Fusion Suites Sai Gon
why
From the base of the trip to a messenger that suggests lifestyle and experience, the concept of hotel is progressing.
Technological advancements have connected the world closer and made some interesting changes in our travel patterns. Rather than relying on the guidebook, looking for what locals enjoy and experiencing authentic local cultures has become the purpose of a trip. People also pay more attention to the space for them to stay that reflects the region’s culture and history.
The trend where tourists make their own stories and fill the space with consistent context is more common these days. Delivering a story of the value of the space in a consistent manner is necessary to secure brand value. Furthermore, good places have to be able to offer fun surprises of discovering details to customers with information and insight.
Hotels don’t just simply provide a physical space anymore; it’s a medium that connects the region and people and functions as a core space that suggests a lifestyle and new experience. Hotels like Nuwa that have reinterpreted Korean’s appreciation for art and culture or Yuen Hotel that revived Japanese traditional Ryokan into the high-rise hotel in the heart of Tokyo are interesting examples. There will be more attempts like this in the future.
Fusion Suites Sai Gon to be introduced today is worth the attention for the same reason. In a city going through rapid change, Fusion deeply understands the region, mixes it with modernity, and eventually creates their own value. I invite you to feel their wit and sense of aesthetic that blends Vietnamese elements with modern space and the welcoming aspect.
The trend where tourists make their own stories and fill the space with consistent context is more common these days. Delivering a story of the value of the space in a consistent manner is necessary to secure brand value. Furthermore, good places have to be able to offer fun surprises of discovering details to customers with information and insight.
Hotels don’t just simply provide a physical space anymore; it’s a medium that connects the region and people and functions as a core space that suggests a lifestyle and new experience. Hotels like Nuwa that have reinterpreted Korean’s appreciation for art and culture or Yuen Hotel that revived Japanese traditional Ryokan into the high-rise hotel in the heart of Tokyo are interesting examples. There will be more attempts like this in the future.
Fusion Suites Sai Gon to be introduced today is worth the attention for the same reason. In a city going through rapid change, Fusion deeply understands the region, mixes it with modernity, and eventually creates their own value. I invite you to feel their wit and sense of aesthetic that blends Vietnamese elements with modern space and the welcoming aspect.
people
Designing Space Experience of Fusion, Creating Wow Points
“In launching the hotel project, we needed something cool and unconventional. While the exterior of the building blends well into the surroundings, we wanted to show the contrast effect by making the inside colorful and vibrant. The same goes for the food and beverage and spa experience. We only had one goal: to impress the guests. In other words, to create wow points.”
The strategy to make Fusion’s space an amazing experience was effective. Fusion Suites Sai Gon’s main target is millennial travelers who are dynamic and sensitive to trends. These urban explorers are proactive, used to new experiences and have no fear of challenges. Since it opened in 2016, people from all over the world—Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, the U.S.—have stayed with Fusion.
Fusion takes care of extensive range of work from project development such as branding, design, construction to budget management and operation, which can be understood in the same context. They know that “conveying” a unique experience means more than “creating” unique products. This solid foundation has made Fusion’s exceptional service possible.
The most distinctive feature is Fusion’s concierge service called “Fusionista.” At Fusion, it’s not difficult to see a Fusionista having a chat or tea with their guests. They are not butlers, but the core resource of Fusion as a friend and a docent. Their “Breakfast Anytime Anywhere” service is also a nice touch that provides breakfast regardless of time and place.
The strategy to make Fusion’s space an amazing experience was effective. Fusion Suites Sai Gon’s main target is millennial travelers who are dynamic and sensitive to trends. These urban explorers are proactive, used to new experiences and have no fear of challenges. Since it opened in 2016, people from all over the world—Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, the U.S.—have stayed with Fusion.
Fusion takes care of extensive range of work from project development such as branding, design, construction to budget management and operation, which can be understood in the same context. They know that “conveying” a unique experience means more than “creating” unique products. This solid foundation has made Fusion’s exceptional service possible.
The most distinctive feature is Fusion’s concierge service called “Fusionista.” At Fusion, it’s not difficult to see a Fusionista having a chat or tea with their guests. They are not butlers, but the core resource of Fusion as a friend and a docent. Their “Breakfast Anytime Anywhere” service is also a nice touch that provides breakfast regardless of time and place.
location
Ho Chi Minh City, Creative and Vigorous, Representing Vietnam
Fusion Suites Sai Gon is located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. District 1 here is an administrative division of the city. District 1 is the central urban district where government buildings, consulates, skyscrapers and commercial facilities are clustered. It’s also home to Saigon Opera House and Central Post Office that preserves French architecture. Since it’s the main tourist spot in the city, the district is always crowded with tourists.
