Saigon Royal Hostel: 9th District's BEST Kept Secret (Ho Chi Minh City)
Saigon Royal Hostel: My Rollercoaster Ride Through District 9's "Best Kept Secret" (and My Honest, Messy Thoughts)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average, perfectly-polished hotel review. This is me, having just emerged from Saigon Royal Hostel in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 9, still buzzing from the experience (and maybe a little delirious after the three massages I crammed in). So, take everything with a grain of salt, a dash of skepticism, and my unfiltered opinion. Ready? Let's dive in!
(Metadata Snippet - Because Google wants it!):
- Keywords: Saigon Royal Hostel, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Hostel Review, Affordable Luxury, Spa, Pool, Cleanliness, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Hidden Gem, Best Hostel, Spa Hotel, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly (kinda!), Near Airport.
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Saigon Royal Hostel, District 9. Discover hidden gems, spa bliss, and honest insights into this supposed "best kept secret." Find out if it lives up to the hype, including accessibility, food, and those damn massages!
First Impressions & The Quest for the Secret:
“Best Kept Secret.” That’s what everyone raved about. And District 9? Honestly, it felt like I was being shuttled off to the edge of the earth (in a good way!). Navigating to the hostel wasn't the most obvious adventure. My taxi driver kept giving me side-eye, like he thought I was running away from something. But when I stepped out, the lush greenery and the welcoming vibe of the hotel itself immediately erased the doubts.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Positive):
Listen, accessibility is HUGE for me, especially after that incident in Bangkok (don’t ask). Saigon Royal seemed to mostly get it right.
- Wheelchair Accessible: There's an elevator (praise the heavens!), and most common areas seemed manageable. The pool area, however, was… tricky. Some ramps, but not perfect. I'd call and triple-check specifics before booking if you have significant mobility issues.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The website claimed to have facilities, but specifics… were lacking. Again, call ahead and verify. This is a HUGE deal!
- Exterior Corridor: Fantastic! I hate the feeling of being locked in some claustrophobic hallway.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Mostly):
This is where Saigon Royal truly shines. And, as someone who's had a very close call with some questionable street food in my time, this is a huge relief.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. Good job, team.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep, saw it with my own eyes.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Major plus.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Excellent! I have a deep and abiding love for sanitizer.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed genuinely attentive and wore masks properly.
- CCTV in common areas & outside property: Peace of mind. Although, I did briefly suspect the security guard was judging my questionable karaoke skills at 2 AM.
Room Rant and Rave – My Personal Sanctuary… With Quirks:
I booked the "Royal Suite" because… why not? Treat yo' self!
- Air conditioning: God bless. Vietnam is HOT.
- Blackout curtains: Another godsend. Slept like a baby.
- Extra-long bed: I’m tall. Appreciated!
- In-room safe box: Always a must.
- Internet access – wireless: Fast and reliable. Which is essential for a travel blogger, you know.
- Mini bar: Well stocked.
- Private bathroom: Essential for a proper soak in the bath.
- Soundproofing: Amazing!
- Shower: Perfect, with great water pressure.
- Slippers: Loved them!
- Wake-up service: I’m useless without it.
The quirk? The random assortment of art. Like, a framed picture of a goldfish next to a painting of what looked like a psychedelic mushroom. I’m still trying to figure out the themes. But hey, it’s memorable!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed Me!
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where things get… interesting.
- Restaurants: There are a few options, and the food quality is generally good.
- Asian breakfast: Delicious pho.
- Western breakfast: The usual suspects.
- A la carte in restaurant: Good selection and good for picky eaters, of which I am one!
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless! Needed after a long day of exploring.
- Poolside bar: Excellent for cocktails. The "Saigon Sunset" is a must-try.
- Coffee shop: Good for that caffeine fix.
