Keep heading southwest away from the backpacker hustle closer Ng Thai Hoc, you’ll likely find that as the alleys get smaller the rooms get quieter and owners more friendly.
If you can find one of the ladies dressed in a blue uniform, stating something about tourist rooms - half the battle is won. These ladies will find you a room in the Pham Ngu Lao / De Tham area in a matter of minutes, eliminating much of the standard “do you have a room” hassle.
Blue River Hotel, 283/2C Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, HCMC, ☎ (84).8.38376483 or Mobile 0903 679994, [12]. Amazing small hotel in an alley off Pham Ngu Lao. They will arrange an airport pickup for US$15. There are two women named Thuy who work there, they have great English and the service is amazing. I have only been to Saigon once and although the Blue River is a little more expensive than some other hotels in this area I will never stay anywhere else when I return. The friendliness of the staff and their willingness to help with anything, no matter how small, was incredible. It made it the best hotel stay I’ve experienced anywhere. They can also be emailed at blueriver1126@yahoo.com US$36 for 3 person room
Xuan - Spring Hotel, 185/34 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, ☎ +84-8-8372115 (manager@springhotel.net), [16].Reasonable price accommodation with good service, price: ~USD14.00-USD17.00 per day for double room. All of rooms are maintained and cleaned in daily basis during your stay. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioner, refrigerator, cable TV and private bathroom with hot shower. Internet is provided for free, online booking provided at [17]. edit
Nguyen Khang Hotel, 283/25 Pham Ngu Lao. Tel: 8 373 566, nguyenkhanghotel@yahoo.com.vn. In a small and quiet alley that links Pham Ngu Lao and Do Quang Dau, along with several US$8-20 competitors of variable quality. This particular hotel has a nice vibe, kind staff, free Internet and free breakfast. Recently built (or remodeled), clean, tastefully simple in decoration, rooms have window, air-con, fan, TV, fridge (and those at the front have nice large windows). US$15/day and under.
