The Bong Sen Hotel is a three star hotel conveniently located next to everything on Dong Khoi Street in downtown Saigon. Though I thought the staff were very good - it is not the rooms that make this a great location to stay – but that it is centered next to the heart of the city with rates far below those of the 5 star hotels across the street. It is pretty much what you would expect to find in a businessman hotel – with both the good and bad features.

I booked three nights at the Bong Sen through a local tourist agent in Saigon at a very good rate, a week prior to staying there. You can book on line – but I did find the rates there in Saigon at the tourist agencies much better.
The hotel staff were super throughout my whole stay, and I made sure and left a tip for the maids because the room was spotless each day I returned. Initially I was given a three bed suite upon checking in, with a window view of an A/C shaft in the center of the hotel. It was a huge room though, and I no sooner had my bags delivered when the front desk asked if I could move to a two bed suite. Not only did I move into a very comfortable room – but also one that had a balcony overlooking Dong Khoi Street. Watching an evening thunderstorm from there was spectacular – as was watching the movement of the crowds on the street below. It would be best when checking in to ask for a 5th floor room facing the street.

They had a large tub bathroom – with a hand held showerhead. The bathroom was very clean – but could use some remodeling. But there was no complaint in regards to a comfortable bed and A/C at the end of a long evening out on the town.

The hotel offers a pretty good breakfast spread in the lobby café that is included with the room. There were Vietnamese/Chinese/and Western items and pho and eggs to order. It is not the Continental or the Rex – but still pretty good breakfast.

But as said – the location is the best thing about the hotel. You are in the tourist area, and will be harassed by motorbike drivers from the moment you leave the door – but all around you are the shops and restaurants that make the Dong Khoi area such an attraction in the first place. It especially makes it easy in getting a cab as well as being able to find your way back to the hotel!