VeloAsia stays in a variety of hotels from local, family-run boutique hotels to world-class luxury properties such as the historic Metropole in Hanoi. The quality of the hotels can and does change each season for a variety of reasons (including seasonal flooding and change of management). New hotel also become available and we often change our preferred hotels even mid-season, always keeping an eye on quality first. In Vietnam, we like to call the places we stay "no surprise" hotels. After a long, and even short day on the bike, nobody wants an issue with their room in a country where there are surprises, some welcome and others not.
SOFITEL METROPOLE, Hanoi
Metropole |
Renowned and recently restored (2009) 230-room French Colonial-style downtown hotel with unmatched location between the Opera House and picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This central location allows walking or pedicab transport to nearby highlights, such as the Old Quarter.
Evocative century-old original structure with faux-colonial style balanced by newer, modern style Opera Wing (recommended). A peaceful inner courtyard and outdoor pool offer escape from the humdrum of the city. Three popular bars, plus Vietnam’s best French and Vietnamese restaurants. A spa and fitness center rounds out the amenities.
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PARK HYATT, Saigon
Park Hyatt |
Saigon's newest arrival and most sophisticated property overlooks the central theater square within walking distance of most attractions (including those featured in our Saigon walking tour). The Park Hyatt features a spacious piano lounge with evening entertainment and two of Saigon's top restaurants, including Opera, serving up superb Italian with extensive wine list. Pool villas have balconies that front the courtyard pool area and the Park Hyatt's Xuan Spa.
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THE CARAVELLE, Saigon
Caravelle |
Extensively refurbished 335-room landmark hotel (now augmented by a sleek high-rise tower addition), located in the same convenient area as the Park Hyatt (across the theater square). Dining options include Reflections for fusion cuisine in a brasserie setting, plus the famous rooftop Saigon Saigon Bar commanding panoramic views of the city.
An outdoor pool is augmented by a large health club, newly renovated spa and Armani Beauty Center. Within walking distance of most popular cafes, shops, and galleries. Deluxe Double/Single. After the newer Hyatt, Indochina Travel recommends the Saigon's second finest hotel as an economical but high quality alternative. Signature Deluxe Rooms are best choice with views of the central quarter.
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PALM GARDEN RESORT, Hoi An, Vietnam
Palm Garden |
Facing Cua Dai Beach, 3 kilometers outside Hoi An, the Palm Garden is the finest beach resort after the Nam Hanoi. Grass and rich landscaping provide a picturesque setting overlooking the sand and ocean. The resort has 160 rooms, with nearly two dozen bungalows facing the ocean (right), and three junior suites. Amenities include a large central pool, restaurants, bar, sports room with billiards and table tennis, beach activities including snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing, spa, and beach lounge and parasols. A regular shuttle is provided for access to Hoi An.
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ANA MANDARA, Nha Trang
Ana Mandara Poolside |
A Six Senses property, this stylish resort enclave lies amid tropical gardens on a narrow strip of land fronting the beach, an hour by air north of Saigon. The compound consists of several striking open-air pavilions and 17 villas containing 74 first-class lodgings. The extra-spacious “Deluxe” or “Ana Mandara” villas, featuring exquisitely appointed baths and scenic balconies or terraces overlooking the sea.
Two indoor/outdoor dining venues serve excellent Vietnamese and Continental cuisine. Facilities include two swimming pools, tennis courts and a sophisticated spa. A wide variety of water activities, from boat charters to windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, can be arranged. A perfect family place where kids are welcome.
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SIX SENSES HIDEAWAY, Nha Trang
Presidential Villa |
Stunningly designed resort on a secluded and unspoiled peninsula, reached only by a 30-minute speedboat ride from Nha Trang. Positioned wide apart for privacy, 58 guest villas overlook a spellbinding bay, some facing a beautiful crescent beach, others atop natural rock formations. All units measure more than 1,500 square feet and boast every conceivable amenity, from private plunge pools and scenic seaview lounging decks to separate living areas and huge baths with walled gardens. The especially romantic “Water Villas” perch directly over the sea. An open-air dining pavilion offers excellent East-West fusion cuisine, while leisure pursuits focus on a lavish spa, fitness center and variety of water sports, including sunset cruises. [Resort Web Site] |
THE LIFE RESORT, Hoi An
Situated on the Thu Bon River in the center of Hoi An, the Life Resort is the finest . [Hotel Web Site] |
Nam Hai Pool Villa |
THE NAM HAI, Hoi An
Lavish new resort of 100 beachfront and pool villas, situated on the coast of the South China Sea just outside of Hoi An. The GHM Hotel's Nam Hai rivals Aman properties in style, service and luxury. The refined and harmonious architecture blends into lovely landscaped grounds. All villas offer expansive and stylish living spaces, indoor/outdoor sitting areas and memorable unobstructed views of the ocean. The interior design is restrained and sophisticated, with mostly neutral tones enlivened by splashes of colored silk. Modern amenities include plasma-screen TVs, Bose sound systems and iPod docking stations. Spacious baths provide eggshell lacquered tubs, and extend into private gardens with outdoor showers. The Restaurant serves excellent Vietnamese and Continental cuisine, while outstanding seafood is available in an informal beachfront setting. Facilities include three swimming pools and a tennis center. The property is located 30 minutes by car from Danang (and its famous China Beach) and just 15 minutes from the old trading port and World Heritage Site of Hoi An. [Hotel Web Site] |
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