If you’ve never been to Vietnam, then its capital city Hanoi is one of the best places to introduce yourself. Located on the banks of the Red River, it’s a fascinating mix of Chinese, French and Russian influences where you can find well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, delectable cuisine and a multicultural community.
Inspired by its proximity to Hanoi’s famous Opera House, the boutique-style Hotel de l’Opera has bags of personality, sumptuous rooms and a year-round pool, plus it’s within walking distance to most key attractions of the city.
The Location
The hotel is right by tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, which, although a little further away from the action than you might be used to, means you can escape the noise of the sometimes overwhelming Old Quarter – a 15-20 minute walk away. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and of course, the Hanoi Opera House are very close, and you can jump in a taxi for a short ride to the beautiful Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Dong Xuan Market.
The Rooms
In true operatic style, rooms are dramatically decorated with slick wooden floors, jewel-toned furniture and black marble print wallpaper. Special attention must be paid to the beds, which are custom-made and enhanced with super-thick featherbed toppers, downy soft duvets and oversized pillows – all of which combine to offer the most incredible night’s sleep. The bathrooms are separated from the bedroom by draped curtains and house a spacious shower, clawfoot tub and a Hollywood-style vanity mirror. Our Deluxe Twin room had views of the city, but there’s also the option to book rooms that look out onto the Opera House or the hotel courtyard.
Drinking & Dining
Fans of Vietnamese food will be in heaven at the breakfast buffet, which ticks off classics like bún bò (beef noodles with lemongrass), bún cá (crispy fish noodles) and xôi gà (sticky rice with chicken) as well as fried noodles and congee (a type of porridge). There are various continential options available too, as well as freshly cooked French toast, croque monsieur and pancakes, which you can top with honey, maple syrup, nutella and more.
The lobby bar, La Fée Verte, is an evening hotspot in its own right, and serves up quirky absinthe cocktails, the signature version of which is absinthe mixed with lemon juice and egg white. Stay for more than one and you can expect a sore head the next day. The hotel’s French theme continues at the Satine Restaurant, housed in the courtyard and serving up more Vietnamese cuisine, while quick bites and an à la carte menu are served at Café Lautrec.
The Facilities
No luxury hotel would be complete without some killer facilities, and Hotel de l’Opera has them in spades. As well as the aforementioned pool (semi-outdoor and heated), there’s a brilliant fitness centre and spa where you can unwind with a full-body massage, scrub or facial. Next to the spa is a sundeck which is ideal for unwinding on and soaking up views of the Opera building over the road, at sunset, cocktail in hand.
Find out more about Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery.
Hannah Hopkins is a commissioning editor and freelance writer, covering hotels, destinations and restaurants for AGLAIA.
