Empress Hotel Address: 136 Bui Thi Xuan, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Tel: 84-8-8322888 Fax: 84-8-8358215 44 Rooms

The Empress is one of the best values in Saigon. It's a charming, small hotel whose hallmark is service. While not luxurious, it boasts some upscale touches like terra cotta tile and marble. Deluxe rooms are cozy (read that as small!) but well laid out, with two twins or one queen bed. More spacious are the suites, with a small living room and separate bedroom. The Empress also boasts a small fitness center, coffee shop, and sports bar, every bit as cozy as the guest rooms.

While technically in District One, the Empress is about two klicks from the prime tourist area. If you're like us and prefer to walk everywhere, it can be a bit inconvenient; but then, you also avoid the beggars, petty thieves and con artists that troll Le Loi and Dong Khoi streets. While most business travelers will seek out the bigger and more fashionable haunts in town, leisure travelers will appreciate the Empress' modern amenities, personal service and cozy feel.