Increased arrivals into Hanoi have meant booming business for its hotels, writes Margie T Logarta.
The opening of InterContinental Hanoi Westlake last month couldn’t have come at a better time in Hanoi. While not the powerhouse on the scale of China and India, Vietnam is nevertheless making handsome economic strides. And Hanoi in the north is the gateway to all that inviting potential.
As with most capital cities, it’s where corporate credentials are presented to government bodies, licences issued and goodwill is established for long-term development. Its southern sister Ho Chi Minh City is where the wheeling and dealing takes place, leading to comparisons like Washington DC (Hanoi) and New York City (HCMC) or Beijing and Shanghai.
As the centre of high bureaucracy, Hanoi is known for taking notoriously long to start up and complete a project. The time frame, according to one hotelier’s estimate, is about 10 years. Hopefully, the new National Convention Centre in Thanh Xuan District, which opened in time for the 14th APEC Summit in November 2006, will put pressure on the decision makers and hasten the construction of three five-star hotels in the area. Until then, business travellers to Hanoi will have to contend with a tight room situation and the prospect this year of a 25 to 30 percent rate increase.
LEADERS’ CHOICE
HANOI DAEWOO HOTEL
WHAT’S IT LIKE? This 411-room property has the distinction of having served as the Hanoi address of royalty and heads of state attending events such as the 22nd SEA Games in 2003, the ASEM Enlargement Ceremony in 2004 (one of the most important political meetings held in the country) and the APEC Summit in 2006. Former US president Bill Clinton, Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Sultan of Brunei and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez have all enjoyed views of the sprawling gardens and gracefully designed swimming pool and admired the unrivalled collection of Vietnamese artworks seen, not only in the suites, but in all the public spaces as well.
Thanks to its association with the well-known chaebol (Korean conglomerates), Koreans make up the bulk of the clientele, followed by Japanese, Mainland Chinese delegations and Russians.
WHERE IS IT? Located in what is known as the city’s diplomatic enclave and 30 minutes from Noi Ba International airport.
THE UPDATE: If talks with the Marriott chain had prospered, the hotel would have rebranded in 2008. The scuttled deal, however, isn’t preventing it from looking around again for a new partner. No renovation has been conducted for a while. Broadband internet access is charged at US$10 a day, except in the Club Rooms where the service is complimentary.
PRICES: Internet rates for a three-night stay in early March start from US$240 nightly.
CONTACT: 360 Kim Ma, Hanoi, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam, tel 84 4 831 5000, www.hanoi-daewoohotel.com
TENNIS BUFF
HANOI HORISON HOTEL
WHAT’S IT LIKE? One of three properties in Vietnam belonging to the Swiss-Belhotel chain (the other two are in Halong Bay and Hoi An). It’s a favourite with Japanese and Korean business travellers and one of the few hotels in town with a tennis court.
WHERE IS IT? Accessible to embassies, government offices. Nearby is the Giang Vo Exhibition Centre.
THE UPDATE: Only the lobby lounge and café have been improved with the addition of fresh carpeting and a new buffet counter respectively. Wi-Fi is available in the public areas and high-speed broadband internet access in the 250 guestrooms and suites.
PRICES: Internet rates for a three-night stay in early March start from US$200 nightly.
CONTACT: 40 Cat Linh, Hanoi, Vietnam, tel 84 4 733 0808, www.swiss-belhotel.com
DESIGN JEWEL
HILTON HANOI OPERA
WHAT’S IT LIKE? When the location is just next to an exquisite icon such as the Hanoi Opera House – a small scale of the Palais Garnier in Paris – the building has to be equally special. And that the 269-room Hilton Hanoi Opera certainly is. With its exquisite design, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking it was an annexe!
WHERE IS IT? Within walking distance of the Central Business District, government offices and shops, restaurants and art galleries. (Beware though of negotiating the wide roundabout in front of the Opera House that’s constantly swarming with motorcycles and cars coming from all directions. According to veteran expats, the trick is to cross without hesitating. “They will avoid you, don’t worry,” is the frequent reminder.)
THE UPDATE: Ba Mien, meaning “three regions” in Vietnamese, is currently the city’s hottest fine dining venue. Opened in July 2006, the restaurant showcases the unique cuisines of the north, south and central areas in a contemporary setting of glass and sleek furnishings. Seats 120 with allocation for private dining.
PRICES: Internet rates for a three-night stay in early March start from US$335 nightly.
CONTACT: 1 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam, tel 84 4 933 0500, www.hanoi.hilton.com
MEETING HUB
MELIÃ HANOI
WHAT’S IT LIKE? When this 238-room hotel opened in 1998, it dazzled the country by featuring the largest pillarless Grand Ballroom. Ten years and numerous events later, no competing establishment has matched this facility and the ability to host 1,200 meeting delegates and 800 guests for banquets. The lobby is marked by soaring ceilings and the interiors throughout exhibit art-deco touches. It’s also the only hotel in the city to feature a helipad.
