On paper, there are multiple reasons to appreciate this 5-star hotel: its colonial-style rooms and suites, its 1930s-inspired decor, and of course, its stunning pool by the river. But it's once you're there that the charm of the place really takes hold! Azerai La Residence embodies the emergence of the Art Deco period and it was in this historic setting that I spent two dreamy nights during my Vietnamese journey.
A Historic Building
Hue is an essential stop during a trip to Vietnam. This imperial city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its imperial citadel and the tombs of the Nguyen emperors. When exploring Hue, there's nothing like staying in the city's most beautiful hotel named Azerai La Residence.
It owes its nickname to its rich history that began in the 1930s. Formerly the residence of the French resident (representative of the French government in Vietnam), the building underwent a revival in the early 2000s. Transformed into a luxury hotel, it has retained its vintage style thanks to the talent of Brigitte Dumont de Chassart who redesigned the interior in a superb colonial style with Art Deco notes.
This 2.5-hectare gem is ideally located on the banks of the Perfume River, facing the citadel. In terms of aesthetics, the Art Deco style sets the tone, notably with its rounded facade, porthole windows, and ironwork which are characteristic of this architectural period. Two new wings were added in 2005 in a style that harmonizes perfectly with the original building.
In the lobby, we find the charm of the 1930s, just like at the Governor Bar, with an absolutely stunning look featuring club armchairs and a large mahogany counter.
The Rooms and Suites
Among the 122 rooms and suites, we stayed in a River View Superior Room. Located in the contemporary wing, it combines modern comfort with historical charm, thanks to its dark teak and mosaic flooring and its Art Deco furnishings. As for the terrace, it allows you to savor the view of the river.
For the rooms and suites located in the original building, the style is colonial, like the Resident Suite where I was able to sneak in for a few moments to admire this true gem. It is extended by a large terrace that offers a 360-degree view of the gardens.
Our Dinner at the Le Parfum Restaurant
Hue is also a city famous for its delicious cuisine. It was at the Le Parfum restaurant that we were able to discover the many local specialties. On the menu were Vietnamese and Western dishes, but we opted for a 100% local menu. We started with a selection of typical regional appetizers, followed by a crab soup and finally grilled beef accompanied by rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour sauce. We finished this meal with a light dessert: longans (a fruit from Southeast Asia) stuffed with lotus seeds.
A Breakfast Facing the River
The next morning, we were able to enjoy our breakfast on the terrace facing the river. Both Western and Vietnamese dishes are served in a buffet style - noodles and fried vegetables alongside pastries, an egg station, and platters of cold meats, cheeses, and fruits, all of excellent quality.
Not Forgetting Relaxation...
In the heart of the tropical garden, the saltwater pool is the perfect spot to laze around after a day of sightseeing, all while sipping a delicious fresh fruit juice from the Pool Bar. Unless you opt for a visit to the spa, which spans over 545 m2 and showcases the same elegance as the hotel. It features six treatment rooms, including two for couples. Many treatments use traditional techniques such as the Bamboo Leg Therapy. We opted for a duo treatment with a 60-minute back, shoulder, and neck massage. It was an intense and romantic moment of relaxation!
The Verdict
Azerai La Residence is the perfect hotel to stay in Hué during your Vietnamese adventure. Its vintage charm, 5-star comfort, and facilities such as its superb spa and delicious restaurant make it the perfect spot for a few nights' stay. Architecture and historical charm enthusiasts will be delighted by its understated and chic look, straight from the 1930s.
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Practical information
A big thank you to Azerai La Residence for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!
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About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.