From the moment I stepped into Capella Hanoi, it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like entering an exquisitely curated stage set. Conceived by visionary designer Bill Bensley, this 47-room boutique property—just a short stroll from the Hanoi Opera House—feels like the hidden backstage rendezvous of opera’s golden age, filled with the echoes of arias and whispered theatrical secrets.
Every detail in the hotel feels intentional and enchanting. My Deluxe Suite was a masterstroke in theatrical opulence, adorned with custom portraiture by Kate Spencer, rich velvets, and salvaged opera memorabilia. The artistic layering of textures and color brought warmth, while modern luxuries—like a Bluetooth speaker, salon-grade hairdryer, and a generous refreshment cabinet—grounded the experience in contemporary comfort. The suite opened to leafy views of Hanoi’s French Quarter, offering a poetic counterpoint to the hotel’s drama-filled interiors.
The days begin with “Hanoi Calling,” a Capella morning ritual featuring Vietnamese drip coffee and freshly baked pastries served in The Living Room. This space, dressed in old-world charm and literary flair, transforms by evening into the Diva’s Lounge—a glamorous setting for cocktails, canapés, and live jazz. One evening, with a flute of Champagne in hand and a dish of Vietnamese-style tapas before me, I watched as the salon filled with laughter, storytelling, and the gentle clink of glassware. It felt like being part of an exclusive society where time slows and pleasure reigns.
Dining at Capella Hanoi is an exploration of artistry and authenticity. At Backstage, a Michelin-selected restaurant, I was treated to a refined take on Northern Vietnamese cuisine—delicate, elegant, yet deeply soulful. Then came The Hudson Rooms, a stunning ode to 1920s New York, where I dined on oysters, caviar, and expertly mixed cocktails under chandeliers that evoked Grand Central Terminal’s opulence. My favorite culinary experience, however, was Hibana by Koki, a one-Michelin-star teppanyaki restaurant hidden beneath the hotel. The performance of the chef at the grill, paired with rare Japanese ingredients and precision plating, made for an unforgettable, multi-sensory dining experience.
Capella’s wellness sanctuary, Auriga Spa, offers respite and ritual in equal measure. With interiors inspired by Vietnamese imperial design, the spa balances beauty with holistic healing. My Vietnamese signature massage was expertly delivered, infused with local herbs and age-old techniques that restored both body and mind. Later, I took a dip in La Grotta, the hotel’s moody, grotto-like indoor pool designed as a dreamlike retreat for opera singers—a masterpiece of intimacy and serenity.
Beyond the aesthetics and service, what sets Capella Hanoi apart are the Capella Moments and Curates. I took part in a traditional Vietnamese calligraphy class, tried my hand at lacquer painting with a local artisan, and even crafted my own gin in a rice spirit distillation workshop. These aren’t just activities—they are culturally immersive stories designed with care and curiosity.
Service throughout my stay was impeccable—discreet yet omnipresent. My assigned Capella Culturist, Thao, provided thoughtful touches at every turn, from arranging a sunset stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake to suggesting the perfect pairing for dinner at The Hudson Rooms. The entire team operated like a well-rehearsed ensemble—graceful, precise, and always in tune.
Capella Hanoi is more than a luxurious hotel. It’s a performance—an operatic tale of beauty, culture, and intimacy unfolding in the heart of Vietnam’s historic capital. With its seamless fusion of the past and present, local tradition and global sophistication, it delivers something rare: a stay that lingers like a favorite aria long after the final curtain.
Final bow? I’m already dreaming of an encore.
