The Ann Hanoi

The Ann Honoi Hotel occupies a sophisticated cream-colored high-rise that reflects the look of its refined and stylish interiors. Still fresh off a 2015 opening, the lobby is clean and sleek with marbled floors and elevator bays, big floor-to-ceiling windows, and a tiered chandelier that hangs from the above mezzanine level. Modern, gray upholstered seating give guests a chance to relax on arrival or departure, but the real hangout area is the bar’s lounge at the mezzanine level, where U-shaped chairs are gathered around coffee tables near a small but nicely stocked bar. With big rooms, business amenities, and a quiet location that’s still convenient to the city center, the Ann Hanoi attracts a range of travelers, from business guests to tourists, including families and couples.

The Ann Hanoi is situated in a largely residential area, though plenty of eateries are in walking distance and many popular attractions are an easy jaunt. Guests alternatively enjoy and bemoan that the hotel is a bit far from the vibrant but hectic Old Quarter -- the walk is about 25 minutes, and many guests prefer to take a taxi. The area around Ann Hanoi is decidedly calmer, and just a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter, an area known for its wide, tree-lined streets, shops, hotels, restaurants, and French colonial architecture. Nearby sights include the beautiful Hanoi Opera House (a 12-minute walk), the National Museum of Vietnamese History (a 15-minute walk), and Haoan Kiem Lake (an 18-minute walk to the southern tip). It’s about a 25-minute walk to historic Ngoc Son Temple and the Water Puppet Theater, situated on the other side of the lake. Noi Bai International Airport is about a 45-minute drive. Limited free parking is available, but guests should consider reserving spaces in advance. Guests can borrow bikes from the hotel.

Guest rooms are spacious, sophisticated, and contemporary -- if a touch generic. Decor is neutral but stylish with beige wall-to-wall carpeting and drapes, cream-colored walls, and wood-paneled accent walls that match furnishings. Swoop armchairs and ottomans offer lounge space, while upholstered chairs with oval backs give desks a refined look. Glass-walled bathrooms are a romantic touch, though there are blinds for privacy. Bathrooms are centered around soaking tubs topped with rainfall showerheads. 

Rooms are well-equipped across the board with air-conditioning, mini-fridges stocked with soft drinks and free bottled mineral water, electric kettles for coffee and tea, reading lamps, safes, and 42-inch LED TVs. They also have robes, slippers, irons and ironing boards, and free individual toiletries. 

At 322 square feet, even entry-level Deluxe Rooms feel like an upgrade, though Premium Rooms add a little more space and larger sitting areas. The hotel also offers apartments, including a suite and a one- or two-bedroom apartment. These may feature separate living areas, separate showers and tubs, kitchenettes, washing machines, and/or dining tables with Eames-style chairs.

A nice set of extra features at The Ann Hanoi are a strong draw, reflecting the property’s four-pearl status. The hotel’s contemporary restaurant, bar, and lounge, The Onyx House, is well-liked among guests for its Vietnamese dishes. There’s a daily breakfast buffet -- guests can select a rate with breakfast included, otherwise they can join the buffet for an extra fee or order from the a la carte menu. Guests tend to enjoy the mix of local and international dishes, with everything from omelets to pho on offer. Once a week, the bar area features live piano music. Room service is offered 24 hours.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor rooftop pool (it’s not huge or luxurious, but it’s nice, with great Hanoi views), a sauna, a whirlpool, and a spacious gym. The gym gets lots of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and features cardio machines with individual screens, weight-lifting machines, and a full rack of free weights.

Business features are decent too, including a small business center with two computers and a printer for guest use. There are also three meeting and event rooms; two can be combined to create the Ann Ballroom, which can host up to 120 guests. Wi-Fi throughout is free. For guests traveling with children, the hotel offers beds, high chairs, and kids’ menus. Concierge service, like assistance with tickets or reservations, is also on hand, and the front desk is open 24 hours.