EdenStar Saigon Hotel & Spa

While this is by no means one of the largest hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, it certainly tries to make a grand first impression. Several steps lead up to the entrance, and once inside, the light-filled lobby is expansive and formal, with a huge crystal chandelier glimmering overhead in the two-story space. A large, curved leather sectional provides a place for guests to sit in the lobby, and the lobby lounge is off to one side. Several flat-screen TVs entertain and keep guests up-to-date on the news and weather. This hotel has modern, if plain, interiors that are done in a predictable mix of neutral tones and bright details. It's that sort of reliably simple, but still feature-packed, style that draws plenty of guests here. Well, that and the hotel's prime location. Expect to encounter almost all types of travelers at he EdenStar, though the majority of those are on vacation and include families and couples. 

This hotel is located on a busy street in District 1, the city's most central neighborhood. Numerous hotels, shops, businesses, restaurants, and nightlife surround the hotel, including a nightclub next door that can be quite noisy on weekends. It is a 12-minute walk to the popular Ben Thanh Market. The War Remnants Museum -- a fascinating place with relics from the Vietnam War -- and Reunification Palace are both about a 15-minute walk away. Expect a 10-minute drive to the iconic Saigon Opera, which sits on Dong Khoi Street amid luxury retailers like Jimmy Choo. The Vincom Mall is also near the Opera House and is Ho Chi Minh City's largest shopping center. The trip to Tan Son Nhut International Airport takes about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. 

Rooms are modern and attractive, with oak and dark wood furniture, dark wood-laminate floors, and wood-paneled accent walls. The decor is simple, with little in the way of wall art, though details like padded headboards in muted dark tones add a bit of polish to the spaces. All rooms have flat-screen TVs mounted on white wall panels that are embossed with a subtle tree motif. Additional amenities include air-conditioning, stocked minibars, safes, and electric kettles. Bathrooms are compact but clean, and come with hairdryers, toiletries, shower/tub combos, and robes and slippers. There's a decent amount of counter space and fixtures are all contemporary. Premium Deluxe Rooms add a sitting area with a sofa, and Suites have separate jetted tubs in the bathrooms. The luxurious Royal Suite has a jetted tub off the sleeping area overlooking the city. Some rooms have spectacular views of the city, including the Panorama Suite, which also looks out onto the pool area. It's worth noting that some rooms pick up noise from a neighboring nightclub.

There are a number of features at this hotel, some better than others. Mango Restaurant serves Western and local cuisine in a sunny, light-filled space with modern fixtures and wooden tables and chairs. It overlooks the cozy coffee lounge on the lobby floor below and receives solid marks from guests. Breakfast is especially popular, and free, including a number of Western and Vietnamese options. The Sky Pool Bar next to the pool serves drinks and snacks in an open but covered space, and guests can order room service around-the-clock. 

The rooftop pool is a great place to take in views of the city. There's not much deck space, but a few lounge chairs and umbrellas are available, and there's are tables and chairs for guests who want to work or dine poolside. The small fitness center also offers city views through floor-to-ceiling windows -- it doesn't have a ton of options, but it's fine for a basic workout. The small spa offers massage treatments, a sauna, steam room, and whirlpools. It's fairly dark, and feels like an afterthought, without any discernible style to give it a tranquil vibe. 

Two events spaces with natural light can accommodate 250 people for business or social gatherings, or they can be combined for larger groups. The hotel has its own wedding planners, and technical support also is provided for events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel as well.