The hotel is located at the corner of Đồng Khởi Street and Lam Sơn Square, by the Saigon Municipal Theatre.

In 1878, Pierre Cazeau, a home-appliance and construction material manufacturer, started building a hotel with the purpose of providing travelers a French style of luxury accommodation after a long cruise to the new continent.

[1] The Continental had a notable role in the social and political life of Saigon during the French Colonial Era.

During the First Indochina War the Hotel Continental was frequently referred to as Radio Catinat, since this was the rendezvous point where correspondents, journalists, politicians and businessmen talked about politics, the business news, and current events.

Notable guests include: The hotel features prominently in Graham Greene's novel The Quiet American and in its two film adaptations in 1958 and 2002.