Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

The Rex Hotel was a center of activity during the Vietnam War as it was the favorite hotel of the military brass, which meant the journalists weren't far behind. It is very elegant and a great place for a nostalgic drink on the rooftop terrace.
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You can see the lights of the traffic down below --read my tip on negotiating the Saigon streets!

All that shopping made us thirsty, so we decided to stop for a coffee. Saw this place also had internet, so we ventured in. Well what a pleasant surprise! I'd heard all about Vietnamese coffee and am glad to say that I love it!! Will definately be looking for a place to buy it back home.

.....wasn't till we got home and I was trying to find out where this coffee shop was, that I realised we had actually found the Rex Hotel !! ...now I'm sure you'll be able to find our lovely coffee shop, since everyone knows about the Rex Hotel :o)

The Rex Hotel was a popular haunt amongst journalists during the Vietnam War. It was once home to the daily U.S. military attaché’s press briefing which was dubbed the “Five O’Clock Follies” . The Rex, while not as modern and as upmarket as the newer hotels, still has a charm relating back to that period.

At the side of the Rex hotel opposite the Tax department store there is a bar and a place where you can have juice, coffee and a snack at a reasonable price.

We had a juice and they served it with a swivel stick with the Rex Hotel emblem on it. Guess what was taken home!!

Arguably the most famous Rex Hotel in the world, thanks to its association with American servicemen during the war. You can stay here too if you're willing to shell out. It's scheduled to undergo a multimillion-dollar transformation into a 5-star hotel, so hurry before it gets too expensive.

If you are not staying here, then come for a look! The Hotel is located next to City hall and is an important place in the history of Ho chi minh.

It was constructed in the 1950's, and once again, built by the French.
It was here, that the US military officers during the Vietnam war would give the daily press briefings, these became known as the "FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES" It also was used as a social venue for american soldiers.

Now, it has a roof top bar, which is very popular.

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During the Vietnam War the American military held press conferences at the Rex, and its rooftop bar was a hangout for military officials and war correspondents.
You can see the old wing of the hotel and have a drink (or lunch) at the rooftop bar.

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Coming to Vietnam meant cheap bia (beer), their beer per glass cost $0.70. How cheap can that be and its really good. A must try. I went to Rex hotel the other day, and sat on the open garden at their rooftop. A nice place to drink something and look down the balcony and their the crazy street of Saigon is there right in the eyes.

Nothing special to me this place, but since its a historical place and everyone is talking about it, so I must try it. But actually, its really nothing special.

The hotel has a fascinating history, and the restaurant/cafe at the rooftop was the favorite spot of the U.S. military and spies during the war.
Interesting.

Stay here if you want to experience the old-Saigon feel.

I suppose this should come under accommodation, but I never actually stayed there. I slept at cheap places in De Tham. I spoke to a couple who were staying at the Rex and they said it was great. It's certainly got a good location, in the best part of downtown Saigon, opposite the Opera House.

The Rex Hotel has featured in several books and films as it was the American bachelor officers' quarters during the Vietnam War. The rooftop bar and dance hall they used to frequent are still open to the general public.

An executive suite at the Rex costs US$450 per night.