What it is

A new, 286-room gleaming crown in the upper floors of the 40-story Times Square Building.

What it isn't

Sleek. Yes, it’s in a high-rise, but interiors are so deliciously over-the-top there is no mistaking your whereabouts.

What we think

The only Leading Hotel of the World-worthy spot in all of Vietnam is as luxe as they come: rooms are outfitted with Italy-made Georgetti family furniture, Poltrona Frau leather and the types of fittings Marie Antoinette would covet (glimmering chandeliers, mirrored walls, etc). But, because looks aren’t everything, the hotel is ready to pamper you in myriad other ways. A 79-foot freshwater pool lined in mosaic tiles from Sicis of Italy (go at night for an underwater light show, not to mention a custom playlist); the spa includes treatments such as Thai Oriental—in which you’ll be massaged with 100 restorative “pure oriental ingredients”—and truly exquisite restaurant offerings, including an Italian restaurant helmed by a Napoli expat with 32 housemade gelatos in flavors like purple sticky rice and salted caramel cashew.

You're here because

You gravitate to glamour like Elizabeth Taylor, and this is glamour, right down to the Frette linens.

The Moment

In the atrium-like Café Cardinal, two things take your breath away: the multi-story windows and the camembert cheese cake, served with wild berries.

Restaurants & Bars

- Cafe Cardinal - modern dining room featuring breakfast and brunch buffets, afternoon tea, and dinner. Views of the pool deck and city.

- R&J - contemporary Italian dining in an intimate setting.

- The Royal Pavilion - traditional Chinese in a fine dining setting. Famous for dim sum and Peking Duck.

- The Long @ Times Square - a 48-meter bar counter with pizza, trattoria fare and other casual eats, as well as drinks. Casual atmosphere.

Location

Saigon’s District 1, adjacent to the Saigon River and just a couple block walk from the Opera House, build in 1900.