Budget Travel - October 28, 2010 - Updated 1416 GMT (2216 HKT)

The last thing you'd expect to find in Vietnam's hyper-kinetic capital is a tranquil French retreat, but such is the pleasant surprise of Ma Maison. Run by Natasha Long, a Saigon local, the inn is housed in a 70-year-old colonial villa remodeled to evoke French country life. Walls are painted in soft yellows and greens, while the 12 rooms have blond-wood beds and desks with gold-leaf details. The hotel's bistro completes the vibe, with a menu full of French fare such as braised chicken with mushrooms. Add to that thoughtful touches like the complimentary mobile phones with free local service and an affable cat, Mr. Sushi, and you'll be feeling like family in no time... (By Geraldine Campbell, Kendell Cronstrom, Elaine Glusac, Naomi Lindt and Mario López-Cordero)

Anne Vincent: Have just arrived in the chaos of Saigon, but what a beautiful retreat Ma Maison is! A French chateau set in a narrow lane full of locals going about their business. Dalat in the central highlands was cold and wet, with a French alpine feel to it. Lots of grand French villas lined the main boulevard, evidence that the French enjoyed the good life back in the colonial days.

Dexter Bowden: Ma Maison is truly the best boutique hotel in Vietnam. I had a most wonderful stay there and found the hotel and the staff amazing. I would recommend it to any of my friends and will definitely stay there again. Thank you so much for making my first visit to Saigon such a happy one.

Eileen Oh Thank you so much Ms Natasha, Mr Nha & team. We really enjoyed our trip there. You all make us felt at home!! Terima Kasih (in our national language - Kuala Lumpur). Looking forward to see u guys again! Till then, take good care! ~Eileen

Debbie Whittaker: I stayed at Ma Maison during the first week of November, and everything was PERFECT. I'm sure you will enjoy your stay!

Barbara Sternig: Dear Natasha, once again thank you for making our stay at Ma Maison so perfect! We enjoyed the five days at your place very much and can only recommend Ma Maison to everybody traveling to HCMC! Best regards from Vienna, Barbara

Melvin Ho: This hideout is a good place to relax and chill away from the bustle of the busy streets. The rooms are just as lovely as in the photos. Natasha is a great and helpful host. The staff are just so friendly and makes your stay in Vietnam a pleasant experience! Thanks Natasha and the people I met there! Happy 2010!

Dear Ms Natasha,

I would like to write to you what a wonderful and heart warming stay we had at your Ma Maison.

When ever I travel, I consider choosing hotel seriously whether 5star or guesthouse. As there are thousands of hotel in Ho Chin Ming city, I spent hours searching the right hotel where I can feel happy. I had never searched on TRIP ADVISOR before, but somehow found your hotel on it, and I think it was fated!

The moment I saw photos of your lovely hotels, I fell in love and I rushed to e-mail for reservation! Airport pick up complimentary service made me ease to stay at Ma Maison, although it was a bit far from the city center.

It was very surprising to find such a wonderful place in congested place, but you and your staff's warm smile made me feel like home. I am very honored to know that we were the first Japanese stayer at your place. For Japanese, the most important fact about hotel are 1) Cleanness 2) Hot shower 3) Hospitality and you hotel has all! So I am very sure that your hotel is very potential to Japanese market too.

If there's another chance to visit HCM, I am sure to stay at your place. So hope to see you again and wishing you and your staff Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Reiko Yamashita

Please click here for all original review on TripAdvisor.com