Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel, Hanoi

Location

Around 10 minutes from downtown by taxi on West Lake. The West Lake, Hanoi’s main expatriate area, has become a food and nightlife hub in its own right, so the location works well. And you couldn’t get these extensive, resort-style grounds closer to town either.


Review

If you’re spending more than a couple of days in Hanoi and you’re looking for a hotel with a resort feel, Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake is a good choice. The location, slightly out of town, has plenty of upside in space and facilities.  The grounds are vast and the lake has a tranquility missing in downtown Hanoi.

Design, atmosphere and people

The designers of the Intercontinental Hanoi West Lake, managed to get 293 rooms and 25 residences into a tasteful and unimposing collection of large and small structures that make good use of the West Lake setting. Some rooms are located in island-like pavilions set over the lake and connected to the main building by bridges.

There are buggies connecting the far flung rooms - otherwise expect to do some walking between buildings. This is a large, low-rise complex.

The lead-in superior rooms are a generous 43sqm. They’re located in the main building and include a balcony. Some of the higher category rooms are also 43sqm but are set on the lake.

Then there is a range of suite options - Lotus Suites (60sqm) are still reasonably priced.

The Intercontinental is a standout for its cosy resort atmospherics, stylish design and good facilities. The pool area is a good escape from the summer heat. 

Remember that during Hanoi’s cold, misty winter, the resort facilities will be less enticing. During those long misty months, you'll have to settle for the West Lake's melancholy beauty.


Facilities brief.
Pool, spa, fitness centre,wifi, 3 restaurants


Disclosure
Rusty Compass reviews and listings are always independent. We research hotels, photograph them, stay in some of them -  and list the ones we think are worth knowing about. That’s it. No inducement was received, financial or otherwise, for this listing.