Fusion’s hotel is located in the quiet back section of District 1. Adjacent to the old park and the garden of the Unification Palace, the massive trees that have grown hundreds of years on either side of the road create a calm atmosphere in contrast to the bustling urban landscape. The hotel is surrounded by Ben Thanh market that makes the city more vibrant, Pho le, Com tam moc, local restaurants, The Workshop Coffee and the Cafe Apartment.
Ho Chi Minh City is a buzzing city, vigorous all night and all day. The traces of French colonial times is entrenched in their architecture and food, creating a culture unique to their own. Mysterious amalgams of past and present provokes curiosity of travelers from all over the world.
Fusion’s space planning began from understanding the place. Mixing the styles based on the interpretation of the region is the way they work. Fusion reminds us of a shelter-like space that provides the silence and tranquility after travel for travelers immersed in an urban adventure in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on the main concept of a resort in the center of the city, they wanted to create a unique space that combines Vietnamese street culture, traditional design elements and special services.
Fusion’s hotel is located in the quiet back section of District 1. Adjacent to the old park and the garden of the Unification Palace, the massive trees that have grown hundreds of years on either side of the road create a calm atmosphere in contrast to the bustling urban landscape. The hotel is surrounded by Ben Thanh market that makes the city more vibrant, Pho le, Com tam moc, local restaurants, The Workshop Coffee and the Cafe Apartment.
Ho Chi Minh City is a buzzing city, vigorous all night and all day. The traces of French colonial times is entrenched in their architecture and food, creating a culture unique to their own. Mysterious amalgams of past and present provokes curiosity of travelers from all over the world.
Fusion’s space planning began from understanding the place. Mixing the styles based on the interpretation of the region is the way they work. Fusion reminds us of a shelter-like space that provides the silence and tranquility after travel for travelers immersed in an urban adventure in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on the main concept of a resort in the center of the city, they wanted to create a unique space that combines Vietnamese street culture, traditional design elements and special services.
MAKING STORY
Fusion Suites Sai Gon wanted to be the place to bring inspiration and rest to millennial travelers in the city. The original building where Fusion lies today was an old bank building. For this reason, they were not able to make a bar or swimming pool on the rooftop. In order to overcome this limitation, they had to think of a strategy that makes them different.
They also wanted to embody Fusion’s philosophy “wellbeing” with sincerity despite its location in the center of the city. With their space limited, they found it necessary to highlight the restaurant, café, breakfast and spa concept. For the guestrooms that manifest a “pleasantly solid balance,” they focused on providing rest, rather than a new experience, for urban travelers.
They also wanted to embody Fusion’s philosophy “wellbeing” with sincerity despite its location in the center of the city. With their space limited, they found it necessary to highlight the restaurant, café, breakfast and spa concept. For the guestrooms that manifest a “pleasantly solid balance,” they focused on providing rest, rather than a new experience, for urban travelers.
Consistent weather in the country allowed them to expand the lobby by getting rid of the boundary between inside and outside. The front part of the hotel features a space for relaxation, not a reception, to enhance accessibility. The café in the lobby has take-out friendly menus so people passing by can enjoy it, too, while keeping the atmosphere casual.
Maia Spa has brought chromotherapy, which uses the color spectrum around the concept of "Color is light, light is energy." They check guests’ moods and energy level and let them experience light and spa, which is a unique spa program only available at Fusion Suites Sai Gon.
Maia Spa has brought chromotherapy, which uses the color spectrum around the concept of "Color is light, light is energy." They check guests’ moods and energy level and let them experience light and spa, which is a unique spa program only available at Fusion Suites Sai Gon.
SPACE
Fusion Suites Sai Gon, New Norm for Urban Travel
Their slogan on the main entrance, “Being unique is better than being perfect,” is the concept of the space. To make a “special experience that can’t be found anywhere else” possible, their strategy was to veer off the principle of conventional hotels. Instead of following the formality of the existing hotels, they didn’t hold back on utilizing elements of resorts Fusion is running.
Remco De Hoog, CDO of Fusion, says, “We can’t build a resort in the city but we brought the resort’s features to the city.” Bold attempts in space structure, services and material choice, which other hotels haven’t tried, stand out. The floor and ceiling of the guestrooms are finished with wood that creates the comfortable vibe. Though guests are traveling, Fusion tried to make the room give the impression of home.
