is down an alley, off the noisy Pham Ngu Lao St. Every second motorbike constantly beeps the horn in HCMC so you will be glad of the peaceful location. You get a real sense of Saigon life as families live all around the hotel and you can see daily life carry on. Note there is no lift, so I would advise the older generation to request a room on the first two floors. The staff are friendly and helpful. I paid only $22 a night including free breakfast and internet. Son, the receptionist from 6am to 6pm was very helpful & arranged airport transfers for me ($10 each way) and called taxis with directions etc. So many of the taxi drivers do not speak a word of English. Best taxi company is Vina taxis on 38 111 111 as a lot more of their drivers speak English. Hong Phong Hotel is 1 minute walk from all the good restaurants and bars in District 1. Only complaint was that there was no English news channels (BBC, CNN) on the Satellite TV, otherwise I would... more