Review: Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel, Vietnam

This is our review of the Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel in Vietnam.

It is part of our series on Vietnam. You can read more about my trip in Vietnam, including reviews of business class on Vietnam Airlines, a review of premium economy on Vietnam Airlines, a Halong Bay cruise, the MGallery by Sofitel Royal Hoi An and a review of the Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne.

As a reminder, Vietnam Airlines offered me and my plus one complimentary flights (one way Premium Economy, one way Business).  It also used its contacts to arrange complimentary hotels, including the Hilton Hanoi Opera.  HfP paid for all its incidental expenses.

The Hilton Hanoi Opera is situated – as you might expect – adjacent to the Hanoi Opera, in the French Quarter of Hanoi. It is in walking distance of the Hoan Kiem lake.

Hilton Hanoi Opera is inside a large building that evokes the French colonial style, although it was built in the late nineties.  You are greeted by a large atrium:

…. at one end of which is reception:

There is also a cafe area here as well as access to conference rooms including a ballroom. It is an impressive space.

My room

I was upgraded to an Executive Room because I have Hilton Gold Elite status, thanks to my American Express Platinum card.  I was put on the third floor. This was my room:

There is a desk in the corner with an office chair:

….. and the bathroom, with the usual Crabtree & Evelyn amenities:

The room itself, as you can see, is very large. It almost feels like the furniture is lost in the space.  It is a little dated – I can’t imagine anything has been done since the hotel opened, although I quite like the red granite bathroom. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rooms get refurbished in the next few years.

You also get a large wardrobe with mini fridge and tea/coffee facilities, as well as slippers, gowns, hangers and an iron/ironing board.

This was the view from my window:

The Executive Lounge

The Executive Lounge is on the 7th floor, which is at the top of the building.  Stepping out of the lifts you are greeted by a reception desk, although this is normally unmanned and you can walk into the lounge area where you will be asked for your room number.

The lounge is separated into three different ‘rooms,’ the last of which is very quiet.

The lounge is open all day (and I presume all night?) but has three distinct meal services. Breakfast is 6-10am, and features a mixture of western and Asian foods including sausages, hash browns, tomatoes, dumplings, steamed buns and cold meats, cheeses, pastries, bread and spreads etc etc.

and

Between 3pm and 6pm afternoon tea is out, which includes scones and whipped cream and jam.

Between 6pm and 8pm you have access to alcohol including beers, wines and spirits (mix your own cocktails) as well as dinner items which include stir-fry, a western pasta dish, vegetable dish, salads and a small sandwich station.

The quality of the food is about average for an Executive Lounge – although the Asian / Vietnamese items are typically much better.

Breakfast

The main hotel breakfast buffet is included if you have Executive lounge access. This is on the first floor, in a lovely glass extension:

The buffet is made of several stations staffed by chefs, including a pho, egg, crepe and smoothie stations.

In addition you will find the usual tables filled with cereals, pastries and hot items, again including an full English style buffet. You’re unlikely to go hungry here.  I went with a beef pho to start:

…. followed by a freshly made nutella crepe ….

Pool & spa

Also on the first floor is the pool, gym and spa. This includes a pleasant outdoor pool:

….. as well as a small gym and jacuzzi indoors. Changing rooms also have a steam room/sauna. All are open from 6am until 10pm, which is great – the sauna is an excellent way to wind down in the evening!

Unfortunately, the pool is shaded by the hotel itself in the late afternoon, although it does get sun morning and early afternoon.

Conclusion

The Hilton Hanoi Opera is a decent hotel very well located in Hanoi. Although the rooms are in need of an overhaul in the next few years the facilities are good (there are also a handful of restaurants and cafes, none of which I tried – it seemed a shame with authentic local eateries within walking distance!).

I want to draw particular attention to the staff, who made my stay at the Hilton Hanoi Opera especially good. They are warm and welcoming and so friendly, even when (like the room service staff) they cannot speak good English. In the end you can still communicate and are left with a smile on your face.

You can see the Hilton Hanoi Opera on the Hilton website here.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

There are various ways of earning Hilton Honors points from UK credit and debit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

There are two dedicated Hilton Honors debit cards. These are especially attractive when spending abroad due to the 0% or 0.5% FX fee, depending on card.

You also receive FREE Hilton Honors status for as long as you hold the debit cards – Gold status with the Plus card and Silver status with the basic card. This is a great reason to apply even if you rarely use it.

We reviewed the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.

You can apply for either card here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 30th April 2025, the annual fee on the basic Hilton Honors debit card is halved from £60 to £30. The sign-up bonus is also easier to earn – you need to spend £1,000 either in the UK or abroad within three months. The usual bonus rule requires you to spend the full £1,000 outside the UK.

NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit

10,000 bonus points, Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review

NEW: Hilton Honors Debit

2,500 bonus points, Hilton Silver status and 0.5% FX fees Read our full review

There is another way of getting Hilton Honors status, and earning Hilton Honors points, from a payment card.

Holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as they hold the card.  It also comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton Honors points is 1:2.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Hilton Honors points.