Fusion Suites Sai Gon has 76 units in 4 types (Suite, Corner Suite, Family Suite and Single Room). All the rooms have an open plan structure with more space compared to other hotels on the same level in the city. Except for the Single Room, magnificent views looking down the park and the downtown is available in every room. Looking at the concrete jungle is quite pleasing.
Vietnamese flair mixed in the space is interesting. Fusion drew inspiration from a traditional hammock and designed the floating bathtub. Public areas and hallways host the pictures that connect the hotel with Vietnam’s street culture. Fresh Restaurant focusing on take-out menus, Japanese style Poke Cafe and Maia Spa, the symbol of Fusion, are also interesting places to note.
Remco De Hoog, CDO of Fusion, says, “We can’t build a resort in the city but we brought the resort’s features to the city.” Bold attempts in space structure, services and material choice, which other hotels haven’t tried, stand out. The floor and ceiling of the guestrooms are finished with wood that creates the comfortable vibe. Though guests are traveling, Fusion tried to make the room give the impression of home.
Fusion Suites Sai Gon has 76 units in 4 types (Suite, Corner Suite, Family Suite and Single Room). All the rooms have an open plan structure with more space compared to other hotels on the same level in the city. Except for the Single Room, magnificent views looking down the park and the downtown is available in every room. Looking at the concrete jungle is quite pleasing.
Vietnamese flair mixed in the space is interesting. Fusion drew inspiration from a traditional hammock and designed the floating bathtub. Public areas and hallways host the pictures that connect the hotel with Vietnam’s street culture. Fresh Restaurant focusing on take-out menus, Japanese style Poke Cafe and Maia Spa, the symbol of Fusion, are also interesting places to note.
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INTERVIEW
Interview with Fusion Group
stayfolio
Fusion Suites Sai Gon
Can you explain design characteristics of Fusion Suites Sai Gon?
Fusion Suites Sai Gon is a city hotel, so attempted cool and unconventional work. You can't build a resort in the city center, but you can bring the elements of the resort to the city. The design of the Fusion Suites Sai Gon is fun and decorative. Photos of people selling all kinds of goods at the market hanging in the hotel connect you to Vietnam’s street culture. It's fun. At the same time, wood used in a lot of places makes you feel comfortable. Once you step in, you will want to take off your shoes and walk around the room with your bare feet. Wood was also used on the ceiling to give it a home-like feel. These were the ideas for Fusion Suites Sai Gon.
Where did you draw inspiration when you designed Fusion Resort?
That’s a big question. We start with asking ourselves questions when we design something; what’s the address? What’s the size of the land? Where is it located, in the city or an island? What can we build—are we allowed to build tall buildings or only with two floors? What’s the size of the building? When we do it for the clients, we need to figure out their needs because they have an idea of what they want it to look like, such as grass covered rooftop, or at least 100 rooms, etc. To set the direction of the work, we answer all of these questions and finally begin the work.
At Fusion, as its name itself suggests, different styles are blended. We don’t promote that all of our design is exclusively traditional or modern. These styles vary depending on the location. Where the building itself is traditional and blends well to the local architecture, interior design can be fun, colorful, and completely opposite. This is what “fusion” means to us. Regardless of construction, interior design, food and beverage or spa, our goal is to never cease to impress our customers. After all, it’s all about customers.
Therefore, your question, where our inspiration comes from, feels heavy. Since we always try to embody a couple of Vietnamese elements in our design, the answer could be “ordinary life.” Incorporating French colonial style with food is not Vietnamese, so you won’t be able to see it at Fusion. We don’t serve what’s not relevant to local culture. Just like that, Fusion is always connected to Vietnam and its specific location.
At Fusion, as its name itself suggests, different styles are blended. We don’t promote that all of our design is exclusively traditional or modern. These styles vary depending on the location. Where the building itself is traditional and blends well to the local architecture, interior design can be fun, colorful, and completely opposite. This is what “fusion” means to us. Regardless of construction, interior design, food and beverage or spa, our goal is to never cease to impress our customers. After all, it’s all about customers.
Therefore, your question, where our inspiration comes from, feels heavy. Since we always try to embody a couple of Vietnamese elements in our design, the answer could be “ordinary life.” Incorporating French colonial style with food is not Vietnamese, so you won’t be able to see it at Fusion. We don’t serve what’s not relevant to local culture. Just like that, Fusion is always connected to Vietnam and its specific location.
When did you start the business in Vietnam?
