Pan Pacific a shining light in Hanoi

On the 20th floor of the Pan Pacific Hanoi, the dusk views stretch as far as the eye can see.

West Lake and Truc Bach Lake are immediately below you, with the city centre shining brightly in the distance.

What looks like a floodlit stadium is actually the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the great leader residing in splendour.

I'm sipping on a couple of cocktails and checking out the new tapas menu that accompanies every spectacular sunset.

The Summit rooftop bar is a magnet for those seeking views with a cocktail or two, and at sundown, there is the added bonus of magnificent sunsets and a cooling evening breeze on the outdoor terrace.

The Pan Pacific is a classic multinational hotel with a twist - its superb location on the city fringes of the Vietnam capital.

One afternoon I took a delightful lakeside walk, visited a pagoda and a temple and watched local fishermen hoping to catch a bite.

The Pan Pacific is a towering landmark with a bustling lobby, a selection of wining and dining options (a Korean breakfast? No problem. Indian eats? Step this way).

Modern design meets Vietnamese style here; in a tranquil location that's just a few minutes from the Old Quarter and other major attractions.

It's a big hotel, efficient, with guests from around the world.

There are 272 rooms and 56 serviced suites with all modern comforts.

Ask for rooms with views overlooking West Lake and the Red River, or opt for the Pacific Club rooms or suites, which have several benefits, including lounge access and use of a computer and printer.

Privileges include private check-in and welcome drink in the Pacific Club Lounge, which offers free beverages throughout the day; afternoon teas; refreshments and appetisers from 5:30-7.30pm; free boardroom use should you need somewhere to hold a business meeting; complimentary pressing for one suit and one shirt upon arrival and complimentary laundry service for up to two pieces of clothing daily - a real bonus if you've been travelling non-stop.

Dining is diverse with the choice of international and Asian dishes at Pacifica Restaurant on the ground floor - a busy international dining room - or the adjacent Song Hong Bar or fellow lobby cohort Pastry Corner.

Tucked away on the second floor is one of the culinary highlights: Ming Restaurant, which is regarded as one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Hanoi and harks back to the golden days of Sydney's Chinatown.

Established back in 1996, Ming is known for its excellent dim sum - I did my best to sample the range, but did opt out of sampling braised chicken's feet.

Signature dishes on the a la carte menu include the Eight Treasures shredded abalone with seafood broth; double-boiled bird’s nest and black truffle served with golden superior broth, jumbo tiger prawns with golden yolk creamy sauce; and steamed grouper in Szechuan chilli sauce.

All-you-can-eat dim sum and a la carte menus are available for both lunch and dinner and there is also a dim sum buffet.

Then there is The Summit Bar, which the hotel says offers "one of the best views in Hanoi".

Choose between inside or outdoor seating from 2pm to midnight. Think tapas like yakitori skewers, shrimp and mushroom croquettes and Korean chicken with pickles. 

Working flat out, I sampled signature cocktails including a Chinapolitan and a Tropical Island. A great way to mark sunset. 

Other hotel highlights include a fitness centre with personal trainers, gym, jacuzzi and sauna. There are also regular yoga sessions.

The swimming pool is heated and offers a covered option, while Santal Spa offers massages, facials and body treatments.

Staff right throughout the hotel are uniformly helpful and mostly multi-lingual.  

Pan Pacific Hanoi, 1 Thanh Nien road, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi 10000, Vietnam. panpacific.com/hanoi

* The writer was a guest of the Pan Pacific Hanoi and Vietjet Airways, which flies from Ho Chi Minh City to major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, and also connects Hanoi to Sydney and Melbourne. Economy fares start at around $250, while business class fares begin at $1,100, with frequent seat sales on offer. 

Luxury on the banks of the Yarra River

The Yarra River meanders through the centre of Melbourne but somehow seems underutilised.

There are rowing crews training, sure, and the occasional river cruise, but largely it sits underappreciated and underused.

One Melbourne hotel that takes full advantage of its location right alongside the river is the excellent Pan Pacific Melbourne.

 

Not only is the hotel brilliantly located for enjoying the many waterfront bars and eateries at South Wharf, it offers expansive river views from most of its rooms. The views from mine are above (it was a grey Melbourne day, unfortunately). 

It is also right on the doorstep of the massive Direct Factory Outlet shopping facility, and the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Pan Pacific Melbourne is also just a short stroll along the riverbank from the Crown Casino and Southern Cross Station. So location, location, location.

Even entry level rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, along with en-suite bathrooms with both bath tubs and walk-in showers.

There is a choice of king-sized bed or twin beds and an executive writing table with ergonomic desk chair. Perfect for those who have work to do while staying. There are bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer, along with Balmain (Pierre not the Sydney suburb) toiletries.

Each room has a large LG LED television with local and cable channels and movies on demand; high-speed wifi. a safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a minibar if requested.

There are a range of packages available; per haps chocolate and bubbles in the room, or an afternoon high tea.

In my opinion is well worth upgrading your room choice, or being a member of Pan Pacific's Discovery club, to have access to the Pan Pacific Club during your stay.

Check into a Yarra Suite (above) for a seriously decadent getaway: a splendid view of the River, a separate lounge area, club lounge access and lots of little extras.

Access to the fourth-floor Pacific Club (above) offers a full buffet breakfast (very good it is, too). and the chance to enjoy canapes with cocktails in the evening, along with access to computers and a printer.

The evening spread is so good it can replace dinner if you don't want to leave the hotel.

Other Pacific Club benefits include all-day refreshments and pressing or dry cleaning of up to two pieces of clothing per room per night. There is a nice chilled vibe here.

Food and beverage outlets include Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen, Café Orr or 24-hour room service.

Did I mention the staff? I found them uniformly excellent; helpful and smiling across the board. 

Pan Pacific Melbourne is at 2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, Melbourne. Check out https://www.panpacific.com/

* The writer was hosted by Pan Pacific Melbourne