Ho Chi Minh City - Hotels

[LukeSkywalker]

I was with a tour group including US, Europeans, Aussies and some Asians. The tour prepaid the rooms, but at every hotel, the front desk insisted on holding all our passports. They said it's government regulations. WTF?

I had other countries to go after Vietnam. I asked them what if they lose our passports, I would lose my trip waiting for replacement. They said they never lose passports. Some stupid assholes at the hotels could potentially used the Asian passports, impersonating the visitors, and cause a lot of problems. What an ass backward way of doing business.

In HCMC and Hanoi, the big hotels asked to see the passport and took down info but did not hold it.

Great tip for expats. True for Q1 and center part of big cities, and 4 star hotels.

However, the 1-2 stars and some 3-star on the low side still ask to keep my passport. Perhaps because I look local, even with USA passport.

I speak the local language and like to venture away from Q1. Yes, they WILL take and hold my passport.

Often I leave Q1 for the English speaking fair skin folks, and if you run into situation described, use the great tip from Geneva Guy above.

Cheers,

Peter.

P.S.

Q1=D1.

Quan 1=district 1.

[James02]

The real truth is that about 20% of the "members" posting here in the Vietnam thread that you are now reading are in fact reporting back to the government. Some are government agents themselves, but most are just on the payroll.

One thing I have noticed on this forum is there is a lot of paranoia among member.

[NguyetLang]

Sorry guys.

I have stayed in 3 and 4 star hotels in HCMC, Hanoi and Haiphong, including some name hotel and some boutique hotels and they never kept my passport. In all cases, they made a copy.

Now. When I have a ladyfriend over, they do keep her ID. But they have not kept mine. If they did, I would remind them that I need it if I change money in a bank (other money changes never ask for my ID).

GG.

Great tip for expats. True for Q1 and center part of big cities, and 4 star hotels.

However, the 1-2 stars and some 3-star on the low side still ask to keep my passport. Perhaps because I look local, even with USA passport.

I speak the local language and like to venture away from Q1. Yes, they WILL take and hold my passport.

Often I leave Q1 for the English speaking fair skin folks, and if you run into situation described, use the great tip from Geneva Guy above.

Cheers,

Peter.

P.S.

Q1=D1.

Quan 1=district 1.

[Geneva Guy]

No. It is just the mentality of the general public in business. They are not quite ready to join the rest of the modern business world. Instead of trusting credit cards, they actually believe in holding your ID as a deposit. It is NOT merely asking to show ID, they want to physically keep your ID until you check out. You will get it back after all bills are paid. They actually believe that is better than holding a cash deposit. Strange but true.

Peter.

Sorry guys.

I have stayed in 3 and 4 star hotels in HCMC, Hanoi and Haiphong, including some name hotel and some boutique hotels and they never kept my passport. In all cases, they made a copy.

Now. When I have a ladyfriend over, they do keep her ID. But they have not kept mine. If they did, I would remind them that I need it if I change money in a bank (other money changes never ask for my ID).

GG.

[NguyetLang]

So are you saying that the whole thing about asking the guests for ID is a government conspiracy thing.

And hotels that don't bother to ask for IDs are not part of the scam, I. E don't rely care about climbing into bed with the local councilor and MP.

So it has nothing to do with the age of the girl then?

No. It is just the mentality of the general public in business. They are not quite ready to join the rest of the modern business world. Instead of trusting credit cards, they actually believe in holding your ID as a deposit. It is NOT merely asking to show ID, they want to physically keep your ID until you check out. You will get it back after all bills are paid. They actually believe that is better than holding a cash deposit. Strange but true.

Peter.

[LoveTool]

So are you saying that the whole thing about asking the guests for ID is a government conspiracy thing.

And hotels that don't bother to ask for IDs are not part of the scam, I. E don't rely care about climbing into bed with the local councilor and MP.

So it has nothing to do with the age of the girl then?

The real truth is that about 20% of the "members" posting here in the Vietnam thread that you are now reading are in fact reporting back to the government. Some are government agents themselves, but most are just on the payroll.