Now, here's the messy part. The buffet… A little hit or miss. Sometimes the food was amazing, fresh, and plentiful. Other times… well, let's just say I’ve learned the hard way to avoid anything that looks like it’s been sitting under a heat lamp for more than an hour. My advice? Stick to the a la carte menu and the poolside bar. It’s a safer bet.
Spa & Relaxation: Oh. My. God. This is Ridiculous…ly Good.
This is where Saigon Royal really shines. I mean, seriously, I think I could live in the spa.
- Body scrub: Amazing. My skin glowed for days.
- Body wrap: Utter bliss.
- Foot bath: Heavenly.
- Massage: This is why I’m still raving about this place. I tried the Swedish, the Thai, and the… well, I think it was some sort of hot stone massage. Each was perfect. The therapists were skilled and attentive. Definitely the highlight.
- Pool with view: Breathtaking, especially at sunset.
- Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: All top-notch. Be prepared to spend hours here.
- Swimming pool & Outdoor pool: Clean, refreshing, and the perfect place to chill after all those massages.
I spent HOURS in the spa. It was a total escape. I may have even shed a tear of pure relaxation. Don’t judge me!
Services & Conveniences: They Got It All… Mostly:
- Air conditioning in public area: A welcome relief.
- Business facilities: Seemed well-equipped, though I didn’t personally use them.
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful for those moments where one has an uncontrollable urge to shop (which, apparently, I get frequently).
- Concierge: Very helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: They actually did a good job!
- Elevator: Essential.
- Invoice provided: Needed this.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Excellent, and very reasonably priced.
- Luggage storage: Efficient.
- Safe deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Taxi service: Convenient.
I also enjoyed…
- Coffee/tea maker: I am addicted to coffee.
- Complimentary tea: Good for a late-night cuppa.
- Free bottled water: Always a great touch.
- Hair dryer: Essential for my complicated hair.
- Ironing facilities: Needed.
- Mirror: Needed.
- Refrigerator: Needed.
- Satellite/cable channels: Got my TV fix.
- Seating area: Nice to lounge on the sofa.
- Telephone: Needed.
- Towels: Fluffy.
- Wake-up service: Essential.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Fast enough to work.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Maybe…):
- Babysitting service & Family/child friendly: I didn’t have kids with me, but they seemed well equipped.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location
- Airport transfer: Convenient. Book it in advance!
- Bicycle parking: I didn't see any offered.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Always convenient.
However, the location is a little further away from the city center. However the ease of transport compensated for this.
The Verdict: Is Saigon Royal a "Best Kept Secret"?
Yeah, I’d say so. Definitely. It’s not perfect. The buffet could use some work, and the accessibility could be clearer. The art decor is absolutely bizarre. But the incredible spa, the cleanliness, the friendly staff, and the general feeling of being pampered… it’s hard to beat. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just, you know, maybe skip the mystery meat at the buffet. And perhaps try to figure out the symbolism of the goldfish pictures. Seriously, what's that about?
**Rating: Four out of five stars (would be five, if they
Rosanna's Pension: Your Palawan Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, 'cause we're heading to Saigon! And not just any Saigon, but Saigon from the incredibly charming (read: slightly chaotic) perspective of yours truly, currently holed up at the Saigon Royal Hostel in District 9. Let's see if I can even manage to make it through this itinerary without getting completely lost, both geographically and mentally.
Saigon Scramble: A District 9 Diary (or, How I Learnt to Stop Worrying and Love the Motorbikes)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (But With Pho!)
- Morning (aka "The Bloody Flight"): Okay, so the flight was a disaster. (Shudders). Delayed, seat-kicking children, and airline food that resembled something found in the back of a science experiment from the 1970s. But hey, at least I landed! Finding the hostel from the airport was a whole other novella of adventure involving dodgy taxi drivers, a desperate plea in broken Vietnamese to a bewildered local, and, finally, sheer dumb luck. Saigon Royal Hostel… right, here we are. It’s… clean? That's a good start, right? The AC works. Victory!
