One of Saigon's historic hotels, the 1880-built Continental is probably best-known for its starring role in the Graham Greene classic The Quiet American. The Continental Shelf has long gone and though it survived the ravages of a SaigonTourist renovation in 1989, it retains barely a slither of its past charm. The street frontage is attractive and promises a lot, but the interior and particularly the staff don't measure up to expectations. Rooms have tall vaulted ceilings and very generously sizes, but the furnishings are tacky and even border on the bizarre. All superior rooms are garden view, while deluxe rooms have a small veranda with French doors, looking over Dong Khoi St and the Opera House. It's a toss up to choose between a garden view and street view room as having a veranda is an asset, but the rooms are not all that well sound proofed and light sleepers will need earplugs to sleep. With a garden view you'll score a pretty view and relative quiet. Well overpriced.