It’s hard to argue with Andrew Kim, general manager of the Pan Pacific Hanoi hotel in Vietnam’s sprawling capital, when he says: “We have the best view in Hanoi.
Indeed, the southwesterly view from the 20th-story rooftop lounge is absolutely stunning.
Dominated by West Lake (Hồ Tây), the largest of many lakes that give this northern metropolis a Minneapolis-type appeal, the panorama extends from Hanoi’s expatriate-friendly Tây Hô district to the colonial-era Presidential Palace. In the further distance rise the skyscrapers of the city’s modern financial center.
Around sunset — and particularly between August and October, when skies are clear and a change of seasons is signaled by colorful autumn leaves — The Summit (as the elevated lounge is known) is tremendously popular.
Patrons who enjoy an elaborate selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres and international spirits, wines, and beers and gaze down upon West Lake, encircled by a 10.5-mile paved pathway much loved by bicyclists and joggers.
Directly below the hotel, the Thanh Niên causeway, which divides the big lake from smaller Trúc Bạch, buzzes with life. Side by side within the verdure that frames the boulevard are colorful bridges and pagodas on tiny islets, waterfront seafood restaurants, and ice-cream shops.
Guest rooms
Of course, a similar view may be achieved from the comfort of a divan or king-sized bed, depending upon the perspective of one’s guest room in the five-star hotel. And the cost of that indulgence is far more moderate than one might expect: In the post-pandemic era, rates for deluxe rooms begin at just US $100 per night.
In all, the Pan Pacific Hanoi has 270 spacious guest rooms, two dozen of them promising premier lake views. In addition, there are 54 serviced suites with kitchenettes for extended-stay clientele. A warm, subtle color scheme doesn’t distract from the outward-looking view.
Each room is fully air-conditioned (a must in the tropics) with complimentary, high-speed wireless internet and an in-room entertainment system. Security is assured with secured key-card access and an in-room safe.
Ensuite marble-tiled bathrooms are stocked with indulgent amenities, including bathrooms, slippers, and hair dryers. A fully stocked mini-bar, in-room coffee, and a working desk are essential elements in every guest room.
Gourmet dining
And then there’s the food. The gourmet breakfast buffet is the finest I’ve enjoyed anywhere in Vietnam, with meal selections ranging from American to Korean, French to Japanese, and of course traditional Vietnamese.
Ming focuses on Cantonese-style Chinese cuisine with dim sum specialties and such Singaporean dishes as chili prawns. Its Song Hong Bar is well-known for its elegant cocktails. There’s all-day dining at the ground-floor Pacifica café, its international cuisine complemented by a Pastry Corner with morning coffee and delectable cakes.
State-of-the-art facilities include an all-season swimming pool with a retractable roof, as well as a 24-hour fitness center and a wellness spa.
Esteemed service
GM Kim touts the property’s location, overlooking the lakes but also central to Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter and to Vietnam’s governmental hub. But more important, especially in the wake of COVID-era challenges, is maintaining the Pan Pacific Hanoi’s esteemed service level.
“The biggest challenge for the hospitality industry is always to find the right people and train them well,” said the Korean-born Kim.
During the peak of the pandemic, he said, the company instituted multi-task training … “and now everybody can do everything. The staff is more united than ever.”
Already, Kim said, the Pan Pacific Hanoi has emerged from the tourism slump with occupancy approaching 50% of pre-pandemic levels. By next year, he said, he expects it to climb about 80%, and by 2024, 100%.
The hotel was built in 1998 by the Meritas group and soon thereafter became a Sofitel (Accor) property. But Pan Pacific made this its first hotel in Vietnam in 2006, and after 16 years, the luxury hotel group’s mark is indelible.
Pan Pacific Hanoi
1 Thanh Niên Road, Ba Dinh, 10000 Ha Noi, Vietnam
Phone: +84 2438 238 888
Website: Hanoi Hotel | Pan Pacific Hanoi Official Site
Accommodations: 270 rooms, including 54 serviced suites
Rates: From US $100
