Offbeat experiences, refined culinary moments, and lakeside spas at JW Marriott Hotel, Hanoi
Long favoured for its dramatic landscapes and vibrant street life, Vietnam has swiftly risen on the radar of Indian travellers in recent years. But beyond the well-trodden circuits of Ha Long Bay cruises and Hoi An’s lantern-decked streets lies a quieter, more cultivated indulgence, one that’s best experienced in Hanoi.
Located beside a placid lake in the city’s western district, JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is a striking example of modernist architecture in Vietnam’s capital. Designed by renowned New-York based architect Carlos Zapata, the hotel’s low-slung, serpentine form is inspired by the legendary dragon — a symbol deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. The spacious suites come with panoramic lake views, bespoke furnishings, and understated Vietnamese motifs. This is the only hotel in Hanoi with expansive lakeside gardens, offering you a tranquil sanctuary to return to after experiencing the bustle of the city.
Just a few steps from the hotel stands the 18 th -century Mieu Dam Temple, a spiritual site tied to a fascinating local legend involving a dragon, a fisherman, and divine blessings. A short drive away, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases the traditions, artefacts, and architectural styles of the country’s 54 ethnic groups. While the contemporary indoor space is interesting, the lush open-air section with life-sized traditional homes, intricately woven textiles, and ceremonial objects is the real draw. Journey back in time with a night tour of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Under the cloak of darkness, the 11 th -century royal enclosure and its palaces take on a surreal grandeur — bathed in warm light, they offer a serene counterpoint to Hanoi’s vibrant day life. An evocative ‘Thang Long Royal Court’ dance performance recreates the king’s court ceremony.
Hanoi’s culinary landscape offers a wide variety, ranging from fragrant pho and vibrant bun cha to crisp banh mì. Savour all these and more at JW Marriott Hanoi, which offers a veritable smorgasbord. At its heart is the JW Café, where a daily spread spans Vietnamese staples, Japanese sushi, Korean bibimbap, Mediterranean fare, and artisanal pastries. For modern French elegance, French Grill by Jean‑François Nulli (a Michelin Select restaurant) delivers meticulous technique and ingredient-led depth, while Kumihimo Modern Japanese Restaurant presents delicately handcrafted sushi and premium sashimi in an intimate and elegant setting. If you want to learn the basics of Vietnamese cuisine, sign up for a cooking class at JW Lakeside Gardens. Harvest herbs from the JW Greenhouse and make fresh spring rolls and banh mì, then relish your creations in the garden’s gazebo. Also, get a taste of Vietnamese coffee culture in an exclusive hands-on coffee workshop at The Lounge. Use the phin (Vietnamese coffee filter) to make your own ca phe sua da (iced coffee with
condensed milk) and even whip up ca phe trung or Hanoi’s famous egg coffee.
For a spot of pampering, head up to the hotel’s 8 th floor, which has a 28-metre indoor pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and a luxurious spa. Indulge in a range of therapies, from massages and reflexology to facials and herbal exfoliation. From the Dragon’s View perch by the pool, gaze down at the hotel’s stunning architecture, its verdant surroundings, and Hanoi’s modern skyline. In a city shaped by history and renewal, JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi offers a truly unique urban resort experience.
