Arrival/Check-In: Located next to one of Hue’s busiest streets, this jewel box of a building seems delightfully out of place. Its graceful lines and surrounding gardens, reminiscent of a private country estate, invite you to ignore the motorcycle-clogged traffic outside the gates and step inside where gentler times prevail.We were happy to do so. The manager greeted and escorted us immediately into the stylish Le Gouverneur Bar where we sank into comfy club chairs and drank our complimentary cool drinks while filling out our registration forms. Our designated bellman waited patiently until we were finished. (19/20)
Guest Quarters: Each of this boutique hotel’s 122 guestrooms differs in size and set-up. Ours (No. 703), which had plenty of Deco pizzazz, also had a disappointing view (the parking lot and street), and was barely wide enough to accommodate the king-size bed. We hadn’t known in advance that other rooms and suites in a similar price range are larger and come with great views overlooking the extensive gardens and pool, the Perfume River and — across the water — Hue’s ancient moated fortress and Forbidden City, dating to the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Note: Request, in advance, a room facing the river. (10/15)
Services/Amenities: Although all guestrooms have IDD telephone and fax and high-speed Internet access, there’s also La Résidence’s informal business center, with nine high-speed computers available for guest use at no charge. The restaurant, Le Parfum, morphs throughout the day: Mornings it’s a sunny space with an abundant buffet; at dinner it offers a pleasingly formal ambience. We were initially dismayed by the dinner menu’s uninspired Western choices (roast beef, Dover sole, and the like) until we turned to the very back pages and discovered dozens of wonderful Vietnamese selections, some adapted to spice-shy palates, some not. To escape the overzealous air conditioning we dined outdoors on the river-view terrace. La Résidence also offers a fitness center and spa, tennis court, library, art gallery and well-edited gift boutique. But the real star is the tropical garden surrounding the huge saltwater pool — and, of course, the proximity to the river and the historical allure of Imperial Hue. (44/45)
The Experience: In the 1920s this building was the residence of the French Colonial governor. More recently, Accor Hotels brilliantly restored the original Art Deco detailing. The time-capsule evocation of Vietnam’s legendary French Colonial ambiance makes this hotel a must-visit. (19/20)
Total Score: (92/100)
LA RÉSIDENCE HÔTEL & SPA
5 Le Loi St. Hue City, Vietnam
tel 84 54 837 475
http://www.la-residence-hue.com
Read This Next
Continental Airlines Business Class
2007
Jan 2, 2013Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 8, 2023Maastricht is for Art Lovers
The southern Dutch city of Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, and home to many art institutions and art fairs, including TEFAF Maastricht, Europe’s premier trade show for fine art.
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Sum of Its Parts: Discover the True Pulse of the City in Chicago’s Diverse Neighborhoods
Without visiting, it’d be easy to throw Chicago into any number of categories. Everyone thinks they know Chicago; after all, it’s the third-largest city in America, the most prestigious foodie city in the country, the city of jazz, a comedian’s playground, an architect’s dream, a writer’s paradise. The list goes on. Only when walking the streets themselves do you realize there’s nothing categorical about the Windy City, especially as it continues to evolve.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Airline Startups Take to the Skies, Offering Affordability and Accessibility
PHOTO: © ADRIAN OLSTAD
Sponsored Content
75 Years Connecting the Americas
Copa Airlines is celebrating its 75th anniversary by showcasing a Boeing 737-800 NG in an aircraft livery that harkened back to the airline’s look in the 1990s. During that time, Copa Airlines launched an expansion of their network to become the Hub of the Americas®, changing the way to travel to and connect in our Continent.
Daily
Feb 8, 2023New Ayurvedic Journeys at Anantara Resorts in Sri Lanka
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka offer travelers new Ayurvedic experiences.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Debuts in Aruba
eFlyer News
Feb 8, 2023Self-Care Staycation at Bellyard Hotel
eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023Regent Romance at The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough, one of London’s most luxurious properties and part of Oetker Collection, offers a romantic afternoon tea experience alongside a hotel stay just in time for Valentine’s Day. Available Feb. 11, 12 and 14, Valentine’s Afternoon Tea features Rosé Champagne and a rose cake to share with that special someone.
Sponsored Content
Luxurious Adventures Await.
Discover why Global Traveler readers named Cunard® the Best Large-Ship Cruise Line for seven consecutive years. For a limited time, book your voyage during Cunard’s Explore with More promotion and take advantage of lower fares*, up to $1,200 Onboard Credit†, Free Specialty Dining for Two^, 50% Reduced Deposit††, and more. Choose from an array of exciting journeys, including Transatlantic Crossings and voyages to Alaska, the Caribbean and Canada & New England.
eFlyer Lead
Feb 8, 2023Devastating Türkiye, Syrian Earthquake: How to Help as Death Toll Rises
A deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria Feb. 6, with more than 11,000 fatalities thus far reported. That number is expected to grow as rescue operations continue.
ShareThis