Capella Hanoi has been recognized by American magazine Travel + Leisure as one of Asia’s most architecturally stunning hotels, emerging as the only Vietnamese property featured in the prestigious ranking.
In its curated selection, Travel + Leisure highlights hotels that transcend accommodation to become aesthetic landmarks – spaces defined by sculptural form, narrative depth, and a strong sense of place. Alongside celebrated resorts in Bhutan, Japan, and India, Capella Hanoi was singled out as a Southeast Asian standout. The magazine described these properties as “worth a detour,” particularly for travelers who value design as much as destination.
At the heart of Capella Hanoi’s distinction is its singular architectural vision by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of opera in the 1920s, the hotel is imagined as a luxurious residence for artists, composers, and members of the classical music elite. The interplay of Art Nouveau and Art Deco creates a composition that feels both opulent and theatrical.
Its façade, rendered in shades of yellow, white, and cream, evokes French nostalgia while harmonizing with Hanoi’s refined Indochine architectural heritage. Distinctive details, such as angel statues dressed in áo dài and wearing nón lá atop the rooftop, along with romantic French-style balconies, reinforce the hotel’s layered storytelling.
Each room is named after a renowned opera singer, composer, or designer, turning every stay into a journey through the legends of the performing arts. More than 1,000 theatrical memorabilia pieces, reliefs, and sculptures are curated throughout the property, transforming it into what many describe as a “living museum” where art, memory, and hospitality converge.
This latest accolade adds to Capella Hanoi’s expanding portfolio of international honors. The hotel holds a Forbes Travel Guide five-star rating, often regarded as the “Oscars of hospitality”, and was awarded one Michelin Key in 2025 under the global classification system for exceptional accommodations.
In the same year, Capella Hanoi received a double distinction from Condé Nast Traveller, ranking among Vietnam’s leading hotels and being voted the best hotel for a trip to Hanoi. It was also named in Travel + Leisure’s “Top 15 Best City Hotels in Asia,” once again standing as the sole Vietnamese representative on the list.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 