This is the second time I've been to Ho Chi Minh City and the last time, I was so taken by the hotel exterior and its old world charm that I had to book into it on my next travel there.

We ended up in one of the suites, overlooking the inner courtyard and facing the Opera house. The first comment I made when I walked into my room- it feels like I'm staying at Grandma's place- this hotel would have been an amazing place to stay at in its time, but sadly, it is living on its old world charm without much updating it. The room is sparse and could do with more decorations to give it's old world charm back- the carpets badly need some cleaning, so do the light fixtures. The bed was comfortable enough. The bathroom thankfully has been redone and no complaints here.

It seems like a confused hotel- parts of it retaining the opulence and grandieur- other parts like a bad 3 star hotel, with neon signs indicating where the spa and gynmasium are. There was another review saying the hallways felt eerie and sometimes unsafe- this i would agree on as you're walking to the spa/gynmasium. I wouldn't have walked there had I been alone! The spa/massage area was not what you'd expect of a 4 star hotel- I was almost unsure if I walked into a dodgy massage parlour- the massage itself was fine- just the whole layout of it was seedy.

Breakfast is served in the groundfloor courtyard restaurant and this was very nice and pleasant- a great way to start the day. The breakfast spread was plentiful and there was a wide selection of food. This is what I'd expect of the Continental and if they could maintain the level of a 4 star hotel all around, it would be a fantastic place to stay at without complaints. The staff were courteous and the bellboys friendly and helpful in getting taxis and directing the drivers to our desired location.

The location is central, opposite the Opera and a short walk from markets and other tourist sites.

It was not a bad stay- but it was not a great one either.

I stayed here as part of a tour I was on. First night in Vietnam, only night in HCM. I was given a room looking the courtyard that didn't really overlook it. It overlooked the roof of the next building.
Was disappointed in the room. It was a little bit noisy and I felt a little unsafe walking through the dimly lit corridor.
Asking the desk staff for help seemed like you were bothering them.
Next time there are other hotels in District 1 HCM that I will stay at instead.

Having researched our trip to Vietnam and accomodation options we were very prepared and incredibly disappointed with what awaited us at this hotel.
Front desk and restaurant staff were first and foremost just awful. Terrible English as well which is unheard of in a 4-star + Asian hotel.
The rooms are large though stark, sterile and very very old. There was renovation going on during our stay all along the corridor so any time spent in the room between 9am-7pm was effected substantially though perhaps they will update all rooms eventually. We were not told prior to the stay or upon arrival however of the interruption. WORST of all were the events held in the courtyard of which 1/2 the rooms overlook (others look to street). Incredibly loud music, bands, dancing etc as one was a wedding that went until midnight. Again no notification and upon complaining I was lied to several times and told it was over by 9, then 930pm etc etc... The point is of course weddings occur in hotels though in function areas with soundproofing, away from hotel rooms or at the very least advise your customers. I complained several times politely on the phone, angrily in person and again in the morning - to no avail, let alone a decent response. We had a very early start on the day of check out and this was immensely troubling to us. No one cared.
Breakfast started at 630am which is when we needed to eat and leave by 7am so we were again let down that the omelet and other stations were not ready until 650am with no apology or care once more.
Lastly - we were left a phone message by our tour guide and this was not given to us.

Location is good though for the price - we paid $US110/night - you can certainly choose better.

Wife, daughter & I are just finishing 3 day stay at Continental, our first since '07. Started staying here in '68. I still love it; not just with nostalgia for past days, but due to the comfort of it's large rooms, friendly staff and great breakfast buffet (included in most room rates). I've stayed in most of the French era historical hotels (Grand, Caravelle, Majestic, & Rex), but we still favor the Continental for its location and ambiance. Although it long ago glassed in the open dining area fronting Dong Khoi st. (formerly Tu Do, formerly Rue Catinat), it now offers an outdoor dining area along the side street. The breakfast buffet is always good and offers seating in an outdoor courtyard. we like the Oriental Suite which has a large high-ceiling sleeping area (we use 3 beds), a sitting area, and a walk-out balcony, Just across Dong Khoi St. is a new shopping center: Eden Vincom A, with shops I can't afford, but also a marvelous collection of about 50 dining facilities - good and convenient. Continental rates usually prove quite competitive with other 4-star hotels in town. It's central location is hard to beat. Close enough to walk to Ben Thanh Market.