Fusion was created in 2008 with a project in Da Nang with a project called Fusion Maia. A group of investors living in Vietnam at the time decided to create a resort in that specific location but they didn’t know exactly what the concept would be. They eventually created the concept of “property that is more oriented toward health.” However, instead of a comprehensive research, they just created a basic spa. Since it was an unfamiliar concept, the market didn’t react in 2008. It took 2 to 3 years to really create a strong value, which became our main value.
Because of the inclusive spa, Fusion is a completely different organization. We have a lot of therapists and large spa rooms in the hotels. The investors today wouldn’t understand why 20 to 30 treatment rooms are needed and they would build only 2 to 3. However, our concept was different in 2008, which was completely innovative. If it didn’t work we would’ve had a lot of space unused, but it turned out to be an advantage in the end. Because of that, we’re the leader in Vietnam. Today, we are focusing in Vietnam because we want to cover many regions with the Fusion brand. Of course going international would be great but for now we want to be the leader in Vietnam.
Because of the inclusive spa, Fusion is a completely different organization. We have a lot of therapists and large spa rooms in the hotels. The investors today wouldn’t understand why 20 to 30 treatment rooms are needed and they would build only 2 to 3. However, our concept was different in 2008, which was completely innovative. If it didn’t work we would’ve had a lot of space unused, but it turned out to be an advantage in the end. Because of that, we’re the leader in Vietnam. Today, we are focusing in Vietnam because we want to cover many regions with the Fusion brand. Of course going international would be great but for now we want to be the leader in Vietnam.
What is Fusion’s brand trying to convey?
Fusion embodies the concept to be an innovator in the market. There are already a lot of accommodations that focus on food and beverage. We wanted to have the element of “wellbeing” in our company’s philosophy, showing difference from other hotels and various styles of hotels under the brand.
The concept of wellbeing is the core value of the company. Now we’re accustomed to this value that can be found in not only rooms and restaurants but, above all, spa. Spa is our main service, which is particularly more popular among Korean customers.
The concept of wellbeing is the core value of the company. Now we’re accustomed to this value that can be found in not only rooms and restaurants but, above all, spa. Spa is our main service, which is particularly more popular among Korean customers.
What differentiates Fusion from others?
What distinguishes us from others is not only the way we design our product and brand and demonstrate our concept but also how we deliver the service. We have Fusionista to fulfill each customer’s needs and to communicate with our customers on a deeper level. Besides what’s shown outside that we develop in our own way, the tone of the service in general is also important. Whether it’s a resort property, urban facility, or new midscale hotel, we try our best to offer unique and customized service to our customers.
What is “Fusionista”?
Fusion members, who take care of guests during their stay, are like friends. So we call them “Fusionista.” They are the closest people to our customers and as a friend, they help our guests to make different experience here. Most of Fusionista here speak our guest’s language. For Korean customers, we have Fusionista who speaks Korean. We don’t want to interrupt our guests because we want them to have a peaceful rest, but Fusionista takes care of our guest’s health and rest when it’s needed. It’s part of our program that’s well operating.
We don’t just hire Fusionista, but instead we create them. Some staff are not even aware that they are Fusionista. However, staff who work in the kitchen or spa are also Fusionista. The title doesn’t imply any hierarchy; it simply means that they spend time with our guests, talk, and be part of the health program during the trip. This experience from our guests is critical for us.
We don’t just hire Fusionista, but instead we create them. Some staff are not even aware that they are Fusionista. However, staff who work in the kitchen or spa are also Fusionista. The title doesn’t imply any hierarchy; it simply means that they spend time with our guests, talk, and be part of the health program during the trip. This experience from our guests is critical for us.
STAY’s recommended
Local Destination
Ben Thanh Market
The largest market in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Central Post Office
European style post office building; work of French architect Auguste Henri Vildieu and Marie-Alfred Foulhoux
STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant
PHO LE
A place to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City’s Pho
COM TAM MOC
A place to enjoy Vietnamese home cuisine Com Tam
CUCH GACH QUAN
Vietnamese local house renovated from the traditional house
Pizza 4P's
A popular restaurant with quality fire wood pizza
STAY’s recommended
Local Shop
LUSINE
Local life style brand combining a bistro, café, and shop
STAY’s recommended
Local Cafe
CAFE APARTMENT
An old apartment renewed into the café full of unique shops in every unit.
WORKSHOP COFFEE
Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous local coffee shop
STAY
One Bedroom Suite, Refreshing the Travel Mood
I cannot forget the strong impression of the city left behind when I visited Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. I was fascinated by the endless waves of motorbikes, busy and crowded streets and unique places mingled with Asian and Western culture. The second time I visited the city, I decided to stay at Fusion Suites Sai Gon, since it was in District 1 where most of spots are clustered and I wanted to see the hotel that Fusion has made.
