Hanoi has never been short on history. What the Vietnamese capital is increasingly gaining, however, is a new generation of hotels trying to interpret that history rather than simply build around it.

The latest is LÈGACY Hanoi – A Fusion Original, a 218-room hotel and wellness retreat that officially celebrated its grand opening on September 16 in the historic Ngoc Ha ward, close to West Lake.

The property marks Fusion Hotel Group’s debut in the capital and combines 85 hotel rooms and suites with 133 serviced apartments.

That mix allows LÈGACY to operate as both a city hotel and a longer-stay residence, but the more interesting story is how Fusion is attempting to make a contemporary property feel specifically connected to Hanoi.

A Modern Hotel Looking Backward

Rather than relying on generic ideas of Vietnamese design, the hotel takes inspiration from some distinctly Hanoi references, including the historic O Quan Chuong Gate, the Red River and the city’s five-petal peach blossom.

In the lobby, a grand interpretation of the traditional chim hac, or crane, appears to glide above the reception area, while patterns, textures and design details throughout the property make more subtle references to Vietnamese culture.

“Hanoi has an extraordinary sense of history, culture and identity. Our ambition with LÈGACY was to create a destination that feels truly connected to Hanoi — one that respects the character and heritage of the city while offering a fresh and contemporary hospitality experience,” Fusion Hotel Group CEO Christopher Hur said during the grand opening ceremony.

The building contains serviced apartments on floors nine through 13 and 19 through 21, while the 85 hotel rooms occupy floors 14 through 18.

Across eight accommodation categories, layouts range from 37-square-metre studios to 105-square-metre one- and two-bedroom units.

The hotel component includes 20 Original Rooms, 45 Deluxe Suites, five Premium Deluxe Suites and 15 Executive Suites. Each includes a private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, twin or double beds and a vintage record player accompanied by a selection of vinyl classics.

The apartments continue the heritage-inspired approach with warm woods, indigo blue and terracotta accents.

With the hotel rooms and suites positioned on higher floors, natural light and expansive views across Hanoi become part of the experience.

There is also Sparkling Moments, a complimentary refreshments service in the main lobby designed to encourage guests to linger, meet and treat the space as something more social than a traditional hotel reception.

Wellness Goes Beyond the Treatment Room

Fusion has built much of its identity in Vietnam around wellness, and LÈGACY continues that approach with YÊN Spa.

Its name comes from the Vietnamese word “yên,” meaning peace.

The spa combines Vietnamese-inspired therapies, massage and beauty treatments with an onsen featuring hot and cold pools, a sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge.

It represents a broader shift taking place in upscale Asian hotels, where wellness is increasingly becoming part of the overall stay rather than something confined to an hour-long spa appointment.

Hanoi From the 24th Floor

LÈGACY saves some of its biggest views for the top of the building.

MỘC LOFT, the hotel’s all-day restaurant on the 24th floor, looks across the city while presenting Northern Vietnamese flavours through a contemporary fusion approach.

Then there is 24 Social and Terrace, the hotel’s rooftop bar and open-air social space, combining cocktails, music and skyline views in a setting designed to move naturally from sunset into evening.

It creates an interesting contrast with the heritage references found elsewhere in the hotel: old Hanoi reinterpreted inside a thoroughly contemporary high-rise, topped by the kind of rooftop gathering place that has become a defining feature of many modern Asian cities.

Newly appointed General Manager Ngo Anh Doan describes the philosophy simply.

“Creativity doesn’t erase tradition,” he said. “It breathes new life into it, making heritage resonate with today.”

That may ultimately be the most interesting test for LÈGACY Hanoi.

In a capital where history remains part of everyday street life, opening another upscale hotel is one thing.

Creating one that genuinely feels connected to Hanoi is something altogether more ambitious.