If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, centrally located hotel in the vibrant District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the Alagon Hotels group offers a unique experience. With several interconnected properties sharing the same block, the Alagon Central Hotel and its sister hotels provide a blend of local charm and comfortable accommodations, all within easy reach of the city’s top attractions. However, this complex setup comes with its quirks, so here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your stay.
The Setup: A Maze of Hotels
Alagon Hotels are not a typical chain hotel experience.
Instead, it’s more of a collective—several individual hotels under one
ownership, all interconnected within the same city block. With different
lobbies, entrances, and elevators, navigating the complex can be a bit of a
puzzle. When you check in, you might find yourself in one building but end up
staying in a completely different section. While the setup can be confusing at
first, it adds a touch of adventure to the stay.
Located in District 1, the heart of Saigon, you’re within
walking distance of major tourist attractions like Ben Thanh Market, the Opera
House, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. This prime location makes it easy to explore
the city on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars right
outside the hotel.
Rooms and Comfort
Alagon offers a wide range of room types, from small,
budget-friendly options to more spacious, comfortable rooms with better
amenities. My room, which I paid around 610 RMB per night for, was larger and
more comfortable than the lower-tier options. Opting for the pricier rooms is
well worth it, as the cheaper rooms tend to be small, windowless, and
occasionally musty. The room I stayed in was clean, well-maintained, and,
thankfully, smoke-free, which is always a plus in some smaller hotels in
Vietnam.
The bed was comfortable, and the room was equipped with
modern amenities like a flat-screen TV (though the variety of channels left
something to be desired). There was also a minibar and complimentary wine,
which was a nice touch for winding down after a long day of exploring the city.
If you’re planning on staying at an Alagon hotel, I highly
recommend spending a bit more for one of the better rooms. In smaller,
locally-owned hotels like this, it’s often worth it to book their top-tier
options. The extra space and comfort make a noticeable difference in your stay.
Facilities and Amenities
One of the standout features of the Alagon Hotels group is
the array of amenities available to guests. Although each hotels are
technically separate, they share some communal areas, and depending on where
you’re staying, you may have access to more than one hotel’s facilities. For
instance, I had access to afternoon tea, which was included as part of my room
package.
Service and Staff
The staff at Alagon Hotels were consistently friendly and
welcoming throughout my stay. Upon check-in, I was greeted with sweet iced tea,
and the check-in process itself was smooth and efficient. The staff was helpful
when I needed directions or assistance in navigating the hotel’s layout, and
they were quick to respond to any requests. Despite the sometimes confusing
setup of the properties, the level of service made the experience feel more
seamless.
Food and Dining
While Alagon Hotels offer several dining options, I didn’t
have a chance to fully explore them. That being said, the business lunch combo
and house specialties listed in the in-room menu seemed reasonably priced. For
those looking for more affordable meals, District 1 is filled with excellent
local dining spots where you can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese and
international cuisine.
Overall Experience
Alagon Hotels offer an affordable, centrally located option
for travelers who want to stay in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City without
breaking the bank. Once you’re settled
in, it’s a comfortable place to stay, especially for business or short-term
visitors.
Rojo Rating:
- Location:
7
- Facilities:
6
- Amenities:
7
- Décor:
6
- Staff:
7
- Food:
6
- Cleanliness:
6
- Comfort:
6
- Uniqueness:
8
- Value:
8
Total: 67/100
For a centrally located hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Alagon
Hotels provide decent value for money. It’s not without its quirks, but if
you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay that’s close to the action, it’s
worth considering—just don’t expect five-star luxury at this price point.