Not such a good hotel

we stayed at the grand for 4 nights recently and while the location is great I would not stay here again. The breakfasts were the worst we had at any hotel in Vietnam- really cheap orange juice and a poor selection generally- not a four star standard at all. We stayed in the old part of the hote,l which was fine, although because of the air conditioning it felt damp . We had stayed at 4 other hotels in various parts of Vietnam and I would say that this was by far the worst we stayed in. With just a little bit of money this hotel could bring itself up. I also had a terible massage at this hotel, far better to go to one of th massage places just up from the hotel.

Building works warning at Grand hotel

We are just back from vietnam and stayed at the Grand for 3 nights. The hotel is in a good position and on the whole a nice hotel but be warned when we where there they are in the middle of building a shopping centre opposite and although we were on the 11th floor the noise was pretty bad because they are working 24/7.

we finally were moved on our last night even though they had first informed us the hotel was full.

Our advise would be to check before you accept your room as they do not inform you about the building noise. insist on changing even if they say its fully booked. Try to stay in the old part of hotel lots of charm.

Check out resturants around hotel especially one called 13

Convenient and affordable hotel

We stayed for a week at the hotel last february. We were in the new wing however, and missed the old charm of the colonial wing. However the room was spacious and the mattress was firm. Don't take the corner room as we did for a few days, it was much smaller in size. Breakfast buffet was good but lack varieties if you had stayed for a long period. Service through out was good. The pool was nice but lacked underwater lighting needed for a safe evening swim. Bell boys and security staff are very efficient: we forgot a package in a cab on our way to visit the city, with only the approximate time we had left the hotel, they found out who the cab driver was and urged him to bring back the item!

The location is very convenient and rate is reasonable. Try out very good and affordable restaurants across the hotel front door!

Better than a park bench

Was the aforementioned pina colada poured from the reviewers own flask? We did not see any service at all worth speaking of at the Grand, much less any staff member anywhere near the pool for any reason. No towels. The nearest tiny bar was off limits, they were filming some sort of movie in there without so much as a by your leave. The pool, whilst just passably and clammily clean, is barely adequate, very poorly positioned to sun, minimal (10)unhygenic lounges and the tiled surrounds looked grotty. As did a lot about the Grand -a faded old lady. The bed blankets were so thin and pilly you'd think twice about giving them to the dog back home. There are very few electricity plugs. The front desk staff were always busy, brusque and bordered on unhelpful. We had a serious issue that they had to be asked about three times. Staff at breakfast had to be chased for coffee. They all seemed harassed. The salon staff were surly, presumptive and ill mannered, then had the temerity to ask for a signed tip, another Vietnamese con. In fact, if you don't tip, they will stay away in droves. Yes breakfast thrilled us, that is until some of the dishes looked suspiciously like the leftovers from the previous nights buffet. They are liable not to replentish food in the last half hour, so get in early. The young men at the door were a happy change. Rooms at this hotel were fair enough, but the whole atmosphere hovers just above shabby,admittedly nothing blocks out the traffic noise and dust in Saigon. The hotel position is as good as it's upmarket neighbours, and it's small roof bar afforded nice night views and a happy hour of sorts, although the Majestic's top bar across the road was far superior. The little jazz band in the upstairs restaurant (food only just)were happy, talented and non invasive. We are not pedantic, hard to please travellers, but nor are we backpackers. It was all passable I suppose, but don't be fooled by illusions to some old French masterpiece. This hotel is far to busy with it's monopoly to really give a fig about it's customers. If you don't care about reasonable service and/or communication through the day and used it at night, for the medium budget hotel it is, it's better than a park bench.

Incredible place! Colonial elegance, great staff

We had a ball at the Grand. We stayed in the old part of the hotel and have a feeling that really adds to the experience. Our room was divine and the pool was right outside!

The brekkie was amazing (I have no idea how anyone could say any different - like the below reviewer...we had fresh pho, fry ups, fruit, dim sum, etc)...

The pool was spotless and a cool relief from the city vibe...all improved by a lovely pina colada.

the terrace had a cool breeze and was good for early eveining drinks and snacks.

LOVE IT

Very Average

Stayed at the Grand as part of a tour of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia and it was the poorest hotel we stayed in. There is nothing dreadful about the place but it certainly does not inspire and I would not rush back. Everything was mediocre.Unless you were able to secure an excellent rate there are plenty of other hotels in Saigon.

Best value

After giving a few hotels in HCMC a try, I returned to my favorite, the Grand. The old wing has high-ceilinged French style rooms with updated baths and in this heat I needed the comfort of a pool.

I don't know which hotel the grumpy reviewer stayed but it was not My Grand. I find the staff to be very attentive and smiling most of the time. And the breakfast buffet is perfect, the best I've had in Vietnam.

Convenience and Comfort

My husband and I stayed at The Grand Hotel in mid-August 2005 and only had positive experiences. The Grand was our last stop after a hectic few weeks traveling in Vietnam. By that time, we were looking for clean, comfortable, full-service and a good location and that is exactly what we got. We stayed in the new wing. A nice view of the city. The room was plan and boring, but a good size. Laundry service was a bit overpriced as compared to our other hotels.

The staff, while not overly friendly, were efficient. They allowed us to check-in early and check out late upon departure for no extra cost. The pool and the bar were a nice relief from the hectic streets of Saigon. We did not eat at the hotel as it was more cost efficient to just eat at restaurants just steps from the hotel.

I would stay here again for sure.

Rapt in the Grand

The Grand Hotel, HCMC is fantastic! Beautifully restored 1920-30s French colonial building with a new wing tastefully merged into the old building. The hotel has high ceilings and is decorated in a manner appropriate to the yesteryear ambience. However, the hotel also has a swimming pool which is great for a refreshing after sightseeing day out. Breakfast is a extensive and diverse buffet style which caters for all tastes including 'western' e.g, hot dogs and hash browns for breakfast?. The hotel is situated in the Dong Khoi area close to the Saigon River. The rooms in the newer section of the hotel have river views, which are particulary beautiful at night. The surrounding streets have a number of cheap, clean restaurants.

Only downside are the taxi drivers that hover around the front of the hotel. They are rip offs!. If you can convince them to use their meters, they will invariably have a meter that doesn't record the trip!

Avoid them and walk around the corner away from the hotel and wave a taxi driver.

Stay away from the Grand Hotel!

We stayed in some fabulous hotels in Vietnam but the Grand Hotel was not one of them. Staff were the rudest people I have ever met in any hotel - this contrasted with the friendliness we had experienced from everyone else we came in contact with in Vietnam. From the moment we checked in to the time we were leaving we felt we were burdening them by our presence. The rooms in the new block, while clean, are very ordinary and my advice would be to look elsehwere for your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. We certainly will nto be returning to the Grand.