Melia Hanoi, Vietnam

Originally published in November 2007

There are several branded international hotel chains in Hanoi, including the Hilton, InterContinental, Sheraton and Sofitel, etc. However, the only one that can truly be categorized as convention hotel is Melia Hanoi, Vietnam.

Although the first impression of Melia Hanoi comes across as being a tad old and dated, the hotel does have the most comprehensive function facilities. This probably explains why most foreign embassies, trade missions and multinational companies hold their functions in this hotel.

Melia has two large ballrooms – the Grand Ballroom on the first floor, and the Thang Long Ballroom on the seventh floor. The Brand Ballroom can fit 750 guests classroom style, and can be partitioned into three sections if required. Thang Long Ballroom sits 360 guests in classroom style, and has its own private pre-function area which is not shared with any other function rooms. Both rectangular-shaped ballrooms have high ceiling, giving them the grand feel and the flexibility in stage or exhibition booth designs, and ensuring good viewing height for projection screen. LCD projectors and screens, depending on ballroom configuration, are built-in.

There are also eight smaller function rooms on first and second floors to serve smaller groups or for breakout sessions. But what stands out is the cluster of Lotus private rooms that sit about 12 persons each room. The interiors of these rooms are tastefully furnished and the rooms are excellent for small breakout workshops or private senior management lunch or dinners.

The set back is that all these ballrooms and function rooms are located on different levels and it can be a bit confusing trying to locate them for the first time. In particular, Thang Long Ballroom can only be accessed by a special set of lifts located in an inconspicuous corner of the first floor (note: the first floor in not the lobby level, which is located on the ground floor).

In terms of event management, the hotel’s rooming and banquet sales team sees through the whole event from sales to operations. The advantage for the client is that there is supposed to be seamless follow-through from negotiation to on-site operations from the same hotel sales team, without having to review everything again with convention services team. However, there is the risk of the sales being overly bogged down by too many projects on their hands that some crucial operational details may be left out on-site.

Nevertheless, the Vietnamese staff are friendly and easy to work with. Melia Hanoi is a good convention hotel in terms of facilities and location, even though the overall hotel interior and furnishing are in need of a makeover.