Wedged between other commercial operations, the Anpha Boutique Hotel occupies a slender eight-story building across from the bustling Ben Tranh Market. Ascending a short staircase, guests enter a little lobby with marble tiling in café-au-lait tones and a French-style paneled reception desk that’s positioned in front of an intricate fretwork accent wall. The combination gives this space an attractive East-meets-West look. Appropriately, the accouterments -- like Buddha statues and a vintage gramophone -- are drawn from both cultures. A mixed bag of business and leisure travelers gather in the cozy seating areas, where classic rolled-arm couches and tufted side chairs upholstered in earthy shades are offset by funky lights and other contemporary elements. 

This District 1 hotel faces famous Ben Tranh Market, though dodging the traffic to reach it sometimes takes a force of will -- especially after dark when the touristy outdoor stalls set up. Other top sights within walking distance include Independence Palace, the Opera House, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum, all of which can be accessed on foot in 15 minutes or less. Since the surrounding area also has loads of restaurants and shops (the luxe ones inside Union Square Mall among them), this boutique property is a smart choice for vacationers; however, proximity to the Central Business District, anchored by the 68-story Bitexco Financial Tower, means it is convenient for corporate types, too. Note that day- and nighttime city excursions can easily be arranged at the hotel’s tour desk, as can airport transfers and outings to the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, the Cu Chi Tunnels or other outlying attractions.

• Across the street from Ben Tranh Market
• Nine-minute walk to Union Square Shopping Mall
• Nine-minute walk to Independence Palace
• 11-minute walk to the Saigon Opera House
• 13-minute walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral
• 13-minute walk to the Saigon Central Post Office
• 13-minute walk to Bitexco Financial Tower
• 15-minute walk to the War Remnants Museum
• 11-minute drive to the Vietnam History Museum
• 14-minute drive to Phuoc Hai Temple (Jade Emperor Pagoda)
• 21-minute drive to Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
• 25-minute drive to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (more depending on traffic)

The rooms here -- covering 237 to 333 square feet -- certainly aren’t big, but they do have a gracious decor that calls Old Saigon to mind. Creamy papered walls with ornamental moldings, classic furnishings finished in rich mahogany and fitted wardrobes with plantation-shutter doors are all a nod to the French Colonial era, and evocative artwork only heightens the nostalgic mood. Modern conveniences, however, haven’t been forgotten: rooms in all categories include air-conditioning, safes, minibars, coffee/tea-making equipment, flat-screen LED TVs with international channels, clock radios with iPhone/iPad docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. The beige tiled bathrooms, meanwhile, have combination shower/tubs, vessel sinks, and appreciated extras like robes, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers. Executive Deluxe Rooms (the largest of the lot) add Juliet balconies with city views; like all of the front-facing rooms, though, they are subject to street noise.  

This hotel's standout feature is its elegant restaurant with a pretty rooftop terrace overlooking the city. For breakfast (which is included in rates), it offers à la carte dishes ranging from traditional pho to tasty scrambled eggs; Vietnamese and Western dishes again share space on the menu when it reopens for dinner. Guests also receive a welcome drink and fruit plate on arrival. Other hotel features include a 24-hour front desk; a transportation/tour desk; a little lobby business center with a public computer and printer; laundry/dry-cleaning and twice-daily housekeeping services; and free Wi-Fi throughout.