Kim Hotel 1: Your Ho Chi Minh City Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, slightly over-air-conditioned world of Kim Hotel 1: Your Ho Chi Minh City Oasis Awaits! Let's get this review real, shall we? Forget the sterile corporate brochures – this is a genuine, unfiltered take.
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First Impressions: The Arrival… and the Elevator Saga
Okay, so the "oasis" bit? Kinda spot-on, actually. Stepping out of the Ho Chi Minh City heat and into the lobby is a blissful plunge. Cool air, a friendly face (usually), the promise of something… relaxing. But (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) that elevator. Lord help you if you’re claustrophobic. It's… intimate. Let’s just say I got very familiar with the elevator music during my stay. (Not like I wanted to sing along, though the “Hotel California” elevator edition would be legendary. Just sayin’.)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly
- Accessibility: You know what? They try. There's an elevator (see my earlier rant), which is crucial. The hotel claims "Facilities for disabled guests." I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't give a definitive review on the extent of those facilities, but it appears they are present, but be sure to ask about rooms and facilities to check your needs.
Rooms! (and the Wi-Fi Tango)
Available in all rooms: This is where the "all rooms" thing kicks in: Air conditioning (phew!), Alarm clock (helpful… unless you're that friend who hits snooze for an hour), Bathrobes (always a touch of luxury), Bathroom phone (why?! Who calls the bathroom?), Bathtub (yes!), Blackout curtains (essential for battling jet lag), Carpeting (eh, it's carpet), Closet (thank god!), Coffee/tea maker (YES!), Complimentary tea (score!), Daily housekeeping (fantastic!), Desk ("laptop workspace" – yup, I worked there), Extra long bed (win!), Free bottled water (hydration is key in HCMC), Hair dryer (a must), High floor (I lucked out!), In-room safe box (peace of mind), Interconnecting room(s) available (good for families), Internet access – LAN (…still a thing, apparently), Internet access – wireless (WI-FI!), Ironing facilities (wrinkle-free bliss), Laptop workspace (as above), Linens (clean, crisp, glorious), Mini bar (temptation!), Mirror (vanity, vanity…), Non-smoking (hallelujah!), On-demand movies (Netflix and chill, Vietnamese style?), Private bathroom (duh!), Reading light (perfect for late-night novel-devouring), Refrigerator (for those mini-bar goodies), Safety/security feature (more on that later), Satellite/cable channels (meh, TV), Scale (please, no), Seating area (a nice touch), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower (functional), Slippers (comfy!), Smoke detector (safety first!), Socket near the bed (lifesaver for charging!), Sofa (depending on the room, a decent one), Soundproofing (more or less… see the traffic below), Telephone (for room service, obviously), Toiletries (adequate), Towels (fresh and fluffy), Umbrella (essential!), Visual alarm (thoughtful and important), Wake-up service (reliable), Wi-Fi free, Window that opens (fresh air, finally!).
The Wi-Fi: This is where the "free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" claim gets… complicated. Sometimes it was blazing fast, allowing me to binge-watch an entire season of a show during one rainstorm. Other times… let's just say I developed a new appreciation for the art of patience. There might be a reason for that, since there are some Internet services, [LAN].
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet Bonanza (and More!)
Restaurants: Okay, the main restaurant, which serves the buffet, is… well, a buffet. It's what you'd expect: a dazzling array of options. Let's talk about my experience with the Breakfast [Buffet].
My Buffet Blooper Reel: I'm a breakfast person, especially when I'm traveling. I woke up early one day, eager for a feast. I beelined for the Western breakfast, anticipating fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Reality? A slightly sad-looking pancake station and bacon that looked like it had been through a war. Emotional reaction: Disappointment! But then, (and this is important), I discovered the Asian breakfast section. Pho, spring rolls, fresh fruit… My disappointment vanished. The pho was amazing. The soup was rich and the noodles were perfectly cooked. It was the perfect start to my day. I went back every morning after that. I did try the A la carte in restaurant some days, and it was a hit or miss, the service was a bit slow.
Additional Dining: There's also a Poolside bar, a Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour. I saw, but didn't try the Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant. I think I was too busy with the Pho.
More Considerations: Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant. There is something for everyone.
Ways to Relax and Unwind: Spa Day (with a slight surprise!)
Spa/sauna: YES, YES, YES!!! After a day navigating the crazy Ho Chi Minh City traffic, I needed some serious R&R. The hotel has a Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, and even a Body scrub and Body wrap (if you're feeling fancy).
