The Reverie Saigon Exterior
ITALIAN EXTRAVAGANCE TIMES SQUARE ULTRA LUXURY

The Reverie Saigon: An Unforgettable Symphony of Italian Opulence in Vietnam's Heart

L
LUYEN LY

JANUARY 4, 2025

A Grand Entrance into Another World

Wow! Let me tell you, stepping into the lobby of The Reverie Saigon isn't just checking into a hotel—it's a full-sensory, jaw-dropping arrival into a world of pure, unadulterated Italian extravagance. Located in the iconic Times Square Building on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, right in the pulsing heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, this hotel has been called "the most spectacularly extravagant hotel in Vietnam," and after experiencing it, I can tell you that is not an exaggeration.

From the chaotic, buzzing energy of Saigon's streets, you enter a sanctuary of impeccable craftsmanship and bold design. The air changes—it’s cool, subtly scented with ylang-ylang, and filled with a sense of awe. This is more than a place to sleep; it's a destination where every corner tells a story of luxury, a stunning salute to the very best in Italian design and world-class hospitality.

"THE MOST SPECTACULARLY EXTRAVAGANT HOTEL IN VIETNAM."

The Atmosphere & Arrival: A Lobby Like No Other

The moment you walk in, your eyes need a second to adjust. The grand lobby soars with seven-meter vaulted ceilings, but it's the details that will completely blow your mind.

Right in the center sits what might be the world's most magnificent sofa: a five-meter-long Baroque masterpiece from Colombostile, upholstered in deep purple ostrich leather with gilded trim and—wait for it—adorned with a single, precious amethyst stone. It’s a statement piece that screams opulence. Nearby, a custom-made emerald green Baldi Monumental clock, encrusted with 24-carat gold, stands as a functional jewel. The walls are alive with vibrant mosaics by the Italian masters at Sicis.

This isn't just a lobby; it's a curated gallery of haute Italian design, where the flair of Europe meets Vietnamese tastes and Asian influences. The vibe is electric yet refined, attracting a fashionable crowd of international travelers and celebrities who seek the extraordinary. The service matches the surroundings flawlessly. You're greeted with a welcome drink by impeccably dressed staff, and the concierge team—true experts—often remembers guests by name, offering that rare blend of top-tier professionalism with boutique hotel warmth.

The Rooms & Suites: Sky-High Sanctuaries of Splendor

If the lobby takes your breath away, just wait until you see your room. The Reverie Saigon offers some of the most spacious accommodations in the city, with 286 guestrooms and 89 residential suites ranging from 43 to a sprawling 313 square meters.

The first thing you notice are the floor-to-ceiling windows framing a breathtaking panorama of Saigon. Depending on your room, you might gaze out over the winding Saigon River and the Phú Mỹ Bridge, the historic roofs of the old town, or the endless energetic sprawl of the new city. Corner rooms on higher floors offer the most spectacular vistas.

The décor is a masterclass in bespoke luxury. No two rooms are exactly alike. You might find yourself in a space that feels like the Belle Époque with Asian panache, filled with sumptuous fabrics and rich colors, or in a more contemporary, eclectic setting. Every piece feels intentional and of immense quality, with furnishings and cabinetry from legendary Italian houses like Poltrona Frau, Giorgetti, and Cassina.

But the luxury isn't just for show. The comfort is profound. You sink into a bed dressed in ultra-plush Frette linens. You can make a coffee with the in-room Nespresso machine. The attention to detail is stunning, extending to the herbal teas from French brand Dammann Frères.

Then, there's the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom! It’s a marble-clad temple of relaxation. It features a deep, fitted soaking tub with its own television—perfect for a long, luxurious unwind. The shower is an experience in itself, with three adjustable shower heads that jet water from every angle, plus a steam function and a bench to just sit and revel in the warmth. The amenities are from the exquisite Italian perfumer Acqua di Parma (or Natura Bissé in select suites), and yes, even the toilet is a high-tech Japanese Toto model. It’s a level of detail that makes you feel incredibly pampered.

For those seeking a true home-away-from-home, the hotel also offers 89 residential-style suites within the Times Square Building. Ranging from one to two bedrooms (80 to 140 square meters), these come with full kitchens from Snaidero and can be decorated in either classic or contemporary styles, offering a distinct, long-stay luxury experience.

A Culinary Journey: From Michelin Stars to Saigon's Longest Bar

My friends, the food here… it’s a major, major highlight. The Reverie Saigon is a culinary destination in its own right, with an incredible array of restaurants and bars that cater to every mood and craving.

The Crown Jewel: Long Trieu

Let's start with the star—literally. Long Trieu holds a Michelin star (for both 2024 and 2025) and is consistently touted as serving the finest Cantonese cuisine you'll find outside of Hong Kong. The setting is stately and magnificent, with jade stones, vermillion accents, and traditional Chinese scenes on gold leaf, complemented by Italian-designed chairs from Provasi. The menu is divine, featuring exquisite dim sum, delicate dried seafood delicacies, and sumptuous fresh seafood dishes. It is an absolute must for a special, unforgettable meal.

