Why You Should Stay at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake by IHG

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Hanoi is loud. The traffic is constant. Scooters move in every direction. After a few hours in the Old Quarter, I needed a break.

That is why staying on West Lake worked for us.

The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake sits directly over the water, next to the 800-year-old Kim Lien Pagoda. Wooden walkways connect the buildings across the lake. When you arrive, the noise softens. You still know you are in Hanoi, but you are not standing in the middle of it. Planning a trip to Hanoi? Save this review now so you can decide later if West Lake’s quiet views are worth trading for Old Quarter energy.

Table of Contents

• Location
• First Impressions
• The Rooms
• Suites and Family Stays
• Breakfast and Dining
• Fitness, Pool, and Service
• Final Thoughts
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Location

This hotel is not in the Old Quarter. You will need a taxi for most sightseeing. Expect extra drive time if you plan to move around often.

We did not mind. After long days in traffic and crowds, coming back to the lake felt better than staying in the center.

If you want to walk out your door into markets and street food, this is not the right hotel. If you want quiet evenings, it is.

First Impressions

The entrance feels polished and spacious. Once you step onto the elevated walkways over the water, you understand what makes the property different.

At sunset, the sky reflects on the lake. The skyline sits in the distance. It feels calm in a way central Hanoi does not.

The Rooms

We booked an overwater room with a balcony facing the lake. The view was the highlight. Sitting outside in the evening, looking over the water, made the stay memorable.

The room itself was large. The bed was comfortable. The bathroom had both a rain shower and a bathtub.

Now the honest part.

The room looked dated. Some paint was peeling. Bathroom caulking looked old. The wooden floors showed wear. Lighting felt dim in places, and a few fixtures flickered.

I usually choose InterContinental hotels. I expect a certain level of finish. The service and food met that expectation. The physical condition of the room did not fully match it.

The property needs renovation.

If you are sensitive to signs of age, you will notice them. If you care more about space and a lake view, you may not mind as much.

Suites and Family Stays

This is a great hotel for families. Some suites have full kitchens with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, dishwasher, and dishes. Certain units also include a washer and dryer. That makes a big difference on a long international trip. You can pack lighter and wash clothes as you go.

There is a children’s pool and play areas, so kids have space to move around. The layout gives everyone room to spread out and not feel on top of each other.

Breakfast and Dining

Breakfast was one of the better ones we had in Vietnam. The buffet had both Asian and Western food, but it did not try to be everything at once. The food was hot. Staff kept it stocked. Everything looked fresh. The selection was smaller than some big luxury hotels, but it was done right.

There were plenty of vegetarian choices. The staff paid attention and made sure special requests were handled without any fuss.

One thing surprised me. There was no pho. We had it every morning in Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Hai Phong. Here, they served vermicelli noodle soup with tofu instead. It was good. The pastries were fresh. The coffee was strong. I went back for both.

There are three restaurants on the property serving Vietnamese and Italian food, so you do not have to leave if you do not want to. End the day at Sunset Bar, which sits right over the water. Order a drink and watch the sun drop behind the skyline.

Fitness, Pool, and Service

The gym has everything you need for a real workout. It is larger than most hotel gyms we used in Vietnam. You will find proper equipment, not just a treadmill in a corner. They also offer yoga and Pilates classes if you want something slower. There is a sauna too.

The pool area is quiet and surrounded by greenery and water. The best part is that it does not feel like you are in the middle of a busy city. After a long, loud day in Hanoi, coming back here changes your mood. You can sit still. You can breathe.

The staff were professional and easy to talk to. Their English was clear. We were allowed early check-in and late check-out, which made our travel days smoother.

Service was consistent and dependable from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is not a brand-new hotel. The rooms show some age. You will need taxis to get around. It is not in the middle of the action.

But it gives you space and quiet in a city that does not slow down.

If you want to walk out your door into traffic and street food, stay in the Old Quarter. If you want to come back to water, open air, and a calmer setting at night, West Lake is the better choice.

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