Bill Bensley spins a tale of the hotel for us: “Many decades ago, before the war and all that preceded it, this was a small boutique hotel – une petite auberge, for those passing through Hanoi to see the Opera. Some years later it changed hands, becoming a depot during war times while dust gathered on velvet chaise lounges and crystal chandeliers. Soon after the site passed into the hands of a wealthy Vietnamese man – a lover of Opera. This gentleman began a vast renovation, returning the building to its former glory as a five star - miniscule - hotel of great taste and a little madness. This little palace tells the story of 47 different actors, opera singers, composers, stage and costume designers, and spectators who have passed through Hanoi over the last 150 years. Each suite trumpets the wonderful stories of the mischievous high society which passed through its doors”.

The boutique hotel is in fact, located just steps away from the Hanoi Opera House and is nestled in the Old Quarter, close to Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounded by eclectic restaurants, bars, shops and markets.  The 47 themed rooms and suites at Capella Hanoi are individually styled with original operatic artefacts and custom portraiture art by prolific artist Kate Spencer, and equipped with bespoke services and state-of-the-art amenities. Crowning the hotel, four Opera Suites open out onto wide alfresco terraces with views of the tree-lined avenues below.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Backstage, presents a dramatic backdrop of theatrical costumes and vintage tableware, as talented chefs craft exceptional cuisine, including vegan dishes and northern Vietnamese-inspired specialties that fuse locally-sourced produce and contemporary cooking techniques. Diva’s Lounge meanwhile, pays tribute to the leading ladies of the 1920s with bohemian cocktails and Opera Punches, accompanied by Diva’s Bar bites. Guests can infuse their own gin using local botanicals at Vietnam’s only gin distillery.

Weary travellers can soothe their senses at Auriga Spa, the exquisite spa that features couples’ treatment suites, saunas, steam baths, a fitness centre and La Grotta, an indoor pool the perfect spot for  would-be opera singers to rest their voices. Treatments blend modern spa science with natural products and embracing the changing phases of the moon to create special spa journeys. Serving as the social heart of the hotel, The Living Room offers a collection of Comoedia Illustré* and a programme of Capella Moments. Guests can discover the essence of northern Vietnam with expert-led classes in dó bamboo paper fan making, Vietnamese coffee cupping, Sarah Bernhardt’s cookie making and the chance to sample Vietnamese rum. A local team of Capella Culturists will be on hand to help guests uncover the city’s heritage through a series of Capella Curates experiences, such as Lacquer Your Life, which offers the opportunity to learn Vietnamese lacquer painting from a master artist, and Hanoi Spirit, which invites guests to infuse their own gin using native botanicals at Vietnam’s only gin distillery.

“Vietnam is one of the world’s most dynamic destinations, where the spirit and energy is reminiscent of the roaring 1920s, when anything seemed possible. At Capella, we strive to create guest experiences that go beyond bespoke hospitality and let travellers touch the heart and soul of their destination, through cultural exposures, epicurean adventures and original art. With Bill Bensley’s inimitable design, a sense of opulence and a deep respect for our surroundings, we will let our guests feel the pulse of Hanoi,” commented Christoph Strahm, general manager, Capella Hanoi.

To celebrate its opening, Capella Hanoi has unveiled the “Dream Now, Travel Later” package, which invites global explorers to pre-book future stays of up to 14 nights, with 30% off the best available rate and a wealth of amenities and activities. Having arrived at Capella Hanoi, every guest will be treated to a slice of Opera Cake, and each morning starts in style with the signature Capella Champagne Breakfast at Backstage. Visitors can uncover the rich heritage of Hanoi through daily rituals and Capella Moments, and guests who stay for three or more nights will enjoy a customised in-room dining experience and generous 30% discounts at Auriga Spa and all restaurants and bars.

Capella Hanoi becomes the sixth addition to the prestigious Capella Hotels & Resorts collection, the first in Vietnam and the fourth in Southeast Asia, joining Capella Bangkok, Capella Singapore, and Capella Ubud, Bali. Capella Hotels and Resorts was named the second “Best Hotel Brand in the World” in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020.