DATE STAYED: April 22, 2012 – April 24, 2012 (3d/2n)
THE RATE: 10 USD/day (For consistency’s sake, 1 USD is 43 PHP)
THE ADDRESS: 185/24 Pham Ngu Lao Str, 1st District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
THE FACILITIES:
Like the previous hotel we stayed in, this hotel is also in Pham Ngu Lao area. Hence, it’s accessible to public transportation, travel agencies, and the city’s tourist spots. However, this hotel is not along a busy street. It is tucked away in a narrow alley after De Tham. The alley is a row of residential-turned-hotel buildings.
We found this place when we had breakfast in the alley. I know we can get cheaper accommodation so we started exploring the area. There were a lot of narrow hotel buildings as well as small eateries. Tram Anh Hotel was the only hotel we inquired amongst the hotels in the alley. The receptionist quoted us 10USD. We checked the room and since it was bigger (and cheaper) than where we were staying, I told the receptionist that we will get the room on the following day. When we got there the next day (after our cu chi tour and before our DIY Saigon tour), the room shown to us the day before (2nd floor room) was different from where we will be staying (third floor room). The room was big but it was a bit dark. The receptionist also asked for my passport but I gave a photocopy instead.
What is inside our room? a double bed, aircon, telephone, desk, chair, closet, wall mirror, television with cable, mini refrigerator, and an en suite bathroom with hot and cold shower. They also provided toiletries.
Pros: Desktop computer with internet connection. I think they rent out motorcycles. You can also ask them to help you book tours and transportation. I read in tripadvisor that they have wifi, which I didn’t use so I can’t confirm. Tourists who don’t like noise may find a retreat in this area.
Cons: NO elevator (but they will bring your bags to your room). NO free breakfast. They are not thorough in cleaning rooms. There was dust build up under our bed. Our room has a small window facing a building, so it’s a bit gloomy. The building was old. It was not really inviting a long stay.
When we were about to leave, I took a peek at another room since it was open. It was bigger and brighter. I think this room faces the street. It also has a bathtub.
THE VERDICT: 3.5/5
Will I stay here again? No. I’d like to try other hotels in the area. I gave it a 3.5 if only because of the space of the room.