#SaigonLiving

[walkaboutrojo]

Alagon Hotels: A Convenient and Affordable Option in the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, centrally located hotel in the vibrant District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the Alagon Hotels group offers a unique experience. With several interconnected properties sharing the same block, the Alagon Central Hotel and its sister hotels provide a blend of local charm and comfortable accommodations, all within easy reach of the city’s top attractions. However, this complex setup comes with its quirks, so here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your stay.

The Setup: A Maze of Hotels

Alagon Hotels are not a typical chain hotel experience. Instead, it’s more of a collective—several individual hotels under one ownership, all interconnected within the same city block. With different lobbies, entrances, and elevators, navigating the complex can be a bit of a puzzle. When you check in, you might find yourself in one building but end up staying in a completely different section. While the setup can be confusing at first, it adds a touch of adventure to the stay.

Located in District 1, the heart of Saigon, you’re within walking distance of major tourist attractions like Ben Thanh Market, the Opera House, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. This prime location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars right outside the hotel.

Rooms and Comfort

Alagon offers a wide range of room types, from small, budget-friendly options to more spacious, comfortable rooms with better amenities. My room, which I paid around 610 RMB per night for, was larger and more comfortable than the lower-tier options. Opting for the pricier rooms is well worth it, as the cheaper rooms tend to be small, windowless, and occasionally musty. The room I stayed in was clean, well-maintained, and, thankfully, smoke-free, which is always a plus in some smaller hotels in Vietnam.

The bed was comfortable, and the room was equipped with modern amenities like a flat-screen TV (though the variety of channels left something to be desired). There was also a minibar and complimentary wine, which was a nice touch for winding down after a long day of exploring the city.

If you’re planning on staying at an Alagon hotel, I highly recommend spending a bit more for one of the better rooms. In smaller, locally-owned hotels like this, it’s often worth it to book their top-tier options. The extra space and comfort make a noticeable difference in your stay.

Facilities and Amenities

One of the standout features of the Alagon Hotels group is the array of amenities available to guests. Although each hotels are technically separate, they share some communal areas, and depending on where you’re staying, you may have access to more than one hotel’s facilities. For instance, I had access to afternoon tea, which was included as part of my room package.

Navigating the hotels themselves, however, can be a bit of a challenge. With multiple elevators leading to different sections of the properties, it’s easy to get turned around. You might find yourself in an elevator that takes you to a completely different part of the hotel than you expected, but eventually, you get the hang of it. It’s all part of the Alagon experience.

Service and Staff

The staff at Alagon Hotels were consistently friendly and welcoming throughout my stay. Upon check-in, I was greeted with sweet iced tea, and the check-in process itself was smooth and efficient. The staff was helpful when I needed directions or assistance in navigating the hotel’s layout, and they were quick to respond to any requests. Despite the sometimes confusing setup of the properties, the level of service made the experience feel more seamless.

Food and Dining

While Alagon Hotels offer several dining options, I didn’t have a chance to fully explore them. That being said, the business lunch combo and house specialties listed in the in-room menu seemed reasonably priced. For those looking for more affordable meals, District 1 is filled with excellent local dining spots where you can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese and international cuisine.

Overall Experience

Alagon Hotels offer an affordable, centrally located option for travelers who want to stay in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City without breaking the bank.  Once you’re settled in, it’s a comfortable place to stay, especially for business or short-term visitors.

If you’re looking for luxury, there are certainly higher-end options in the city, but for those who want a well-priced, local experience with all the essential amenities, Alagon Hotels are a solid choice. Just be sure to book a nicer room, as the cheaper options can be underwhelming.

Rojo Rating:

Location: 7

Facilities: 6

Amenities: 7

Décor: 6

Staff: 7

Food: 6

Cleanliness: 6

Comfort: 6

Uniqueness: 8

Value: 8

Total: 67/100

For a centrally located hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Alagon Hotels provide decent value for money. It’s not without its quirks, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay that’s close to the action, it’s worth considering—just don’t expect five-star luxury at this price point.

[calebtjones-blog]

I'm grateful I know so many awesome people! Got pictures with just a few of them. #saigonliving #dougstanhope #funtimes #hcmc (at Caravelle Saigon)