This exquisite boutique luxury hotel captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties while celebrating Vietnam’s vibrant cultural heritage, seamlessly blending theatrical design with captivating storytelling.
Located in the heart of Hanoi, near the historic Hoan Kiem Lake, Capella Hanoi reflects Bensley’s signature maximalist approach. Known for his ability to craft immersive narratives through design, Bensley drew inspiration for this project from the world of opera.
The hotel is a tribute to the artists, composers, and glamorous guests of the Belle Époque era, evoking the opulence of historic European opera houses while grounding its aesthetics in Vietnamese heritage. The overarching theme revolves around the idea of a “petite auberge”—a fictional retreat where opera performers and aficionados once gathered, celebrating their craft in an atmosphere of indulgence and refinement.
The hotel exterior presents a refined yet stately façade, blending neoclassical influences with Art Deco flourishes. Echoing the grandeur of old-world opera houses, the building features ornate mouldings, arched windows, and a soft, cream palette that contrasts with the vibrant streets of Hanoi. Despite its grandeur, the scale remains intimate, reinforcing the boutique nature of the property.
Capella Hanoi blends 1920s glamour with Vietnam’s cultural heritage, creating a theatrical and immersive experience.
Inside, guests are absorbed into a theatrical world of glamour and nostalgia. Bensley’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every corner of the hotel tells a story. The lobby is adorned with period-specific artifacts, hand-painted murals, and dramatic chandeliers reminiscent of those found in Parisian opera houses.
Rich velvets, lacquered wood, and gilded accents create a sense of grandeur. The colour scheme is bold yet balanced, with deep jewel tones—emerald greens, ruby reds, and sapphire blues—contrasting against softer hues of cream and gold. The furniture, sourced from various parts of the world and custom-designed, channels the elegance of the early 20th century, incorporating both European and Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Each of the 47 rooms and suites is uniquely designed; themed around a character from the opera world, be it a diva, a composer, or celebrated patron.
Handcrafted furniture, bespoke wallpaper, and curated artworks bring these characters to life. The headboards are often inspired by the elaborate costumes of opera singers, while the bathrooms feature clawfoot tubs, intricate mosaic tiles, and vintage-inspired fittings. The integration of Vietnamese artisanal elements, such as hand-embroidered textiles and lacquerware, ensures that the local culture remains an integral part of the design.
Capella Hanoi is a testament to Bensley’s ability to fuse history, culture, and fantasy into a cohesive, enchanting destination.
One of the most captivating spaces in the hotel is the Diva’s Lounge, a richly decorated bar that pays homage to legendary opera singers. Plush seating, intimate lighting, and an eclectic mix of vintage memorabilia make it a space where guests can revel in the romance of a bygone era.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Backstage, continues the theatrical theme with a design that mirrors the behind-the-scenes areas of an opera house. The walls are adorned with sketches of costumes, stage set designs, and old playbills.
Auriga Spa takes inspiration from traditional Vietnamese healing rituals while maintaining an air of old-world luxury. The design incorporates natural materials such as stone, bamboo, and wood, creating a serene and intimate environment. The treatment rooms, like the rest of the hotel, follow the opera house theme, with subtle nods to theatrical elements such as vintage dressing tables and heavy drapery.
Rich velvets, lacquered wood, and gilded accents create a bold yet balanced color scheme of jewel tones and soft hues.
In keeping with Bensley’s commitment to storytelling through artistic details, every hallway, corridor, and common space is adorned with vintage opera memorabilia—costume sketches, original posters, and antique opera glasses. Sculptures and installations further reinforce the theme.
Bensley also incorporated humour and whimsy into the design, a hallmark of his work. Small, unexpected details—such as hidden animal motifs in the wallpaper or tongue-in-cheek quotes from famous opera singers—add layers of charm that make the space feel both luxurious and playful.
Capella Hanoi is a testament to Bill Bensley’s ability to fuse history, culture, and fantasy into a cohesive and immersive experience. By drawing from the world of opera and seamlessly integrating it with Vietnam’s artistic heritage, Bensley has created a hotel that is not just a place to stay but a destination in itself. With its intricate design, compelling storytelling, and unparalleled attention to detail, Capella Hanoi stands as one of Bensley’s most exquisite projects, offering guests an experience that is both nostalgic and enchanting.
