We are planning on a Saigon trip around October.
Found the food advice very helpful, but wish someone
can enlighten us in regards to hotels. Does anyone
have some suggestions? Central location would be
helpful. If one can give us info about transportation
from the airport to the hotel that would be great.
Thanks.

What is budget? The top ones are all in District 1, the Caravelle, Westin, etc.

My favorite is the Somerset Apt, there are two locations. The newer one is next to French Embassy, one or two bedroom apts for the same price (or less) than 5 star hotel. I paid about US$120 last visit.

Has nice pool, small gym, but no room service. Bkfst is available in small cafe/bistro next door, small grocery store also. Room is full size apt, has full LR, DR, even washer/dryer, full kitchen, free internet. Excellent security, long term stay for many expat families - school bus in early morning!

Somerset is about 1 to 1.5 miles from Caravelle and all the restaurants....I've walked in evenings and completely safe area.

Yep... more info needed about budget/expectation. Plenty of perfectly decent, privately run mini-hotels in the centre around US$30/night. The Park Hyatt is probably the most expensive. Some like the Continental next door for the history factor. NB if looking at older posts, guidebooks etc., bear in mind that hotels have gone up considerably in the last 12 months.

If you're staying in a posh hotel, you will probably want them to collect you. Tan Son Nhat airport is close to the city centre. 20 to 40 minutes by car is typical.

The cheapest way is to get a meter taxi yourself - about VND60,000 to the centre - just under US$4. (More advice to follow if you're interested in this option!)

If you're "nervous" of getting a taxi yourself, there is a counter inside the arrivals area - you'll pay more that way, but might feel safer.

Just being picky.... its a consulate these days.... the embassy being in Hanoi, of course.

Budget? I really had no idea what to expect,
but from your responses I reckon that the
$ 100.00 per night/room probably would be
my target. No objections to lower priced,
though.

There is a Sheraton, but no Westin in HCMC. Sheraton/Park Hyatt will run $150++ at least. Sommerset near the French Consulate is nice. The other is a bit run down.

For $100 or less, check out the Duxton on Nguyen Hue. Haven't stayed there, but hear good things. You might also check out Indochine. I've heard nothing but good things about it and the price is very reasonable. Location is good with many good restaurants within a 5 minute walk (next door to the best Thai restaurant in HCMC IMO).

http://www.indochinehotel.com