Villa Song Saigon

This was my third visit and once again I immediately felt at home in this serene boutique hotel by River Saigon. I can't really say why, since it's not spanking new. Maybe Villa Song is well run and clean (important to me), and the staff are quick to help. They also enjoy making conversation to practise their English. I stayed in the Sanctuary Room on the ground floor and it is my favourite by far. I always sleep well here as the mattress and pillows are soft, yet have good structure. What makes it feel like home? It's the little touches, like a few minutes after I've parked myself at a riverside table, someone would turn on a fan nearby. Like when I asked for a plate of steamed mixed veggies, which isn't on the menu, they accommodated readily. The food is unexpectedly really great (new chef, they said), the wines decent, and the piped-in music at the bistro adds to the cosy ambience. I'm not given to much activity on holiday, so morning quiet time and past-dinner nightcaps by the river were highlights. There's something soothing about bunches of fallen branches floating past, changing direction at evening time. I love art and the local works decorating the lobby and parlour are especially beautiful. Location wise, I can see why some people would prefer the bustle of District 1, but for someone in her 60s, District 2, where Villa Song is, with its artisan shops, cute cafes, and pickleball courts, offer a more relaxing vibe. I did venture out to District 1 to check out COI Saigon in Ben Thanh and it is a real good live jazz bar. If you play, Guitar Street in District 3 is fun and I came home with a lovely handmade instrument at a steal.