WHERE IS IT? In the heart of the business, government and diplomatic district – you couldn’t get a better location than this.
THE UPDATE: There is talk of Meliá Hanoi taking on the Gran appellation, but nothing will be final till some time next year. (The chain’s only Gran Meliá in Asia is in Jakarta.) As for enhancements, these are apparent in the 20th-floor Executive Lounge, which was expanded to accommodate more corporate clients, El Patio Restaurant off the lobby that now boasts a show kitchen serving grilled items and the lobby bar renamed Cava Lounge.
PRICES: Internet rates for a three-night stay in early March start from US$220 nightly.
CONTACT: 44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam, tel 84 4 934 3343, www.meliahanoi.com
URBAN RETREAT
SHERATON HANOI HOTEL
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Set in a largely residential enclave, this 299-room hotel is more of a resort than a corporate address. But not to worry, it has all the requisites for a productive business trip that Sheraton properties are known to provide, among them the Sweet Sleeper bed, spacious bedrooms (from 37sqm), flat-screen TV and broadband internet access among others.
WHERE IS IT? A stone’s throw away from the picturesque West Lake and 40 minutes from Noi Ba International Airport. Views of the lake and the Red River are visible from many of the guestrooms and suites.
THE UPDATE: A new Sheraton feature, The Link@Sheraton, will soon be set up in the lobby. This space is especially designed for networking and will contain workstations, international magazines, free Wi-Fi and games. The 17th-floor Executive Lounge was also recently expanded from its previous 120sqm to 220sqm to accommodate growing demand. It now operates on a 24-hour basis.
PRICES: Internet rates for a three-night stay in early March start from US$235 nightly.
CONTACT: K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam, tel 84 4 719 9000, www.sheraton.com/hanoi
GRAND DAME
SOFITEL METROPOLE HANOI
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Every city has an iconic hotel and The Metropole (opened in 1901 as Grand Hotel Metropole Palace and managed by Sofitel in 1991) is Hanoi’s one and only.
WHERE IS IT? Where it has always been – in the heart of the city, with the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake nearby.
THE UPDATE: The hotel continues to undergo a sensitive refurbishment, conducted in phases that has seen the gradual relaunch of rooms in the legendary Metropole and newer Opera Wings – including Club Rooms in the Opera Wing. This started in 2006 and will be completed in February. The Presidential Suite and Club Lounge are expected to be finished also next month. In March, Angelina, Italian Steak House will be ready for business and in September, Le Spa will make its debut.
While the designers made sure to retain the famous très Parisienne interiors of the Metropole Wing’s Classic Rooms and Suites, they allowed themselves to break out in the Opera Wing, using the rarely seen dramatic combination of red, white and black.
RATES: Internet rates for a three-night stay per night in early March start from US$299.
CONTACT: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi, tel 84 4 826 6919, www.accorhotels.com
VILLAGE FEEL
SOFITEL PLAZA HANOI
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Boasts a busy lobby, and this 317-room hotel isn’t even in the CBD. The large picture windows in the lounge allows a front-row seat to the street life outside.
WHERE IS IT? Just 40 minutes from the international airport.
THE UPDATE: Soft refurbishment is ongoing until January 20. This includes installing new carpets and lighting in the lobby, improving the reception area and enhancements to the Club Rooms and Deluxe Rooms among others. The Club Sofitel Floor Rooms offer Wi-Fi, LCD and the Sofitel “MyBed”.
PRICES: Internet rates for a three-night stay in early March start from US$195 nightly.
CONTACT: 1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam, tel 84 4 323 8888, www.accorhotels.com/asia
LADY OF THE LAKE
INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI WESTLAKE
WHAT’S IT LIKE? An entirely new product for Hanoi that capitalises on its lovely lakefront location. We foresee this to be the hot new entertainment and wedding banquet venue for many months to come.
WHERE IS IT? Right on the banks of the Westlake and adjacent to the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda. It’s a 40-minute car ride to Noi Ba International Airport.
THE DETAILS: Besides the main building, it features three sections, called “Pavilions”, built directly over the water and reached by bridges and open-air walkways. All 319 guestrooms and suites feature their own balconies with views of Hanoi, the lake or the landscaped swimming pool. Amenities include the latest LCD televisions, high-speed internet access, deep soaking tubs and separate shower stalls with rain showers. The Presidential Suite, measuring 305sqm, has six private balconies. Its occupants as do all suite guests enjoy butler service.
Dining at the casual Café du Lac feels like being suspended over the water, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. The Milan-Saigon Restaurant, occupying the entire mezzanine level of the central building, consists of hip elements such as sleek show kitchens, intimate private dining rooms and a bar. The Diplomat Lounge and Sunset Bar are two stylish places to end the day on a relaxing note. For functions, a ballroom, divisible into four, can accommodate up to 400 guests.
RATES: Internet rates for a three-night stay in early March start from US$220 nightly.
CONTACT: 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam, tel 84 4 270 8888, www.intercontinental.com/hanoi