The Social Heart: Café Cardinal

This is the hotel's vibrant, all-day dining hub. With an airy, lofty setting and sweeping city views, it’s where a fantastic breakfast buffet is served, complete with made-to-order items like buttermilk pancakes and wok-fried lobster. By evening, it transforms into a chic spot for contemporary French cuisine. The open kitchen adds a lively energy, making it a perfect gathering place.

The Lively Boulevard: The Long @ Times Square

This place has an incredible vibe! Aptly named, it’s a 48-meter-long indoor-outdoor space that stretches between Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue streets, featuring what is arguably Saigon's longest bar. The arched skylight runs the entire length, creating a bright, energetic atmosphere. The menu is all about delicious, casual trattoria-style fare. But the real magic happens in the imported wood-fired pizza oven from Naples. They use authentic ingredients, including burrata cheese flown in from Italy twice a week, to create what many call the city's best artisanal pizza. Don't even think about leaving without trying the homemade gelato—with 32 flavors ranging from classic Gianduja to regional delights like Soursop and Salted Caramel Cashew.

Hidden Gems & Sweet Spots

  • The Long Lounge: Tucked away on the B1 level, this hidden gem is a sophisticated venue ideal for private events or an intimate, fusion lunch in a secret hideaway setting.
  • The Reverie Boutique: Perfect for those on the go, this elegant lounge offers superb pastries, sandwiches, smoothies, and Vietnamese coffee all day long, either to enjoy in a chic setting or to take away.

Overseeing this culinary empire is Executive Chef Marcelo Geraldini, whose passion and decades of international experience ensure exceptional quality across all the venues.

Services & Amenities: The Pinnacle of Pampering

The Spa: An Urban Wellness Oasis

Spanning a colossal 13,000 square feet across two levels, The Spa at The Reverie Saigon is an attraction unto itself and is considered Vietnam's most luxurious city spa. It’s a stunning melding of European-inspired luxury and holistic wellness. Beyond the treatment rooms with their Earthlite spa beds, you’ll find unique facilities like a Himalayan salt-charged steam room for detoxing and a serene, color-changing sauna where each hue represents different chakras. I highly recommend trying the Tibetan massage, a treatment that involves deep kneading followed by a hot compress of fresh turmeric and flower of salt—it’s pure bliss that will leave you feeling realigned and rejuvenated.

The Pool & Fitness

The large outdoor pool on the seventh floor is a sparkling haven adjacent to Café Cardinal. You can lounge in a cabana, take a refreshing dip, and gaze at the fascinating urban frenzy happening below—a perfect contrast of tranquility and city energy. The well-equipped gym has everything you need for a solid workout, from cardio and resistance machines to free weights.

Unmatched Personalized Service

The hotel's service philosophy is what truly elevates the stay. The concierge team is incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help with anything, from securing last-minute restaurant reservations to planning elaborate golf trips or Mekong Delta cruises. For ultimate convenience and style, the hotel maintains a fleet of luxury house cars, including a Rolls-Royce Ghost and BMW 7 Series, ready to chauffeur you around the city. If you wish, you can even hire one of the hotel's in-house Italian designers to help you take a piece of The Reverie's style home with you.

Service Category Specific Offerings & Highlights
Dining & Bars 5 distinct venues including Michelin-starred Long Trieu, The Long @ Times Square with its 48m bar, and hidden Long Lounge.
Wellness & Leisure 13,000 sq ft spa with salt steam room, color-therapy sauna; Outdoor pool; Fully-equipped gym.
Concierge & Transport Expert, personalized concierge; Luxury house car fleet (Rolls-Royce, BMW, Mercedes); Private chef available.
Business & Events 15 meeting/event spaces; Vietnam's grandest ballroom (La Scala).

The Perfect Location: In the Heart of Everything

The location is simply unbeatable. You are right on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, with its endless cafes and street life, and moments from the fashionable boutiques of Dong Khoi Street. The city's most iconic historical and cultural landmarks are within a short, pleasant walk:

  • Saigon Opera House: 5 minutes away.
  • Central Post Office & Notre-Dame Cathedral: A short walk.
  • Independence Palace & Ho Chi Minh City Museum: Also just a short walk.
  • Ben Thanh Market: Merely a stone's throw away for a more local shopping experience.

Beyond the famous sites, the concierge can guide you to hidden gems like The Workshop for champion-level pour-over coffee or the Maison Marou flagship for exquisite Vietnamese craft chocolate.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Stay, It's an Experience

The Reverie Saigon isn't just about providing a luxurious room. It’s about creating a total, encompassing experience of fanciful splendour. It’s the feeling of sipping a crafted cocktail while watching the sunset paint the Saigon River from your window. It’s the taste of a perfect Neapolitan pizza after a day of exploration. It’s the profound calm of a world-class spa treatment high above the city buzz.

This hotel is a bold, beautiful, and unapologetic celebration of excess—in the very best way. It confidently claims to be the one and only Reverie, in the one and only Saigon. And after experiencing it, I have to agree.

So, if you're looking for a place that transcends the ordinary and delivers a powerful, memorable, and utterly luxurious immersion into the heart of Vietnam's most dynamic city, The Reverie Saigon awaits. Just be prepared for one thing: after a stay here, every other hotel experience might feel just a little less magical.

Dispatch Info

THE REVERIE SAIGON

22-36 Nguyen Hue Blvd, District 1, HCMC

★★★★★

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