Lonely Planet Asia — April 2017

EXTRAORDINARY PLACES TO STAY

PHOTOGRAPHS: THE LITERARY MAN - ÓBIDOS HOTEL, THE REVERIE SAIGON

WHAT ARE THE INDELIBLE EXPRESSIONS?

This hotel is an amalgamation of a library,

bookstore and accommodation in one. For the

bookworms out there, this is literary heaven. The

hotel boasts a collection of more than 40,000

titles including best-sellers, children’s books,

vintage books or coffee-table books, all

2. THE LITERARY

MAN – ÓBIDOS HOTEL

Óbidos, Portugal

WHAT ARE THE INDELIBLE EXPRESSIONS?

The Reverie Saigon is one of the tallest hotels

in the metropolitan area, located within one

of the most esteemed zip codes – Dong Khoi

Street and Nguyen Hue Boulevard. The classic

luxury hotel is home to the boldest

expression of opulence in Vietnam and

continues to wow guests even after two years

of operation. Expect to encounter unreserved

grandeur in its Italian interior design, from the

palatial lobby up to each one of the

guestrooms in any of the 12 categories.

Interiors are carefully curated by some of

Italy’s most recognised furnishings design

brands such as Colombostile, Giorgetti and

Visionnaire, ranging from classical European

to whimsical romantic themes. For large

groups of travellers, full-serviced apartments

are also available and feature accents by

Cassina, Medea, Grifoni and Le Procellane.

DESTINATION TIPS? Ho Chi Minh City is one

1. THE REVERIE

SAIGON^

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

of the busiest cities in Vietnam, and one that

drives the country’s economy and progress.

Within this chaotic whirl, expect to find the

finest of hotels such as The Reverie Saigon, to

the cheapest of guesthouses. Drop by famed

attractions such as the War Remnants Museum

and Notre Dame Cathedral or, shop within the

heart of the city’s prestigious central urban

area – District 1, literally a stone’s throw from

the hotel.

RATE: US$350++ per night

thereveriesaigon.com

preserved in mint condition in case any

visitors decide to purchase them. Within the

library, there are also donated Portuguese

titles, with a wide selection focused on

technical books useful for history, philosophy,

psychology or sociology students. A portion of

the proceeds from the sale of books also go

towards helping local credible institutions

supporting social causes. As for the sleeping

quarters, there are two options – Convent’s

Old Part that boast traditional wooden

ceilings and old floors or the Flank of the

Nuns, a seamless eco-chic designed room.

DESTINATION TIPS? Óbidos is a gorgeous

historic centre that is a labyrinth of

cobblestoned streets and brightly coloured

houses. It is often visited as a day trip from

Lisbon but for visitors who enjoy the gentler

pace of life, this may be a good place to reside

for a while. Explore the Porta de Vila chapel,

walk the town, discover the secrets within the

Óbidos Castle or simply turn to Rua Direita for

some souvenir shopping.

RATE: US$91++ per night

theliteraryman.pt

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