Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is one of Vietnam's largest and most developed cities. It not only attracts tourists with its famous attractions but also with the growth of the tourism industry. Among them, the city's historic hotels are essential destinations for those interested in its history and culture. Let's explore some of Saigon's oldest hotels in this article.

1. Continental Hotel

History of the Hotel

The Continental Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Saigon, with a history spanning over 130 years. It was founded in 1878 by Pierre Cazeau, a French builder and supplier of construction materials. The hotel was inaugurated in 1880.

In 1911, the hotel was sold to Duke De Montpensier. In 1930, it changed hands again, this time to Mathieu Francini, a "corporate boss" from the island of Corsica, who managed the hotel until 1975. During the 1960s and 1970s, the hotel was called "Dai Luc Lu Quan" as the Saigon government mandated the use of Vietnamese signage for commercial establishments.

The Continental Hotel hosted famous personalities such as the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, Nobel Prize winner in literature in 1913, French intellectual André Malraux, and British writer Graham Greene, author of "The Quiet American." During the war, the hotel served as a regular meeting place for foreign writers, journalists, politicians, and businesspeople operating in Saigon.

Architecture of the Hotel

Located on Dong Khoi Street, one of the oldest streets and a prime location in Ho Chi Minh City, the Continental Hotel boasts classic French architecture. The building, standing four stories tall, features wide corridors and 86 fully equipped rooms with modern amenities, meeting 4-star standards. Despite its 130-year history, the hotel retains its vintage charm with brick walls, high ceilings, and spacious lounges.

Continental Hotel at night

Despite being in the bustling heart of Saigon, the Continental Hotel maintains a peaceful and unhurried atmosphere.

Activities and Services

The Continental Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a classic and luxurious experience. The spacious and comfortable rooms with balconies and windows overlooking the City Theater are a favorite feature. The hotel also offers restaurant services, bars, conference rooms, meeting rooms, and spa services, providing a memorable experience for those eager to explore the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City.

Restaurant space at Continental Hotel

Bên cạnh đó, Continental còn có các dịch vụ nhà hàng, quán bar, phòng hội nghị, phòng họp, dịch vụ spa phục vụ tối đa nhu cầu của du khách. Có thể nói Continental là khách sạn mang đến trải nghiệm đáng nhớ nhất cho du khách muốn khám phá về lịch sử và văn hóa Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh.

2. Majestic Hotel Saigon

History of the Hotel

The Majestic Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Saigon, with a nearly 100-year history, symbolizing the opulence of old Saigon. Built in 1925 at the corner of Catinat and Quai de Belgique, which is now Dong Khoi and Ton Duc Thang streets, the hotel was financed and designed by the wealthiest Vietnamese-Hoa businessman in Saigon, Hui Bon Hoa.

In 1948, the hotel was handed over to the Department of Tourism and Exhibition of Indochina, led by Frenchman Franchini Mathieu. In 1965, the hotel underwent expansion, adding two floors, an international standard meeting room, and a restaurant, redesigned by Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu, and was renamed Hoan My Hotel.

After 1975, the Majestic Hotel was renamed Cuu Long Hotel but continued to operate under the Majestic name and was managed by the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department. In 1994, the hotel underwent restoration in the French Renaissance architectural style.

In 1997, the Majestic Hotel was recognized as a 4-star hotel by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. In 2007, it achieved a 5-star rating, becoming the first 5-star hotel in Saigon owned and operated by Vietnamese investors.

Throughout its nearly century-long history, the Majestic Hotel has hosted important figures such as French President Mitterrand, Danish Crown Prince Henrik, Japanese Crown Prince Akishino, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, British Prince Andrew, former Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, and more. Despite various changes and renovations, the Majestic Hotel remains a source of pride for Saigon residents.

Architecture of the Hotel

The Majestic Hotel features classic French architecture with elegant and sophisticated details. The hotel has 175 rooms, including 29 luxurious suites. The rooms are adorned with stained glass windows, wooden floors, and bathrooms with marble tiles. Each room is equipped with vintage-style telephones and antique furniture. The balconies offer panoramic views of Saigon River and the city, providing an ideal space to admire the beauty of Saigon. The hotel successfully blends its vintage charm with modern comfort.

Majestic Hotel at night

Activities and Services

Apart from being a popular 5-star accommodation, the Majestic Hotel offers a variety of activities and services, including tours to explore the city, exquisite dining experiences at its restaurants, a bar, a spa, a fitness club, and more. The hotel strives to cater to the diverse needs of its guests, making it a memorable destination for those wanting to delve into the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City.

Swimming pool at Majestic Hotel

3. Grand Hotel Saigon

History of the Hotel

The Grand Hotel is undeniably one of the oldest hotels in Saigon, with a history of over 90 years. Initially, it started as a refreshment stand located at the corner of Catinat and Vannier (now Dong Khoi and Ngo Duc Ke streets). In 1930, Henry Edouard de Lachevrotière, the chief editor of a French newspaper, obtained an official license to open the Grand Hotel Saigon. Initially designed with 68 rooms, the hotel was a success, being nominated as the "first choice" among Saigon's hotels.

After two years, the hotel was sold to a Corsican Frenchman named Patrice Luciani. During this period, the hotel flourished successfully and was nominated as the "first choice" among Saigon's hotels.

In 1937, the Grand Hotel was renamed Saigon Palace. By 1939, the hotel changed hands once more, this time to Antoine Giorgetti. Due to the impact of the war, the hotel only rented out high-class apartments.

In 1958, the hotel was called Saigon Lữ Quán. In 1989, two hotels at 8 Dong Khoi and 16 Ngo Duc Ke decided to merge into the Dong Khoi Hotel.

From 1995 to 1998, the hotel underwent renovation and upgrades by Saigontourist Corporation, increasing the total number of rooms to 107, along with two restaurants, one bar, and a swimming pool.

Grand Hotel Saigon năm 1998

In 2003, the Grand Hotel Saigon received a 4-star certification from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. In 2012, the hotel completed renovations, expanding to 251 luxurious rooms with panoramic views of the Saigon River and the city. In 2015, it officially became one of the top 5-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.

Architecture of the Hotel

Having endured nearly a century, the Grand Hotel still maintains a classic French architectural design with luxurious and dignified details, featuring an elegant cream-white color scheme. The hotel comprises a total of 251 rooms, divided into two sections: the old section and the new section, each designed to 5-star standards with views of the lively streets of Saigon or the Saigon River, creating a harmonious blend of classical and modern elements to meet the needs of travelers.

The old section includes standard rooms and suites, each preserving the French architectural style from the 1930s, with classic yet luxurious interior design, creating a warm and tranquil space.

The new section consists of five different room categories, from Deluxe to Suite, all designed in a modern and luxurious style with full amenities to cater to the individual preferences of guests.

Activities and Services

Beyond being a popular 5-star accommodation favored by many tourists, the Grand Hotel offers additional services such as meeting rooms, conferences and events, restaurant areas, bars, a fitness room, swimming pool, beauty spa, and a casino, aiming to fulfill all the desires of its guests.

A café under the Grand Hotel's management

In Saigon, it's not just the vibrancy and bustle of modern structures; somewhere within, the timeless charm of classical history remains captivating, particularly within these centuries-old hotels. Give it a try – visit, experience, and stay at these renowned hotels to feel the tranquility and enjoy elevated emotions in a refined and luxurious space. If you have the opportunity to visit Saigon, consider staying at these famous hotels; you're sure not to be disappointed.