Azerai - La Residence Hue
Hue, Central Coast, Vietnam
Reviewed by
Samantha Coomber
Built in 1930 as the French Governor’s official residence, this 3-storey riverside mansion underwent a dramatic makeover in the early 2000s, gaining 2 new wings in the glorious Art Deco style of the original building. Oozing history and class, yet still convivial and informal, the 5-star hotel is now almost certainly the finest accommodation option in Hué.
A heady Indochine ambience fills the high-ceilinged interiors and 122 colonial-inspired rooms and suites, with tasteful Art Deco furnishings ranging from claw-foot tubs in some suites to a wraparound mural in the Agatha Christie-style lobby bar. Modern day comforts - such as Hué’s first high-end spa - are subtly interwoven. Best of all, you can feast your eyes on outstanding river views towards Hué’s landmark Citadel and Flag Tower. Weary culture-vultures will be soothed by the luscious gardens on the banks of the Perfume River, the huge river-hugging pool, and the finest dining in town. This is more than just a charming place to rest your head: it's a historic destination in its own right.
A heady Indochine ambience fills the high-ceilinged interiors and 122 colonial-inspired rooms and suites, with tasteful Art Deco furnishings ranging from claw-foot tubs in some suites to a wraparound mural in the Agatha Christie-style lobby bar. Modern day comforts - such as Hué’s first high-end spa - are subtly interwoven. Best of all, you can feast your eyes on outstanding river views towards Hué’s landmark Citadel and Flag Tower. Weary culture-vultures will be soothed by the luscious gardens on the banks of the Perfume River, the huge river-hugging pool, and the finest dining in town. This is more than just a charming place to rest your head: it's a historic destination in its own right.
Highs
- The perfect base to explore ancient treasures of this former Imperial City
- The riverside location is only 100m away from a dragon boat pier to the pagodas
- Bags of character: lots of original features and paintings from the building's life as a former colonial residence adorn the walls
- A heavenly retreat after a day's sightseeing, with an enormous outdoor pool, leafy gardens and a top-notch spa
- Incredibly inventive food that's beautifully presented
Lows
- It's not cheap; expect European prices
- Hué has notoriously high rainfall!
- With 122 rooms, it's much larger than most i-escape hotels
- It's a 15-minute walk to the nearest restaurant, and you’ll need to take a taxi or boat to reach shops and sights (or borrow a bicycle from the hotel)
Best time to go
The best time to visit is from February to May; temperatures can soar from April to August. The rainy season falls between November and February - be prepared for some flooding - but Hué suffers from the highest rainfall in Vietnam, so downpours can occur at any time of year. Between August and November, typhoons bring more torrential rain.
The biggest national holiday, Lunar New Year (Tet), runs over several days in either January or February (dates vary annually), with some services and sights limited or closed.
The biggest national holiday, Lunar New Year (Tet), runs over several days in either January or February (dates vary annually), with some services and sights limited or closed.
Our top tips
Request a river view room if you can; they are available in Superior and Deluxe categories and have gorgeous views from their terraces.
Bring waterproofs (including a jacket and shoes) for those rainy days, plus sunscreen and a sunhat for blistering hot summers. From December to February, evening temperatures can be cool, so bring a pullover or fleece - and don't count on using the pool.
Bring waterproofs (including a jacket and shoes) for those rainy days, plus sunscreen and a sunhat for blistering hot summers. From December to February, evening temperatures can be cool, so bring a pullover or fleece - and don't count on using the pool.