Capella Hanoi

Capella Hanoi is the city's most theatrical hotel. Designed by Bill Bensley, it is built around the idea of an eternal celebration of opera in the Roaring Twenties, and every one of its 47 rooms and suites is individually designed. The result is flamboyant, playful and very different from the restrained colonial style of most of Hanoi's grand hotels. The hotel holds a Forbes Five-Star award, and its four top-floor Opera Suites each come with an outdoor terrace.

The opera theme runs through the whole building, from the restaurant and bar names to the indoor pool. Guests who want a quieter style should look at the room descriptions carefully before booking, as the decor is bold throughout.

Dining is one of the hotel's strengths. Hibana by Koki, a 14-seat teppanyaki counter in the basement, holds one Michelin star; chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi cooks with premium seafood flown in from Japan every fortnight, and the counter opens from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Koki is a separate Japanese venue with private rooms and a sake parlour, and Backstage is the signature restaurant, serving Vietnamese and international dishes. For drinks, Diva's Lounge serves 1920s-style cocktails with Vietnamese-inspired small plates, while The Hudson Rooms is a cocktail bar inspired by 1920s New York. Booking ahead is recommended for Hibana in particular.

For relaxation there is the Auriga Spa, whose treatments follow a rhythm based on the phases of the moon, and La Grotta, an indoor pool designed as a retreat where opera singers might rest their voices. The hotel's Capella Culturist service arranges cultural experiences in the city for guests, which is a useful way to go beyond the standard sights. With only 47 rooms, it has the scale of a boutique hotel.

The hotel is at 11 Le Phung Hieu Street in Hoan Kiem district, close to the historic centre. It suits couples, design lovers and travellers looking for a luxurious, characterful base, and works well for a celebration or a short, indulgent stay. Contact the hotel directly on +84 24 3987 8888 or at [email protected] for reservations and dining bookings.