I was looking for a small hotel in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with a swimming pool, not too expensive and my choice went to Huazhu Hotel. This hotel is ideal for short stays, solo travelers or couples who prioritize convenience over quiet.
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Overview:
Huazhu Hotel in District 1 promises modern amenities and a rooftop view of Ho Chi Minh City, but current conditions during renovation may significantly impact your stay. While the hotel offers comfortable rooms and a stylish rooftop, the overall experience was hindered by extreme noise and service issues.
Renovation Notice, Major Disturbance
As of April 2025, the hotel is undergoing heavy renovations daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, although in reality, the noise started earlier and extended late into the night, sometimes very late. The sound of drilling, hammering, and construction tools was constant and intrusive.
Additionally, just behind the hotel and directly under my room window, there’s a new building under construction. On some nights, they worked through the night, making it impossible to sleep due to the noise. If you’re sensitive to sound, this hotel is not currently suitable.
The Room
Despite the noise, the room itself was well-equipped and reasonably spacious:
- Large bathroom with lots of towels and amenities, replaced daily
- Nice and practical kitchenette and a full-size fridge/freezer and 2 daily complementary water bottles
- TV, a safe, a small corner to hang your clothes and a useful fridge and freezer
- Individual air-conditioning unit
- Unfortunately, soundproofing was very poor, I could clearly hear conversations and movements from the corridor and nearby rooms.
- The worst part was the loud water noise from the upper-floor rooms, it sounded like it could come pouring through the ceiling onto the bed.
Rooftop & Facilities
- Rooftop Pool: Small but pleasant, though there are only 4 loungers and they are uncomfortable, you can feel the metal bars through the padding.
- Top Bar & Restaurant: Could be great with the city view, but it was very windy during my stay and overpriced.
- The restaurant manager’s attitude was also disappointing, he repeatedly scolded his staff in front of guests, creating an unpleasant atmosphere.
- Major inconvenience: None of the extra services (laundry, room service, bar, restaurant) can be charged to the room. Everything must be paid immediately, which is annoying and impractical for guests.
Breakfast Buffet
- Nice view, especially with the sunrise.
- Breakfast was decent but repetitive, nearly the same food daily.
- Bread and pastries were clearly store-bought, served straight from plastic boxes (I saw staff unpacking them).
- The soup/egg/omelet station was a nice highlight and well-managed.
- View from the breakfast area is fine but nothing exceptional.
Lobby and Fitness Center
- The reception is available 24/7 and receptionists were very helpful and friendly.
- The small gym nearby the reception, is simple but enough for an evening or morning fitness. In the afternoon it might be hot like there is no air conditioning
- Small patio at the entrance mainly used by smokers.
Still not convinced? Check out the video at the end of this review! 🎥
Location
- Located on Võ Văn Kiệt, the area is noisy, messy, and not particularly charming.
- However, if you walk just a bit, there are plenty of great local dining spots.
- Highly recommend “MOC Restaurant” just across the street, excellent food, reasonable prices, and a cozy vibe.
- You can call a Grab from anywhere, car or motorbike which is very practical but walking is also fine. There are plenty of things to look around, Buddhist temples, Catholic Churches, parks, museums, local and night life, everybody will find his own interest.
Final Verdict
Huazhu Hotel (华住酒店) is fine for a short stay, it has nice room amenities, a good rooftop view, and reasonable pricing, but the noise and management issues make it unsuitable for longer visits.
Until renovations are complete and management improves guest service, I would suggest considering alternative hotels if you plan to stay more than a couple of nights or expect peace and quiet.
