Fusion Original Saigon Centre: A unique blend of Vietnamese tradition, modern comfort, and sustainability

Fusion Original Saigon Centre redefines the concept of city-based hotels. Here, you’ll experience a refreshing blend of contemporary design and traditional Vietnamese elements, creating a distinct and refreshing atmosphere and bringing a new level of style, comfort, and authenticity to the guests’ stay.

The hotel is nestled in the pulsating cityscape of Ho Chi Minh City, where culture and city converge. Its ethos, rooted in the “OWN it” philosophy, offers a unique take on hospitality by combining Originality, Wellbeing, and Nurturing. Every detail is meticulously curated to provide a taste of the Vietnamese experience with modern touches.

Who knew that you could discover a sanctuary in the heart of this vibrant city that makes you feel at home?

Originality: Fusion Original Saigon Centre’s colorful design and unique experiences

In contrast to traditional hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Fusion Original Saigon Centre dares to be different.

The moment you walk into the hotel, you’re greeted by a unique ambiance that reflects Vietnamese culture and traditions.

Embodying the spirit of Saigon

The hotel’s design reflects the labyrinthine streets of Saigon, giving guests a taste of the city within its walls.

You enter the hotel through a hẻm, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic narrow alleyways. Inside the lobby, one side of the wall is adorned with captivating floor-to-ceiling poly-art patterns and a painting of a Vietnamese woman’s face. The color palette, predominantly reds, browns, and gold, creates a warm and welcoming ambiance.

The other wall in the lobby showcases a new local artist every month.

This dedication to supporting local culture is a defining characteristic of Fusion Original Saigon Centre. The hotel collaborates with a local gallery to support the local art community and spotlight local talents while providing guests with a unique aesthetic experience reflecting Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant art scene.

The hotel also hosts workshops by local artisans, including jewelry making, leather crafting, and flower arranging. Guests can participate in these activities and even purchase unique, handmade gifts.

Marc Bittner, General Manager of Fusion Original Saigon Centre, acknowledges the importance of offering unique, local experiences to travelers. “Travelers want to know what’s unique about Vietnam. It adds immense value to their stay if they can experience that right here in the hotel.”

Tours to explore Saigon and its vicinity are available through outsourced travel agencies. Popular choices include day trips to the Mekong Delta.

Vibrant colors and unique designs

“Our bold color choices reflect the vibrancy of Saigon. Even the smallest details, like the colors of our slippers and bathrobes, are carefully curated to echo our unique branding,” says Marc.

Duc Nguyen, Brand and Creative Manager of Fusion Original Saigon Centre, highlights the hotel’s unique design aspects. “If you look closely, you’ll notice how each area in our hotel carries a different color palette. It’s not just about aesthetics, but also about creating distinct experiences for our guests,” he explains.

He further elaborates on the thought process behind their color choices. “On the 24th floor, you’ll find shades of turquoise blue blending smoothly into gold. But as you move to different areas, the color scheme changes.

At The Nest, our exclusive lounge, we’ve chosen purple — not just for the walls, but for every piece of furniture.”

Duc emphasizes how these color changes contribute to the overall guest experience. “Each floor, each area presents a new route, a new journey. Design, ambiance, and even smell make each floor unique.”

The Nest: A haven of comfort and luxury

The Nest is a highlight at Fusion Original Saigon Centre and offers an intimate space for guests to unwind, work, or relax with a good book.

You can sink into the comfy sofa and enjoy a variety of savory snacks.

Duc shares an exclusive offer for VIP guests: opt for a premium deluxe room package and enjoy private check-in with complimentary food, drinks, chocolates, and tea.

‘The Nest’ offers more than just relaxation.

“We have a dedicated working area for those who prefer to work in a serene environment. If you want privacy, you can close the curtain and even nap,” says Duc.

He also mentions their collaboration with a local supplier to design board games, including chess, domino, Chinese chess, monopoly, and more. These games are an excellent way for guests to unwind and connect.”

Fusion Original Saigon Centre perfectly balances the buzz of city life and the tranquility of a comfortable stay. “We offer an original experience, promote local culture, and are situated in the city’s heart,” says Marc.

Since its opening in September 2022, Fusion Original Saigon Centre has provided an authentic taste of bustling Saigon life from its prime location.