[James02]

Vietnam hotel industry has a retarded tradition of actually confiscate the guest ID / passport as to prevent guests from leaving without paying. It is rooted in the state controlled society, in that you can not travel without government-issued ID. They have no idea that holding someone passport is against international norm (equate to putting expat under detention). It is also a reflection of their backward way of doing business without credit cards. It just general lack of education / knowledge.

So are you saying that the whole thing about asking the guests for ID is a government conspiracy thing.

And hotels that don't bother to ask for IDs are not part of the scam, I. E don't rely care about climbing into bed with the local councilor and MP.

So it has nothing to do with the age of the girl then?

[NguyetLang]

Does he mean ID for the guest (himself) or ID for the girl?

And what dose that sign actually mean?

Vietnam hotel industry has a retarded tradition of actually confiscate the guest ID / passport as to prevent guests from leaving without paying. It is rooted in the state controlled society, in that you can not travel without government-issued ID. They have no idea that holding someone passport is against international norm (equate to putting expat under detention). It is also a reflection of their backward way of doing business without credit cards. It just general lack of education / knowledge.

The sign displays rate for.

1 HR - 50 k.

2 HR - 60 k.

3 HR - 70 k.

Night.

150 k.

Day and night.

200 k.

Except Saturday and holidays.

Hope that helps.

Peter.

P.S. The above rates reflect a low range, you may have to put up a little (Ok maybe a lot) for such cheap hotel.

[CRLuverGuy]

Does he mean ID for the guest (himself) or ID for the girl?

And what dose that sign actually mean?

ID for either, preferably none of course. I believe the sign means per hour, 3 hrs 70 k vnd, assuming for two persons also, LOL.

I was hoping a member had experience of a safe clean ST place, that's all. I have seen several but very either seedy areas or not so clean on the outside, assuming same inside.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[James02]

I don't know where they are exactly in Binh Thanh district, but if you look for signs like this one, those are the ones:

(BTW, probably good idea to carry some ID with you anyway just in case. I myself got blocked by that one a couple weeks ago).

Does he mean ID for the guest (himself) or ID for the girl?

And what dose that sign actually mean?

[Wendella]

Any info on hourly ST hotels in Binh Thanh area close to Dien Bien Phu hwy? A place just cash not requiring IDs.

I don't know where they are exactly in Binh Thanh district, but if you look for signs like this one, those are the ones:

(BTW, probably good idea to carry some ID with you anyway just in case. I myself got blocked by that one a couple weeks ago).

[Jsxyz]

Any info on hourly ST hotels in Binh Thanh area close to Dien Bien Phu hwy? A place just cash not requiring IDs.

Thanks.

In my experience, a bit of extra cash obviates the need for ID (for you, not for the girl).

[CRLuverGuy]

Any info on hourly ST hotels in Binh Thanh area close to Dien Bien Phu hwy? A place just cash not requiring IDs.

Thanks.

[CrackAddict]

As star ratings tend to be a hot topic hear.

This is all I could find on the classification of star hotels.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_rating

Any names and address please?

I would be interested in this one as an option.

Do you have a phone number or email for it please.

I booked through Agoda.com and got a better rate than booking directly with the hotel.

Address: 28/12 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Phone: (84) 8 39204899.

Fax: (84) 8 39204900.

Email: saigonedengarden@gmail.com.

Website: http://edengardenhotel.com.

[James02]

As star ratings tend to be a hot topic hear.

This is all I could find on the classification of star hotels.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_rating

To James 02.

This is more like 2 star hotel at backpacker area in HMC, there are many 3 star hotel under 30 usd a night near by.

Fast eddie 48.

Any names and address please?

I doubt those are 3/4 star for those prices. Probably 1/2. I stayed at Eden Garden Hotel in a perfect location in back packer area between Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lau streets. It says it's a 3 star and it's pretty decent for $22 a night with a good breakfast buffet and clean with comfortable but semi-hard bed. Girls have to leave their ID at desk.

I would be interested in this one as an option.

Do you have a phone number or email for it please.