InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake stands as a tranquil oasis on the serene waters of Hanoi's largest lake, West Lake, offering a distinct escape from the city's vibrant hustle. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is generally well-regarded for its luxurious setting and attentive service, although some aspects of its design reflect its established character.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is largely positive, with many guests praising its peaceful ambiance and beautiful lakeside location. Review scores often highlight excellent facilities, comfort, and particularly, the staff. While some describe it as a true luxury resort, others note that certain areas, particularly rooms, are showing their age and could benefit from modernization.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's stunning overwater setting and breathtaking lake views, especially at sunset from the Sunset Bar. The peaceful and calm atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling city, is a significant draw. The extensive and high-quality breakfast spread is frequently mentioned as a highlight. The resort-like property also offers a range of amenities including a spa, a fitness center with lake views, and an outdoor swimming pool.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake are generally described as spacious and comfortable, featuring contemporary Vietnamese decor with cream-colored walls, dark timber floors, and furniture. Many rooms and suites, including entry-level options, boast private balconies with superb views of either West Lake or the Hanoi skyline. Bathrooms are often highlighted as being luxurious and spacious, equipped with double sinks, separate bathtubs, and walk-in rainfall showers. A unique feature is the extensive pillow menu, offering up to 10 different types, including water and rattan pillows. However, some guests have noted that the room decor, particularly carpets and older televisions, can feel dated and show signs of wear. Dehumidifiers are provided for extra comfort.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse dining experience with three on-site restaurants and a popular bar. Milan Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, Saigon Restaurant specializes in authentic Vietnamese dishes, and Cafe Du Lac offers an all-day dining experience with a contemporary French brasserie feel. The breakfast buffet at Cafe Du Lac receives exceptional praise for its extensive spread, including egg stations, pastries, a pho live station, and a wide assortment of Indian and Chinese cuisine, along with local, Korean, and American options. The Sunset Bar, located over the lake, is renowned for its unparalleled sunset views and cocktail offerings. Room service is generally efficient, though some experiences with food quality have been mixed.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff hospitality are consistently rated as excellent. Guests frequently mention the attentiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness of the staff throughout their stay, from check-in to departure. Many appreciate the personalized touches and willingness to assist with recommendations and requests. Buggy service is readily available to transport guests around the property, particularly useful for those staying in the overwater pavilions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake boasts a strategic location on the peaceful waters of West Lake, adjacent to the historic 800-year-old Kim Lien Pagoda. This offers a tranquil retreat from the city, allowing guests to relax amidst calm surroundings. While it provides a sense of seclusion, it's also conveniently located just minutes (approximately 10-15 minutes by car) from Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter and other major attractions like the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. The area around West Lake itself also offers cafes, restaurants, and bars within a short stroll. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and Grab make transportation to and from the city center easy and affordable. The hotel is about a 30-40 minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport.

7. Value & Pricing

While the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is a luxury property, many guests consider it to offer good value, especially given its serene location and comprehensive amenities. Room rates typically range from VND 3,500,000 to VND 15,000,000 per night, depending on the room type and booking time. Promotions and loyalty program redemptions can also make it an attractive option. For international travelers, it is often seen as a deal for a luxurious experience.

8. Common Complaints

The most recurring criticism revolves around the aging decor and condition of some parts of the hotel, particularly the rooms and common areas. Guests have noted worn-out carpets, outdated televisions, and a general need for renovation to maintain its luxury status. Some overwater rooms have also been described as having a faint smell from the lake. While the lakeside location is appreciated for its tranquility, its distance from the Old Quarter is sometimes seen as a minor inconvenience for first-time tourists who want to be in the thick of the city's action and local food scene, requiring reliance on taxis or rideshares. There have also been isolated comments about a lack of strong English proficiency among some staff beyond the front office.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. princeoftravel.com
3. boardingarea.com
4. youtube.com
5. blogspot.com
6. districtsixtyfive.com
7. makemytrip.com
8. intercontinental.com
9. ihg.com
10. usturiunluxurytravel.com
11. youtube.com
12. booking.com
13. oyster.com
14. thelostboylloyd.com
15. intercontinental.com
16. luxurylaunches.com
17. iguide.ai
18. youtube.com
19. rome2rio.com