Fusion Suites Sai Gon is located in the back of a busy street. Trees as tall as 20 meters in front of the hotel refresh my mood for travel. It’s a pleasant feeling to encounter a forest in the city. The front part of the hotel is quite unique. The reception has a vibe of a casual dining pub rather than rigid and formal. In fact, the hotel’s food and beverage seems free and energetic, offering more access to people.
We stayed in the One Bedroom Suite. Most of Fusion’s guestrooms are suite rooms. The spacious rooms have small kitchen, which is different from other hotels. How material is used is interesting here. From floor and ceiling to furniture, doorknobs, and even bathroom shelves, wood material is widely used. I felt the thoughtful touch that tries to offer warmth of every little thing to guests.
Poke Café and Fresh Restaurant is a comfortable place to restore from the trip. Poke’s menu that you can customize and take-out friendly foods are interesting. Fusion’s core value about body and health continues here at Fusion Suites Sai Gon. Maia Spa offers chromotherapy that utilizes color spectrum for body treatment. I enjoyed a spa experience that comes in a full package of perfect temperature, scent, and light.
Fusion Suites Sai Gon is located in the back of a busy street. Trees as tall as 20 meters in front of the hotel refresh my mood for travel. It’s a pleasant feeling to encounter a forest in the city. The front part of the hotel is quite unique. The reception has a vibe of a casual dining pub rather than rigid and formal. In fact, the hotel’s food and beverage seems free and energetic, offering more access to people.
We stayed in the One Bedroom Suite. Most of Fusion’s guestrooms are suite rooms. The spacious rooms have small kitchen, which is different from other hotels. How material is used is interesting here. From floor and ceiling to furniture, doorknobs, and even bathroom shelves, wood material is widely used. I felt the thoughtful touch that tries to offer warmth of every little thing to guests.
Poke Café and Fresh Restaurant is a comfortable place to restore from the trip. Poke’s menu that you can customize and take-out friendly foods are interesting. Fusion’s core value about body and health continues here at Fusion Suites Sai Gon. Maia Spa offers chromotherapy that utilizes color spectrum for body treatment. I enjoyed a spa experience that comes in a full package of perfect temperature, scent, and light.
4 POINT OF VIEW
ORIGINALITY
Urban Resort for Urban Adventurers
Fusion Suites Sai Gon is the place for relaxation for urban travelers in Ho Chi Minh City. From the planning stage, despite its location at the center of the city, Fusion wanted the hotel to feel like a resort of the tranquil rural vacation spot, not a business hotel. They brought the resort’s elements and applied throughout the hotel so guests can feel the vibe of a resort. It allows active urban travelers to replenish their energy at the end of their trip in the city.
DESIGN
Experiencing Vietnam of Modern Times
Fusion hoped that a hotel is a place that helps its guests to understand and experience the region through design, service and space, rather than an island-like place isolated from the city. With artwork that shows the life of the Vietnamese, bathtubs inspired by traditional hammock and modern design mixed with Vietnam’s traditions, we can indirectly experience the region simply by staying in the comfortable space.
Hospitality
New Approach to Hospitality and Design
Fusion Suite Sai Gon’s unique service is also impressive. I invite you to experience Fusion’s main values condensed in services like Fusionista, part of a customized service who introduces how to experience Fusion or shares the local travel tips from a customer’s perspective, a spa treatment that anyone can experience during their stay and Breakfast Anytime Anywhere shaking up the concept of conventional breakfast.
PRICE
All Inclusive Service
Fusion Suites Sai Gon is an urban hotel, accessible and reasonably priced while keeping up with its title as “all-suite hotel” by enhancing the quality of the rooms with spacious rooms and kitchen facility. The rate of all rooms include complimentary spa services. I hope you can experience the core value of Fusion—your body and health—with in-depth relaxation that a spa presents.
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- Stay Name
- Fusion Suites Sai Gon
- Stay Type
- Guest House
- Contact information
- Address
- 3-5 Suong Nguyet Anh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Guests / No. of Room
- 2~4 / 71
- Price
- US$ 116.33 ~ US$ 290.84
- Check-in / out
- 14:00 / 12:00
- Feature
- Breakfast, Projector or TV, Kitchenette
PHOTO BY PARK KIHUN(@arc_factory) | https://arcfactory.format.com