“Being located in arguably the best shopping mall in the country, Takashimaya, provides another unique aspect to our guests’ experience,” notes Marc.

Well-being at Fusion Original Saigon Centre

The ‘Well-being’ element of ‘OWN it’

When asked about the ‘Well-being’ aspect of the ‘OWN it’ philosophy, Marc emphasizes its importance.

“Wellness is a fundamental part of our Fusion branding. We promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle for all our guests.”

Despite the absence of a conventional spa, Fusion Original Saigon Centre has found innovative ways to incorporate wellness services into its offerings.

“We’ve had to think creatively about how we provide wellness services without a traditional spa, and I believe we’ve found some excellent solutions,” says Marc.

Marc shares a unique wellness collaboration with Guerlain, a renowned French cosmetics brand. They created a pop-up spa on the 15th floor, which offers various wellness services.

“Our guests can enjoy facial treatments, aromatherapy, and makeup services. We even have a fragrance counter. It’s a unique offering that adds a touch of luxury to the wellness experience,” shares Marc.

A reimagined space for wellness

The decision to repurpose one of the two-bedroom suites in the hotel to accommodate the pop-up spa has proved to be a success.

“In light of the limited infrastructure and the absence of a traditional spa, we decided to convert one of our two-bedroom suites into a space for wellness. It has worked incredibly well,” says Marc.

Not only has this reimagined space satisfied the hotel’s guests, but it has also been a hit with VIP clients and guests of Guerlain. “It’s truly remarkable to witness the positive reception of this concept. It demonstrates our dedication to wellness and innovative thinking,” shares Marc.

‘Nurturing’ at Fusion Original Saigon Centre

Nurturing guests: A genuine hospitality experience

Marc then delves into the ‘Nurturing’ aspect of the ‘OWN IT’ philosophy.

“Nurturing can be perceived in many ways, especially how we nurture our guests. We believe in genuine hospitality — it’s about a sincere smile, not a scripted interaction,” he shares.

According to Marc, the Fusion team is empowered to create their guest interactions.

“We don’t have a script for our staff. They are encouraged to interact with our guests naturally. This approach brings sincerity, warmth, and genuine engagement to our guest experience.”

Nurturing staff: Empowerment and confidence

The nurturing philosophy extends to the hotel’s staff as well. Marc emphasizes the role of a strong leadership team in cultivating this culture.

“Our leaders have successfully instilled a sense of empowerment among the staff, which has led to increased confidence. This confidence, in turn, positively influences their relationships with our guests.”

He also highlights the importance of nurturing staff through an inclusive approach, different from traditional hierarchical structures often seen in companies.

“We encourage roundtable discussions where every voice matters. Collective decision-making advances our brand, and it’s very encouraging for the team.”

Nurturing the team through passion projects

Marc shares some initiatives that help cultivate a nurturing environment at Fusion Original Saigon Centre.

“Every month, we do a passion project such as calligraphy or pottery making. We also host ‘Breaking Bread,’ where I choose a restaurant and invite 15 staff members to join me. It’s an opportunity for them to interact with me and colleagues from other departments.”

Physical activities are also part of their nurturing strategy.

“We organize one physical activity every month for our managers. It could be yoga or Pilates. It’s important to do something for the team, not just for the guests.”

Marc sums up the two fundamental principles of nurturing at Fusion Original Saigon Centre.

“Nurturing is about both the guest element and the staff element. We strive to provide a genuine hospitality experience for our guests and create an inclusive, empowering environment for our staff.”

Miss Thu Restaurant: A culinary journey through time and cultures

A day-to-night transformation

“Our all-day dining restaurant, Miss Thu, serves two different functions,” shares Marc.

“A bustling breakfast service transforms seamlessly into a relaxed lunch and dinner setting. The team has done this very well, creating a beautiful evening ambiance.”

The concept behind Miss Thu restaurant

Miss Thu Restaurant isn’t just about food; it tells a story.

“Miss Thu is a cosmopolitan, independent Vietnamese woman who has lived abroad and brought her international experiences back to Vietnam. This concept is showcased in our cuisine,” explains Marc.

Duc further expands on the story behind Miss Thu.

“She is a fictional character we grew up with, much like Santa Claus. People love the story and are curious about who Miss Thu is,” shares Duc.