- My Spa Moment: I booked a massage and it was… bliss. Seriously, the masseuse worked magic on my tight shoulders. I think I actually levitated during some of the stretches. Emotional reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy! Then, I decided to check out the steamroom. Emotional reaction: Confusion! It was… well, let’s just say it had a distinct, slightly chemical aroma. Let's keep it real: it wasn’t the serene, eucalyptus-infused haven I’d imagined. It was a bit… industrial. But hey, the massage saved the day.
Other Relaxation Options: There's also a Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], and a Fitness center.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly)
Cleanliness and safety: Alright, let's get serious. Cleanliness? Pretty good. The rooms were generally spotless, and the housekeeping staff was amazing. Beds were made up swiftly, towels replaced daily, and anything messy was swiftly sorted.
The "Safety Features" Game: There are CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is reassuring. There are Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms, essential for a good night's sleep. There were Safety/security feature, but I did't specifically notice them. Staff are Staff trained in safety protocol so I felt. I felt safe in the hotel.
Post-COVID Precautions: They've clearly put some effort into safety. There was Hand sanitizer, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff were wearing masks. I also saw evidence of Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast. I'm not sure about Anti-viral cleaning products or Professional-grade sanitizing services, but at least they're going the extra mile.
Some Extra Stuff: They also had First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call and the staff were trained in safety protocols.
Services and Conveniences: The Hotel Hustle!
The hotel is a hive of activity, with loads of services. I used the Laundry service (very efficient, surprisingly). There's also Luggage storage, a Concierge, a Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange, and a Doorman (who’s always helpful). There is also a Meeting/banquet facilities and Seminars.
Other useful things: Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Elevator. Dry cleaning is offered. I'm a fan of the Invoice provided feature.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)
- Family/child friendly: I didn't have any kids with me, but I saw families, and it was clear the hotel is geared towards them. They have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and the all-important Kids meal.
Getting Around : The Airport Tango and Beyond
- Airport transfer: The Airport transfer saved me (so much easier than navigating a taxi after a long flight). There's also Taxi service, Bicycle parking, and Car park [on-site] (which, thankfully,
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized Lonely Planet itinerary. This is ME, ME, ME in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, staying at the Kim Hotel 1. And trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Jet Lagged and Jet Laggin' (aka, Sensory Overload at Mach Speed)
- Morning (Like, REALLY Morning): Landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Oh. My. God. The humidity hits you like a warm, wet blanket. Passport control was a blur – I think I stammered something about “greetings and salutations” to the immigration officer. Probably got a raised eyebrow, but hey, I got through! Found a taxi (after navigating the chaotic throng of touts – seriously, they swarm like locusts), and prayed we didn't end up in the Mekong Delta. Thankfully, Google Maps was my shaky lifeline.
- Mid-Morning: Arrived at Kim Hotel 1. Let me tell you, the lobby is… well, it’s a lobby. Cleanish. Air-con blasting, a welcome relief. The kind of place where you know the free breakfast is gonna be… interesting. Checked in (which actually went pretty smoothly, bless the incredibly polite front desk lady). Got to my room and promptly collapsed on the bed. Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Survived checking in, and survived the room. Progress!
- Lunch (or what I thought was lunch): Dragged my sleep-deprived self down to the street. Holy smokes, the scooters! The motorbikes! The sheer volume of noise! It was like a metal symphony meets a swarm of angry bees. Found a little pho place. Ordered something (I think it was pho bo, beef noodles), and it was absolutely mind-blowing. The broth was so fragrant, the beef so tender… I nearly cried. Seriously. Jet lag emotional. Also, used chopsticks for the very first time. Dropped more noodles than I ate.
- Afternoon: Wandered aimlessly around District 1. Took a wrong turn or two (or ten). Got lost in a sea of colorful shops and street vendors. Almost got run over by a rogue motorbike carrying, like, three live chickens. Saw the Notre Dame Cathedral. Pretty. Didn’t go inside ‘cause I was convinced I was about to pass out from exhaustion.
- Evening: Dinner at a recommended restaurant (can't remember the name, it was all a blur). Ordered spring rolls. Pretty good. Then, tried to order the grilled fish, but the waiter said they were sold out. So, I just had some beer. Ended up going back to the hotel, collapsed on the bed, and passed out for about 12 hours.
Day 2: Temple Runs and Street Food Shenanigans (and Possibly Food Poisoning?)
