The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake feels more like a lake resort than a city hotel. It stands on the eastern shore of West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, in the leafy Tay Ho district, and its low pavilions are built out over the water on stilts, linked to the main building by curving walkways. All 318 rooms have a balcony, and many look straight out over the lake to the sunset. The hotel’s signature is the Sunset Bar, a round pavilion out on the water that it calls Hanoi’s only overwater bar, and the obvious place for an evening cocktail. There is a choice of restaurants, including a French brasserie over the lake, the Saigon restaurant for Vietnamese food and a private dining room. A large outdoor pool with lake views, a children’s pool, a full-service spa with couples’ treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and a twenty-four-hour fitness centre complete the picture. Parking and wifi are free. It is the best choice for travellers who want space, calm and resort facilities rather than a base in the crowded centre.
Location and getting around: the hotel is at 5 Tu Hoa Street in Tay Ho, the expatriate district on West Lake, known for its cafés, restaurants and lakeside walking and cycling path. The Old Quarter is about twenty minutes away by taxi or ride-hailing car, longer at rush hour, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Lotte Observation Deck are closer still. Noi Bai airport is around thirty minutes by car, a shorter run than from the centre, which helps with early flights.
The rooms: rooms are split between the main building and the overwater pavilions. The overwater rooms, with lake or city views, are the ones to book for the full experience. Every room has a balcony, and suites add living space.
Who it suits: couples looking for a romantic, resort-style stay, families who want a pool and space, and business travellers who prefer calm to the bustle of the Old Quarter.
Good to know: the breakfast buffet is often charged separately, so check your rate. Free self-parking on site makes it easy if you hire a car and driver. The lakeside path outside is lovely for an early-morning walk or a bike ride around West Lake.
Why stay here
- ✓Overwater pavilions on West Lake
- ✓Balcony in every room
- ✓Overwater Sunset Bar
- ✓Outdoor pool with lake views
- ✓Pool for children
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Sauna and steam room
- ✓Free self-parking
Good questions
Is the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake far from the Old Quarter?+
It is about twenty minutes by taxi or ride-hailing car, longer in rush hour. In return you get a calm lakeside setting and resort facilities.
What is the Sunset Bar?+
It is the hotel’s round bar on a pavilion out on West Lake, billed as Hanoi’s only overwater bar. It is best at sunset, as the name suggests.
Does the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake have a pool?+
Yes, it has an outdoor pool with lake views and a children’s pool. There is also a spa, sauna and steam room.