New Star Hotel

New Star is a fine, small Japanese oriented and decorated hotel on a quiet street in the center of Saigon. Although some construction is still be finished off nearby, work noise is now reasonably limited. The folk running the hotel are fantastic. Unlike the previous 'beware' comment, we have found in our multi-week stay no dodgy people hanging around this hotel or its street/neighborhood. Quite safe, with many sushi and foreign restaurants in the area. Breakfasts have been most enjoyable -- but then, we tend toward tasty Japanese style food. While there is no pool, massage or eating (other than free breakfast buffet), it is of 3 star quality. We stayed in the top floor VIP room for $80 (long term stay price) with 270 degree views of the city and lovely design. My female partner and I both found it to be much more comfortable and well situated than any other comparably priced room we've stayed at in either HCMC or Hanoi. Privacy and lack of any bothering noises, which so often perturbs us in other new marbled hall hotels was a huge plus. Water.drinks and laundry prices were also better than most. There is also a lovely VIP suite with almost-rooftop outdoor patio room for same price we paid for our glass-walled suite. Highly recommended from a long-time Asian 'alternative' business traveller 8)