- Afternoon (aka "Pho-king Amazing!"): After collapsing on the bed for a good hour (jet lag is a cruel mistress), I decided to face the world. My first mission: find food. And not just any food. I was craving pho. Searched the area, and finally found a tiny little street stall a few blocks away that smelled like pure, unadulterated heaven. The pho? The broth… oh, the broth! It was like a warm hug from a bowl. Seriously, I almost cried. I may have, actually. It was that good. I'm pretty sure I inhaled the whole bowl in about 3 minutes, barely aware of the chaos of motorbikes whizzing past.
- Evening (aka "Lost in Translation and Beer"): Time to explore, I thought, like a foolish, optimistic idiot. Attempted to haggle with a cyclo driver (again, the language barrier. WHY DIDN'T I LEARN MORE VIETNAMESE?). Failed miserably. Ended up walking around, feeling utterly bewildered. Every corner seemed to hum with a life I couldn't quite grasp. Ended up at a random, rather dingy bar, ordered a Bia Saigon (or at least, I think that's what I ordered), and people-watched. So many motorbikes. So much traffic. It was terrifyingly beautiful. Managed to sort-of communicate with the bartender, and by the end of the night, I'd figured out the phrase "More beer, please!" which, let's be honest, is probably the most important phrase in any language. I think, I think, I was starting to love this city.
Day 2: Culture Shock… and Coffee (Lots of Coffee!)
- Morning (aka "Sticky Rice and Regret"): Breakfast at the hostel. Some kind of sticky rice thing. It was… sticky. And probably a little too early in the day for whatever it was. Coffee to the rescue! Vietnamese coffee. Strong. Dark. Sweetened with condensed milk. It was like a slap in the face (a delicious slap). Fuel for the day, for SURE.
- Afternoon (aka "War Remnants Museum & Existential Dread Part 2"): Okay, this was heavy. The War Remnants Museum. It was… intense. Heartbreaking. A stark reminder of a pretty brutal history. I’m not going to lie, I walked through most of it in something of a daze. The sheer scale of the devastation… it really hit me. I needed a serious mental break after that. I needed… shopping!
- Afternoon Part 2 (aka "Haggle Hard or Go Home"): Ben Thanh Market, here I come! Armed with a few survival Vietnamese phrases and a (hopefully) aggressive bargaining spirit. I walked through the market like a woman possessed, ready to pounce on every piece of silk, every knock-off bag, and every piece of street food I could find. I may have overspent. I absolutely did. That silk scarf is the perfect shade of teal, though! Totally worth it. Plus, the energy of the market, the vibrant chaos, the noise, the smells… it’s addictive. Just be prepared to bargain like your life depends on it!
- Evening (aka "Rooftop Bar & Questionable Decisions"): Back to the hostel to shower and change. Then, off to a rooftop bar that someone at the hostel recommended. Views were amazing! Drinks were… expensive, but who cares, right? I’m on vacation! Met some other travelers – a loud bunch, to be honest - and after a few cocktails, the world suddenly seemed a lot brighter. Maybe a little too bright. The next thing I know, I'm singing karaoke (badly!) and making promises I probably won't keep. This is going to be an interesting morning.
Day 3: The Mekong Delta… and Possibly a Breakdown
- Morning (aka "The Hangover of the Gods"): Oh. My. God. The hangover. Seriously, why did I think karaoke was ever a good idea? Dragged myself out of bed, feeling like I'd been hit by a motorbike (ironic, considering the amount of them I dodged yesterday). The thought of the Mekong Delta tour was both enticing and terrifying. I needed an adventure, I needed to see something outside the city. But after last night, adventure felt akin to torture.
