Check into one of Hanoi’s newest luxury hotels and discover why the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is making its mark on the city’s new central business district, discovers Gayatri Bhaumik.

Background

Lavish and architecturally arresting, the new JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi has been causing a stir since it opened, and for good reason. Guests are greeted by the sight of a massive steel-and-glass structure, rendered in a ‘reverse skyscraper’ style that hints at the shape of a dragon.

This modern, minimalist feeling continues in the lobby, which is all marble and high ceilings, and sparsely furnished. Designed by Carlos Zapata Studios, the JW Marriott dwarfs everything that surrounds it in the city’s up-and-coming Tu Leim business district.

The Rooms

The JW Marriott houses 450 well-appointed guest rooms, including 56 suites, ranging from the 48sqm Deluxe rooms to the 320sqm Presidential Suite. Each spacious room has been designed with a refined aesthetic featuring hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive marble bathrooms with stand-alone baths and Aromatherapy Associates amenities, flatscreen televisions, Bose iPod docking systems and Nespresso machines.

My Deluxe room was irreproachable; the open-plan – the bathroom was separated by sliding doors – enhanced the feeling of spaciousness, while the furnishings were at once comfortable and functional. The wardrobe opened on either side – into the room and the bathroom – an unusual feature whose practicality you only understand when you actually have it.

As someone frequently tethered to electronics while on the road, I also appreciated the expansive work desk, ergonomic desk chair, global power outlets, and high-speed WiFi, as would any traveller who needs to work while on the road.

Business Solutions

Being in one of the city’s newest business districts, the hotel is fully kitted out with all the facilities a business traveller could want, and in fact, positions itself as a MICE property. There’s even a full-service, staffed business centre. In addition, the hotel features a total of 25,833sqft of event space, which includes 17 event rooms, the largest of which can accommodate 950 people. The spaces are refined, and boast state-of-the-art technology, dedicated entrances and parking – all event rooms are on the ground floor – and can be set up into a maximum of 16 breakout rooms.

Dining

Any five-star hotel worth its rating finds space for quality dining options, and with six distinctive outlets, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is a dining destination in itself. We enjoyed a lively dinner at the French Grill, where each of our three beautifully-presented courses was paired with an expertly chosen wine. The large, stylish restaurant boasts a bustling open kitchen and massive glass-encased walk-in wine cellar, while the menu’s emphasis is on fresh seafood, prime steak and premium wines. The international dining experience continues at the Chinese Palace, which dishes up an array of Cantonese food amid modern, crisp interiors.

A novelty in the city is the hotel’s slick, sexy lounge, the Antidote Bar. On entry, we were greeted by dark interiors and an unattended grand piano; once settled, we were treated to delectable cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, and the smooth beats being spun by a visiting DJ.

The hotel’s food and beverage offerings are a solid win for any business traveller, whether winding down at the end of the day, schmoozing clients, or hosting corporate pow-wows.

Wellness

Catering to anyone looking to relax, as well as busy executives set on maintaining their fitness on the road is the well-appointed wellness space on the hotel’s top floor. The ultra-modern fitness centre is decked out with a range of cardio and strength training equipment and seems like a real gym rather than the afterthought that many hotel gyms feel like. Before starting a busy day, I enjoyed early morning laps in the cantilevered heated pool – Vietnam’s first – where, thanks to my being there at an ungodly hour, I enjoyed sunrise views of the city and plenty of natural light through the floor-to-ceiling windows and skylight.

Also on hand is the hotel’s spa, an Oriental-themed oasis with nine treatment rooms offering a full complement of spa rituals. I ducked in for a quick 30-minute reflexology treatment; heavenly in itself, the fact that it was carried out in one of the eight plush leather chairs facing floor-to-ceiling windows offering a nighttime panorama over the city took it to another level.

JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, from US$200 per night, twin share.

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