Cat Huy Hotel

Some guests may be put off by the hotel’s location on a narrow, poorly lit alleyway off the main drag. It is not the most attractive part of town, but the street turns into a lively market every morning, and the area is always busy, mostly with locals buying fresh produce. The hotel is housed in a tall, narrow building with a small entrance that opens directly onto the breakfast room. The lobby is up a flight of stairs, and is little more than a small hall with a tiny front desk, a computer that guests can use free of charge, and a couple of small benches. There are no property features whatsoever here, but a tasty breakfast is served free every morning either indoors or by the entrance, from where guests can do some people watching during market hours.

The hotel is located on a narrow side street off one of the neighborhood’s main drags. It is poorly lit and may feel a little intimidating to some at night, but this location is central and convenient for seeing the main attractions. This part of District 1 is known for being home to hotels and bars catering to backpackers, and there is a variety of cheap dining and drinking options nearby. Some of the city’s most popular attractions -- including Ben Thanh Market, the Fine Arts Museum, Huynh Thuc Khang street market, Notre Dame Basilica, the War Remnants Museum, and the Independence Palace -- are all within walking distance. Xa Loi, the largest pagoda in HCM, is a five-minute drive away, and the airport can be reached by car in 20 minutes.

The hotel only features 10 rooms, including twins, doubles, and triples. Units are clean and spacious, with contemporary, generic decor, and a few cute details such as small hanging lamps or accent walls with light blue and white squares. Exterior-facing rooms have large windows and balconies, which make them bright and pleasant; those facing the rear of the building have smaller windows and are quieter, and Standard Rooms have no windows. In-room amenities are great for a hotel in this price range and include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are clean and modern, and have glass-enclosed walk-in showers as well as a few toiletries. 

The hotel’s only two common areas are the tiny lobby -- complete with a shared computer that guests can use for free -- and a small breakfast room where a free, hearty meal is served every morning. There are a couple of tables inside, but the best pick is probably the one by the entrance, from which guests can see the bustling market located right outside the front door. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and airport transfers and tourist tours can be booked at front desk. Just note that the hotel only accepts payments in cash, and that there is no elevator.