- All Day (aka "Boats, Bees, and the Bitter Taste of Banana Candy"): The Mekong Delta Tour. It was… a lot. A boat trip, various craft workshops, a snake farm (nope), a stop at a local fruit farm (meh), and a honey farm (that was kinda cool, honestly). The boat ride was relaxing, I guess. The local guides were friendly enough. But the constant barrage of tourists, the relentless sales pitches, the banana candy… it all started to grate on me after a while. The heat didn't help. By mid-afternoon, I was seriously questioning my life choices. Is this what a midlife crisis looks like? I think it is… I'm not a natural tourist. I began to wonder if I should have stayed at the hostel, reading a book, doing something that didn't involve thousands of other humans all being sold the same things. The banana candy… it haunted my dreams that night.
- Evening (aka "Pizza & Self-Loathing"): Back at the hostel, I’m exhausted and slightly depressed. Ordered pizza. Ate the entire thing in bed. I think it was the first time I'd been alone all day. Maybe I'm just not cut out for group tours. Maybe I'm just not cut out for anything. Sigh. Well, tomorrow's another day. Maybe.
Day 4: District 1 & Perspective (Maybe!)
- Morning (aka "Escape the Banana Candy"): Breakfast! And this time, avoiding anything banana-related. Took a grab to District 1, a huge tourist trap. But the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office! Wow! Classic. Pretty. And it felt like maybe I was taking in the scene. Maybe the past few days' adventures were starting to stick in my mind.
- Afternoon (aka "Shopping and Getting Lost Again"): Headed to explore the shops, found a nice place to sit and people watch. District 1 felt like a totally different world from District 9. More polished. More touristy. More… expensive. But also, more familiar.
- Evening (aka "Food Stalls Again"): Back in District 9 now after the heat, the crowds, and the exhaustion of District 1, I took a deep breath. And headed back to the food stalls. Found a different pho place that was just as good as the first one. Maybe even better. Maybe I'm starting to get used to this city. Maybe I'm starting to… like it?
Day 5: Departure and a Pinch of Hope
- Morning (aka "The End?"): Packing. One last Vietnamese coffee. The hostel owner, a sweet woman with a mischievous grin, told me my flight was delayed. I was, to be honest, a little bit sad. I still found myself looking for things to explore and things to eat!
- Afternoon (aka "Goodbye Saigon, You Messy, Beautiful Beast"): Goodbye Saigon. You crazy, chaotic, delicious city. You nearly broke me. You frustrated me. You exhausted me. But you also charmed me, surprised me, and filled me with a kind of energy that I haven't felt in a long, long time. I'll miss the motorbikes, the street food, the constant buzz of life. I'll miss the chaos. I'll miss… everything. Would I come back? Absolutely! Maybe next time, I'll learn some Vietnamese. Or at least remember to bring more sunscreen. And definitely fewer hangovers.
Okay, so this itinerary is a bit of a mess. But hey, just like my trip! Saigon: you beautiful, slightly terrifying beast. I'll be back.
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Saigon Royal Hostel: 9th District's BEST Kept Secret (Or is it?) - Your FAQs!
Okay, so… Is this place actually a "secret"? Because I've been staring at this ad for, like, an hour.
Alright, alright, settle down, internet explorer. "Secret" is relative, yeah? It's not like it's hidden in a cave guarded by grumpy dragons. More like… it's *off the beaten path*. You won't find it plastered all over the tourist hotspots. It’s a little out of the way, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. It attracts people who actually *want* to experience the real Saigon, not just the "Disneyland" version. I heard this couple went there, they said because of the location, they actually got friendly with the locals to find the best Bún bò Huế, and some good bars! Maybe it’s not a secret, maybe it’s a filter. A very, very comfortable filter.
What's the vibe like? I'm picturing either a rave or a library. Or worse, a *hostel*?
Okay, first off, chill. No raves (thank GOD, I need my sleep). No actual libraries, either – unless you count the collection of slightly-used travel guides in the common area. It's the kind of place where you can legitimately have a conversation with someone, you know? Like, people *talk* to each other. I remember one time, I was just sitting there, nursing a lukewarm Saigon beer (it’s hot there, what do you expect?) and this German dude, who clearly had a severe case of wanderlust, just started chatting me up. Ended up swapping travel stories for like, two hours. Seriously, the best part? The staff, you can tell this they have this chill vibe throughout the atmosphere. They are very helpful but you are not being held back by the staff every two minutes.
