The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon is a five-star hotel occupying the Times Square Building, which runs between Nguyen Hue Boulevard and Dong Khoi Street in the heart of District 1. It describes itself as a five-star hotel, and its restaurants set the tone, with Italian-made furniture, red and gold colour schemes and crystal installations.

Dining is one of the hotel's strengths. Its Cantonese restaurant, Long Trieu, on the fourth floor, holds a Michelin star and is known for dim sum and Cantonese seafood, served in a red and gold room with a Swarovski crystal dragon at the entrance and custom furniture by the Italian maker Provasi. Other venues include The Long @ Times Square, Lys and Café Cardinal, and The Reverie Boutique. For relaxation there is a spa and a fitness centre with an outdoor pool.

The location could hardly be more central. Step out of one entrance and you are on Nguyen Hue Walking Street; step out of the other and you are on Dong Khoi Street, with the Opera House, City Hall and the riverfront all within a short walk. It suits couples on a special trip, luxury travellers and anyone who wants to be able to walk to most of the main sights of District 1.

Even if you are not staying, the hotel is worth a visit for a meal. Weekend dim sum lunch at Long Trieu, which starts at 10:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, is one of the most popular ways to experience the hotel, and its dress code asks for elegant or smart casual clothing. For guests, the central position means you can return to the pool in the heat of the afternoon and head out again in the evening when Nguyen Hue comes alive.

A few practical points apply to most hotels in central Ho Chi Minh City. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is about 7 kilometres from the centre, and taxis, ride-hailing cars and city buses all make the trip; many hotels can also arrange a car on request. Rooms facing busy streets can be noisy, so ask for a higher floor or a quieter side if you are a light sleeper. Rates rise around Tet, the lunar new year, and at weekends, so book early for those dates, and check whether breakfast, taxes and service charges are included in the price you are quoted.