The narrative of Miss Thu is depicted through two paintings at the restaurant.

“The first painting represents her birth in Saigon around 1954, showcasing old Saigon’s lifestyle, fashion, food, and architecture. The second painting is her cosmopolitan version of when she traveled abroad to places like Sydney and Spain, learning about fine dining and fashion,” says Duc.

Miss Thu’s story is also reflected in the restaurant’s design. “It’s about going beyond the traditional and ordinary. We embrace our traditions but interpret them in new ways,” says Duc.

Elements of Vietnamese culture are subtly woven into the design. The flooring resembles that of traditional Vietnamese houses while the ceiling lights are shaped like iconic Vietnamese conical hats. The window design mirrors the pattern of a hand fan, and the wall lighting takes inspiration from the ancient Đông Sơn drum of the northern Red River Delta.

“These details resonate with Vietnamese people. They recognize the stories behind the design and understand the paintings. It’s a nice touch for our local guests,” adds Duc.

The paintings were created by a local artist, adding another layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Miss Thu Restaurant offers not just a dining experience but a journey through time and cultures, echoing the spirit of Saigon and the cosmopolitan woman who inspires it.

Sustainability at Fusion Original Saigon Centre

Marc expresses their strong commitment to sustainability. “We are deeply committed to reducing our environmental footprint. From our rooms to cleaning practices and food sourcing, we strive for sustainability in every aspect of our operations.”

Sustainable practices in rooms and cleaning

Marc shares some significant steps they have taken towards sustainability. “We have no plastics in our rooms. All our toiletries are dispensed from reusable dispensers, which is now quite standard across most Fusion properties,” he says.

Beyond just eliminating plastics, the hotel also ensures its cleaning agents are environmentally friendly. “All our cleaning chemicals are biodegradable. We made this shift about six months ago. Many properties overlook this aspect, but it’s crucial as these agents eventually end up in our water systems.”

Local sourcing and sustainable F&B

Marc acknowledges the challenges of achieving complete sustainability in the kitchen but emphasizes the importance of local sourcing.

“We work with as many local producers as we can. For example, our yogurt is locally sourced from Nha Trang, and all our eggs are cage-free. We constantly look at how we can incorporate more sustainable practices into our F&B operations on a reasonable basis.”

Sustainability from the ground up

Fusion Original Saigon Centre’s commitment to sustainability starts right from the development stage. Marc shares, “We recommend to our contractors to use sustainable materials and natural woods instead of this plastic wood popular in Vietnam.”

However, Marc believes the most significant impact comes from the day-to-day operations. “Reducing waste, conserving energy — these small changes in daily operations make a massive difference.”

Educating staff and the community

Marc recognizes the role of education in promoting sustainability. “It’s not just about educating our staff but also the broader community. It’s a gradual process, but we’re committed to it.”

He also acknowledges that Vietnam has a long way to go regarding sustainability. However, he remains optimistic. “We’re making strides in the right direction. It’s heartening to see more and more properties implementing at least the basic sustainable practices.”

Fusion Original Saigon Centre: An oasis amidst the bustle

Occupying the upper floors of Takashimaya Mall/ Saigon Centre, one of the city’s most prominent mixed-use developments, Fusion Original Saigon Centre, the hotel’s location makes it an attractive choice for both tourists and business travelers,” Marc says.

Diverse accommodation offerings

The hotel boasts 146 rooms spread across nine floors, from the 15th to the 23rd. They have four categories of rooms: the Original Room, Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, and the Two-Bedroom Executive Suite. Each room has a Fusion signature bed, an LED TV, free Wi-Fi, a work desk, and all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

The Two-Bedroom Executive Suite is particularly popular, contributing 25% of the hotel’s total room revenue. “These suites are beautiful. They have a kitchenette, a spacious living area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. There’s a lot of demand for them,” Marc shares.

A favorite among families and friends

The hotel attracts a diverse demographic, including many families. However, Marc was surprised that two couples or a group of friends often book the two-bedroom suites. “It’s quite interesting. While we have many families, we also see groups of friends choosing to stay with us,” he says.

Although only 14 to 15 months into operation, Marc is optimistic about the hotel’s growth.

“As our online presence grows and our reputation becomes more noticeable, we can realistically see the business scaling positively,” he concludes.

All images by Fusion Original Saigon Centre