Blue River Hotel, Ho Chi Minh

Blue River Hotel, Ho Chi Minh:

Blue River Hotel is located at the center of Ho Chi Minh's shopping district. It's in District 1, where all hotels, restaurants, tourist spots, markets, parks, are located. It's the most foreigner-friendly district.

I think it's a converted apartment of some sort. The buildings look alike design-wise, with floors reaching 6 or 7 levels. I really like the uniformed units. The high ceilings with neat square cuts and French Colonial touch produces beautiful rows of colorful commercial-slash-residential buildings.

The hotel has no elevator, as well as other hotels with the same size. Each floor only has 2 guest rooms. We got the topmost level, and there's only 1 room, plus a rooftop exit. It's vacant, save for some laundry clothes and random items. It overlooks the street below and also similar buildings of the same height. I actually really like it.

Superior Twin Room: $27 per night
Eventhough it's practically the 7th floor, we climbed the stairs like there's no tomorrow. The room doesn't disappoint. We got it on a discount so even when there's a vacant Twin Room on the 3rd floor, we got this one. It has TV, mini fridge, closet, WIFI, en-suite bathroom, A/C.

Bathroom is fully functional. There's a bidet, which is nice. Toilet paper rolls provided, as well as towels.

Hot water in shower, with built-in soap dispenser

Toothbrushes with paste given to guests. One brush per person, per day. These are disposables.

Breakfast dining area is on the 2nd floor, overlooking the lobby. Few tables and chairs for in-house guests. It's quaint, but clean, and pleasant.

Kitchen is very residential. I feel like it's a family business. I appreciate the Complimentary  Plated Breakfast nonetheless.

Each table has a condiments tray with tissues

Coffee or juice

Large baguette and a large egg with few greens and half a tomato.

Dragonfruit

Remarks:

• Even with the simple breakfast, I got full. That plate was big-ass. I also love how it's very different from continental breakfasts big hotels serve.
• The hotel closes around midnight or before. And by close, I literally mean close.They turn down rolling shutters on the whole front side of the hotel. We were told to buzz the doorbell when we got home past midnight. Very safe.
• They offer city tours, in conjunction with a local tour company for VND 258, from 8AM to 4PM. We availed of a day tour and visited the city's tourist attractions including the Binh Tay market, Thien Hau temple, Post Office, Notre Dame Basilica, Independence Palace, and War Remnants Museum.
• We also availed of their shuttle service going to the airport. We thought it was a taxi but it turned out to be a private van. Very comfy. Forgot the rate for this, around VND 100, I guess..?
• Staff were very nice and friendly. When we requested for a towel or hanger, response was immediate, considering it's 7th floor. Thumbs way up!
• Recommended? Maybe. But I think there could be better rates in the same location, with a few more perks. Only if you have spare hours to search for better deals. Blue River Hotel is very good enough for a few nights.

Blue River Hotel

283/2C Pham Ngu Lao Street, Dist 1

Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Tel: (+84)8 383 764 83

Mobile:+84 090 367 9994

Email: blueriver1126@yahoo.com