InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

West Lake is Hanoi’s largest body of water, with ten miles of shoreline that boasts some of the city’s priciest real estate. At night, when Hanoi’s rapid modernization is apparent in the glittering lights of the residential palaces, the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda presides darkly over the lake. Adjacent to the Golden Lotus, the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake extends via gently curving bridges to resort-style bungalows built on — not simply near — the water.

The guest rooms trade the French Colonial style of the exterior for a more contemporary feel, with Southeast Asian accents — wooden slats on the sliding doors and lanterns hanging alongside the beds — doing their bit to maintain a sense of place. Spacious balconies provide expansive views, especially from the rooms on the building’s lakefront side. The bathrooms are cream-colored tile, with his-and-hers sinks and Elemis bath products creating a restful environment for private pampering. Guests seeking a more active method of relaxation can enjoy poolside Tai Chi or visit the fully equipped fitness center and spa.

A trip to the city center takes ten minutes, and the hotel’s proximity to centuries-old temples and must-see landmarks is a major plus. Sticking around the hotel isn’t a bad idea either, with a range of dining options — the requisite French brasserie, a modern Vietnamese bistro, an Italian restaurant that serves wood-fired pizza — and a cocktail lounge located in a pavilion on the bridge en route to the bungalows.