With exams finally over and a long holiday ahead, I decided to take a quick break and travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Many are planning trips for this long post-New Year's holiday, and I considered other areas like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, but they were a bit pricey. So, I turned my focus to finding a hotel within Ho Chi Minh City itself.
After comparing several options, I chose ICON Saigon - LifeStyle Design Hotel. This affordable 4-star hotel seemed to have great reviews, so today I’ll share my experience staying here.
1. Why I Chose ICON Saigon - LifeStyle Design Hotel
Initially, I was considering a 5-star hotel, but prices ranged between 150,000 and 200,000 KRW when breakfast was included, which was above my budget. I decided to adjust my expectations slightly and look for highly-rated 4-star hotels, which led me to ICON Saigon.
I booked a Superior Double Room for around 70,000 - 80,000 KRW. Although the room size is modest at around 20 square meters, I found it a reasonable choice considering the hotel’s location, cleanliness, and customer service.
2. Advantages of ICON Saigon
① City Center Location
The hotel is located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s close to all the major attractions. For instance, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall Square and Opera House were both within walking distance, which was super convenient.
② Complimentary Minibar & Cleanliness
The hotel offers a free minibar, which was a nice touch. The overall cleanliness was impressive, and the friendly staff added to the pleasant stay experience.
③ Breakfast Variety
Breakfast was simple yet satisfying, with a few menu items changing daily. This allowed me to enjoy a bit of variety each morning, which I appreciated, especially for the price.
④ Rooftop Bar
The rooftop bar is cozy and intimate, offering a great view of the city skyline in the evening. It was the perfect spot for a relaxing nightcap while enjoying Ho Chi Minh’s nighttime views.
⑤ Convenient Surroundings
With a nearby Starbucks, convenience stores, and other facilities, it was easy to get what I needed. The modern interior and the hotel’s quiet environment also made it a restful place to stay.
3. Disadvantages of ICON Saigon
While the hotel has many positive aspects, there were a few downsides as well.
① Noise Insulation Issues
I stayed on the 8th floor, hoping for a quieter experience, only to discover that the 9th floor houses the breakfast area. Starting as early as 6 AM, the sound of chairs moving around interrupted my sleep. Unfortunately, soundproofing could definitely be improved.
② Small Room Size
The room size of 20 square meters felt a bit cramped, especially if you have a lot of luggage. I was also hoping for a balcony, but unfortunately, the room on the 8th floor didn’t have one. A note indicating which rooms have balconies could be helpful, or maybe a small discount for rooms without them.
③ Cleanliness in the Dining Area
The breakfast selection was decent, but the cleanliness in the dining area could be improved. For example, I found hair on one of the chairs. Luckily, my room and bathroom were spotless.
④ Small Pool & Gym
The pool and gym facilities were relatively small, so if you’re looking for these amenities, you might find them a bit limited. It's something to keep in mind if these are a priority.
4. Overall Evaluation
Overall, ICON Saigon - LifeStyle Design Hotel is a solid choice for a budget-friendly 4-star hotel. With its excellent location near major attractions, well-maintained facilities, and welcoming staff, I had a comfortable stay here.
However, if you’re sensitive to noise or cleanliness, these points may be worth noting. And for those looking for a room with a balcony, I’d recommend double-checking during booking to ensure you get exactly what you’re expecting.
If I ever come back to Ho Chi Minh City looking for a value-for-money stay, I would consider staying here again. Next time, though, I’ll make sure to request a higher floor to enjoy an even better view.
5. Recommendation
I’d recommend ICON Saigon - LifeStyle Design Hotel to travelers seeking a good 4-star hotel on a budget. If you want to explore the city’s main attractions while staying at a clean and affordable place, ICON Saigon could be the perfect fit for your needs.