Seriously, about the 9th District... Is it, like, far away from everything? Because I'm lazy.
Okay, yes, it's further out than District 1. But look, think of it as an adventure! You’re not going to stumble upon the War Remnants Museum right outside your door, but that's the whole point. It's a quick Grab ride (and those are CHEAP, thank god for Grab) or a bus trip to the main stuff. The trade-off? You’re in a real neighborhood, away from the constant tourist hustle. I'd take that any day of the week. Okay, fine, maybe not *every* day. There was one time, I swear, that trying to find a decent Pho at 3 AM was a NIGHTMARE. But hey, adventures, right? You gotta embrace the struggle. And trust me, the struggle is worth it, for the convenience and peace of mind.
The rooms... are they clean? Because I'm a clean freak (or at least I *pretend* to be).
Yes! *Generally* speaking, the rooms are clean. It's a hostel, so don't expect spotless perfection, but they do a decent job. I mean, the kind of clean that makes you feel comfortable, not the sterile kind that makes you think you’re in a hospital. The sheets? Fresh. Bathrooms? Pretty decent. I did find a stray hair once, but hey, it was probably mine after wrestling with a particularly stubborn street food vendor for my spring rolls. It's a hostel, you get what you pay for - and for the price, the cleanliness is impressive.
What about the food? Is the breakfast good? (Because, let's be honest, breakfast is crucial.)
Okay, this is a tricky one. The included breakfast is... well, it *exists*. It’s not the kind you'll write home about, but it'll fill the hole in your stomach. Think toast, eggs (cooked *just* right, if you're lucky), coffee that's strong enough to wake the dead, and maybe some fruit. If you have *really* high breakfast standards, be prepared to buy some in the local markets or order from your favorite restaurants. I recommend getting some Banh Mi, it’s the best, and you’ll be saving money too!
Can I get a good coffee nearby? Because I am nothing without coffee. I am a monster until I have caffeine.
Oh, YES. Coffee in Vietnam is basically a religion, and Saigon Royal is no exception. There are cafes all over the place! You can find everything, from the delicious *ca phe sua da* (iced coffee with condensed milk) to fancy latte art to fancy specialty coffee. Trust me, you won't be suffering from caffeine withdrawal. Even the street vendors are usually pretty good. But *be careful*, I ordered the wrong kind of coffee once and stayed awake for 3 hours straight. And then I somehow ended up at a Karaoke bar. Never again.
What is the wifi reception like?
The wifi is generally pretty good. I mean, it's not fiber optic, mind you, but it's usually strong enough for checking emails, scrolling through Instagram, and even video calls. However! There was this *one time*. I had to send a super-important work email, a deadline looming over me, and the connection just… died. I almost threw my laptop out the window. Luckily, it came back on after like, five minutes of pure panic (and probably a few muttered curses). So, yeah, be prepared for *occasional* hiccups. But generally, it's decent. Just don't rely on it for streaming high-definition movies. Maybe bring a good book instead.
Is it safe? Because I am a neurotic traveler.
Saigon, in general, is pretty safe, and so is the hostel. The staff are friendly and helpful. They keep an eye on things. The neighborhood is relatively quiet and residential. Of course, use common sense! Don't flash expensive jewelry, keep your valuables secure, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night. I saw a guy get his bag snatched *once* on a scooter, but it's not, like, a daily occurrence. Relax! But yeah, use common sense and you'll be fine.
Anything else cool I should know? Secret tips, maybe?
Okay, okay, here's the inside scoop. * **Ask the staff for local recommendations.** They know the REAL good stuff, the hidden gems, the places you won't find in your guidebook. Trust me on this. * **Embrace the chaos.** Saigon is a city of controlled chaos. Just roll with it. TheScenic Stays