- Morning: Woke up feeling… okay. Mildly hungover from one beer. Free breakfast at the Kim Hotel 1. The "interesting" part I warned you about? Yep. Mystery meat sausage, questionable eggs, and a selection of things that vaguely resembled fruit. Ate some toast. Played it safe. First big mistake of the day.
- Morning (Continued): Visited the War Remnants Museum. This. Place. Hit me HARD. The exhibits were incredibly powerful, and the emotions I'm feeling are complicated. Definitely emotional overload now.
- Mid-morning: After the museum, I decided to try and tackle the Ben Thanh Market. Prepare for sensory overload round two! The heat, the smells (both good and… less good), the sheer chaos of haggling, the colors… it was wild.
- Lunch (Take 2, and Potential Disaster): Okay, here’s where things got… dicey. I was feeling brave, so I plunged headfirst into the street food scene. I bought some grilled skewers from a street vendor. Big mistake. Within a couple of hours, my stomach felt like it was doing the Macarena. Possible food poisoning brewing, folks. Pray for me.
- Afternoon: Spent the afternoon curled up in my hotel room, alternating between the toilet, praying to the porcelain gods, and regretting all my life choices. Decaf tea was my new best friend.
- Evening: Managed to crawl out of my room long enough to order some plain rice from room service. Considered calling a doctor, but decided to tough it out.
Day 3: The Cu Chi Tunnels and a Revelation (Followed by More Toilet Time)
- Morning: Surprisingly, I woke up feeling (slightly) better. The rice had done its work. I felt bad, but I made a mistake the first time, so now I've decided to try it again. Took a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This part of the trip was actually really phenomenal. Crawling through those tiny tunnels was… claustrophobic, awe-inspiring, and a bit terrifying all at once. But it was a genuinely incredible experience. The history, the ingenuity of the Vietnamese… it was all very moving.
- Lunch: Decided to get lunch after the tunnels. Since I was still feeling iffy, I got some chicken fried rice. Still good, but I didn't want to risk it.
- Afternoon: Spent the afternoon resting in my room. Read a book, listened to some music. The sheer pace of this city is exhausting.
- Evening: Attempted to go out for dinner, but gave up and ordered room service again. I'm starting to think I should have just stuck to the toast at the Kim Hotel 1. Anyway, I'm just glad to be feeling better.
Day 4: Farewell, Saigon! (or, The Saga of the Missing Souvenir)
- Morning: One last breakfast at the Kim Hotel 1. This time, I opted for toast. Always toast. Packed my bags, checked out (without any more dramatic bathroom occurrences, thankfully), and hopped in a taxi to the airport.
- Morning (Continued): Spent the morning trying to find a taxi. The city is still quite loud, as always.
- Afternoon: Flight home. Said goodbye to HCMC. I actually had a really great time. Except for the food poisoning. And the near-death experience with the chickens. And the jet lag. Okay, maybe it wasn't all sunshine and roses. But I'm already starting to think about coming back.
- Evening: Got home, unpacked my bag, and realized… I’d forgotten to buy a souvenir. That’s the kind of thing that happens to me, I guess.
Final Thoughts:
Ho Chi Minh City – you are a chaotic, beautiful, maddening, and utterly compelling place. I laughed (a lot). I cried (a little). I ate things I probably shouldn’t have. I got lost. I experienced a complete sensory overload. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Would I recommend the Kim Hotel 1? Honestly? It's fine. It's clean enough. It's got air con. The staff are lovely. But it's not the Four Seasons. But it's fine. And maybe, just maybe, I'll be back someday, ready to face those motorbikes and eat all the pho in the world (with a slightly more cautious approach to street food, this time).
Bangkok's Hidden Gem: Luxury at Peaberry Place Apartments!
Kim Hotel 1: Your Ho Chi Minh City Oasis – Seriously, Is It? (Let's Find Out!)
Okay, so Kim Hotel 1... Is it actually *good*? The pictures look nice, but you know how that goes.
Alright, let's be real. The pictures? Yeah, they're… well, they're *pictures*. They've probably had the Instagram filter treatment. Here’s the deal: Kim Hotel 1 is… a mixed bag. I've stayed there twice, and let me tell ya, the experience swings wildly. One time I was practically ready to write a love letter to the housekeeping staff (so tidy!), the next I was fighting off a rogue cockroach (don't judge, it happens!).
So, is it good? Depends. I'd say, expect *decent*. It's not the Ritz, but it's not a total dive either. You're paying for proximity to everything, which is HUGE in Saigon. That's a massive plus. More on that later, maybe.
The Location! How's the location? Everyone says location, location, location…
Okay, LOCATION. This is where Kim Hotel 1 *shines*. I'm telling you, this is the *one* thing that really, truly impressed me. You are *right there* in District 1. Like, *literally*. Walkable distance to everything you'd actually want to see or do. Ben Thanh Market? Five minutes. Notre Dame Cathedral? Ten! That crazy, awesome street food scene? Right there, right outside the door practically. You could roll outta bed and be face-first in pho within minutes. (Almost did that once, actually. Don't recommend, morning breath is a killer.)
Seriously, the location is worth its weight in gold. You can avoid being stuck in a cab for an hour just to get to a decent coffee shop. Total lifesaver. I can't stress this enough. Book it for the convenience. Forget the questionable paint job. Just book it.
What about the rooms? Anything to actually *look* forward to? Or just… functional?
Alright, the rooms. Prepare yourself. They are… functional. Think of them as a well-equipped, if slightly tired, haven from the Saigon chaos. They're clean... *usually*. The air-con works, which is a life-saver. The beds are… well, they're beds. Not luxurious, but you'll sleep. (Unless that rogue cockroach decides to join you, which, again, *don't judge*).
The decor? Let's just say it's not exactly groundbreaking. Think… beige, possibly with some questionable artwork that suggests a deep affinity for floral arrangements. But hey, you're not there to admire the wallpaper, are you? You're there to explore, to eat, to GET OUT THERE! So, yes, functional. But the price point really makes it worth it.
Are there any *extra* perks? Like, a pool? Free breakfast? Actual hope?
Haha! A pool? No. Maybe wishful thinking. Free breakfast? Yes! And I have *strong* feelings about this. It's included – a buffet style sort of thing. And it's… variable. Honestly, the quality is quite rough. One day, the pho was incredible – rich broth, the whole deal. The next... let's just say it tasted like they'd been storing it in a garage. Seriously, a *garage*. You takes your chances, and you hope for good luck. But the bread is good. Always good. So you'll be fine. Maybe.
The biggest perk? The location! Again, I'm going to keep harping on this. It's close to all the good stuff. That's a huge bonus.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they grunt and point?
This is where things get… interesting. The staff are generally friendly. Like, they *try*. English varies, so sometimes you’ll need to mime asking for extra towels, or figuring out how to work the elevator. (Which, by the way, can be a bit of an adventure. The first time I went, it sounded like it was ready to explode!). I've had both brilliant, helpful encounters and… well, less so. But they're always polite.
One time, I desperately needed a taxi to the airport at 4 am. Panicked, half-asleep, fumbling with the language barrier, I found myself staring at a blank desk. Then, suddenly, BAM! One of the staff members materialized out of nowhere, managed to find me a taxi super fast and I made my flight. Absolute legend! Another time, they seemed utterly bewildered by my request to use the washing machine. So, again…a mixed bag. Give it time.
Okay, the WiFi. Is it reliable? Because I need to work... or at least, pretend to.
Ah, WiFi. The bane of any modern traveler's existence. It's... well, it's there. Sometimes. It's not super robust. Don't expect to stream Netflix in HD. Forget about Zoom calls. It's kinda slow and a little bit temperamental. I got kicked off *mid food delivery order* once. I just felt my stomach sink... then *rage*.
But, if you just need to check emails, browse a bit, and maybe procrastinate by reading travel blogs (like, you know, this one?), it's probably *okay*. Just don't rely on it for anything mission-critical. Be prepared to hot-spot off your phone, if you're a workaholic. I really wanted to start work but... never mind, I went for a walk. No regrets!
Would you stay at Kim Hotel 1 again? Be honest!
Okay, brutally honest moment. Yes. Probably. Why? Location, location, LOCATION! The price is right. For the price, you're getting a seriously convenient base of operations for exploring Saigon. Sure, I'd love it if it had a rooftop pool and a Michelin-starred chef (hey, a girl can dream!), but I'm also not made of money.
My advice? Go in with reasonable expectations. Expect a bit of quirk, a bit of charm (even if it's unintentional charm!), and embrace the general Saigon-ness of it all. And for the love of all that is holy, check your shoes before you go to bed, just in case there's a certain *uninvited guest* visiting your room. You'll be fine. Probably better than fine.5 Star Stay Find
