Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Huế, is a city where history lingers in its grand architecture, poetic riverbanks, and compelling cuisine. Though time and war have left their marks, the restoration of the UNESCO-listed Imperial City recaptures its regal past. Across the Perfume River, remnants of another era endure—the tree-lined boulevards and stately villas of Huế’s French Quarter. One such villa, Azerai La Residence, a 1930s Art Deco mansion once home to France’s regional Resident-Superior, has a new life.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of Azerai La Residence, Huế
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: Azerai La Residence, Huế
Location: Huế, central Vietnam
Address: 5 Le Loi Street, Huế City, Vietnam
Neighbourhood: Perfume River waterfront, south bank
Rooms: 122 rooms and suites
Style: 1930s Art Deco architecture, French-colonial heritage and contemporary tropical luxury
Family-friendly: Yes, with family accommodation options; children aged 11 and under can stay free in their parents’ room using existing bedding, subject to the applicable booking terms
Wellness: Le Spa, fitness centre and tennis facilities, outdoor saltwater swimming pool with poolside bar
Best for: Couples, culture lovers, history enthusiasts, luxury travellers and relaxing city breaks
Prices from: £96 per night, depending on room and season.
Setting the scene: Art Deco on the Perfume River
The striking exterior of Azerai La Residence by night
A striking example of the streamlined modern style, with clean horizontal lines, curved balconies, and subtle nautical details, this original colonial-era mansion is now the heart of Azerai La Residence.
Expanded in 2005 with two new wings, the property now offers 122 rooms and suites. It spans 2.5 hectares of manicured gardens, embracing its riverfront setting. Unlike many city hotels, the low-rise buildings, open green spaces, and expansive pool lend a resort-like atmosphere—an escape from the urban hum of Huế.
In 2018, the hotel joined Azerai, the boutique brand founded by Adrian Zecha, the visionary behind Aman Resorts. His signature approach—boutique accommodations with a sense of place combining intimacy and style shapes the hotel’s ethos, from its tranquil feel to its attentive yet discreet service.
Rooms: a balance of elegance and comfort
Interior of Deluxe Room
Our spacious Deluxe Room on the west wing’s top (third) floor was a light-filled retreat with a private balcony overlooking the river and hotel grounds. Inside, dark timber floors contrast with soft grey terrazzo tiles, while a low-profile chaise lounge and barrel-style armchair in the separate lounge area add a touch of Art Deco sophistication.
Thoughtful details stand out. The espresso machine and selection of premium Vietnamese coffee and teas elevated our morning rituals. Azerai-branded toiletries, plush robes, and a well-stocked minibar enhanced the sense of comfort.
The house-bottled drinking water also speaks to the property’s overall eco-focus. A plastic-free ethos is evident across the hotel. Solar panels hide on the roof, and the free water refill station adjacent to the resort’s Boutique and business centre is to be applauded.
Dining: Huế’s culinary legacy on the plate
Flavours of Royal Gastronomy
Food in Huế is an experience shaped by the city’s imperial past. Le Parfum, the hotel’s main restaurant, reflects this heritage in both setting and menu. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with inside and al-fresco dining on the garden terrace, design elements—vaulted ceilings, fluted columns, and polished wood floors—evoke an elegant bygone era.
Breakfast includes a broad yet curated selection of Western staples and Vietnamese specialities. There are freshly squeezed juices, tropical fruits, an impressive selection of cold cuts, and bread and pastry offerings that would easily fit into a Parisian boulangerie. For me, the highlight was the bún bò Huế—a rich, spicy beef noodle soup considered the city’s signature dish.
For a deeper dive into Huế’s royal cuisine, the Flavours of Royal Gastronomy menu (pre-booking required) showcases dishes once reserved for emperors. Expect delicacies like crispy baby clam spring rolls, Huế royal rice balls, and a longan sweet soup, each reflecting the city’s reputation as Vietnam’s culinary heartland.
Interior of Le Gouverneur Bar
Le Gouverneur Bar is a standout space with its striking green backdrop, terracotta hues, and vintage furnishings. Whether for morning coffee, afternoon tea, a pre-dinner cocktail, or a nightcap, it exudes old-world charm and a convivial warmth that invites lingering.
What else?
Huế is a city meant for exploring, and Azerai La Residence offers an ideal starting point. The concierge can arrange guided tours of the Imperial City, royal tombs, pagodas, and more, as they did for me. Try a sunset or dinner cruise on the hotel’s newly launched 55-foot wooden boat, Nam Xuan, for something more exclusive.
After a day of sightseeing, Le Spa provides a welcome retreat. The menu includes treatments inspired by traditional Vietnamese medicine, from herbal remedies to bamboo massages and cupping therapy. My traditional Vietnamese massage with healing Cajeput oil was just the thing after days of exploring. A modern gym and yoga sessions cater to guests seeking wellness beyond the spa.
For those drawn to art and craftsmanship, the hotel’s La Residence Gallery hosts rotating exhibits, while the Boutique showcases a curated selection of locally crafted jewellery, textiles, and objets d’art. Be warned as temptations abound, from elegant linen resort wear to handcrafted souvenirs far removed from the usual tourist fare.
Getting there and around
The hotel is around 16km from Phu Bai International Airport, the main airport serving Huế, and the journey usually takes around 25–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Taxis and private transfers, which the hotel can arrange, are the most convenient options, particularly if you are arriving with luggage.
If you’re travelling from Da Nang, the hotel is about 95km away, and the drive typically takes around two to three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. A private car is a comfortable option, and the journey can be incorporated into a scenic trip along the coast, although the route you choose will affect the travel time.
Huế Railway Station is also within easy reach of the hotel by taxi. Travelling by train from Da Nang can be particularly rewarding, as the route crosses the spectacular Hải Vân Pass, with coastal and mountain views along the way. Allow extra time for transfers between the station and the hotel.
Azerai La Residence sits on the southern bank of the Perfume River, making it a great base for exploring the city. The Imperial City and Citadel and Dong Ba Market are all within walking distance from the hotel. You can walk to a number of nearby attractions, although a taxi or ride-hailing service such as Grab is often more comfortable in the heat or rain.
For the royal tombs scattered around the outskirts of Huế, including the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh, arrange a car, taxi or book a guided tour. These sights are spread across the surrounding countryside, so visiting several in one day is easiest with private transport. Thien Mu Pagoda, overlooking the Perfume River, is another worthwhile excursion and can be reached by car or boat.
The verdict: who should stay here?
Huế is a city steeped in history and culture. Azerai La Residence’s colonial-era grandeur, river setting, and commitment to refined simplicity make it an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive, relaxed stay. For travellers who appreciate heritage hotels with a story, cultural immersion, and subtle, travel-savvy luxury, Azerai La Residence is an excellent choice in Huế.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Huế?
For most first-time visitors, the southern bank of the Perfume River is the most convenient base. It has a good choice of hotels, restaurants, cafés and transport options, while remaining within reach of the Imperial City and other major attractions. Azerai La Residence is a particularly appealing choice for luxury travellers who want a riverside setting and a quieter atmosphere.
The northern bank, around the Citadel, is better suited to travellers who want to stay close to the historic quarter and experience a more traditional, residential side of the city.
Is Azerai La Residence in a good location?
Yes. The hotel occupies a riverside position on Le Loi Street, around 2km from the Imperial City and approximately 1km from Dong Ba Market. It is close enough to the centre for sightseeing while offering gardens, a pool and a more secluded atmosphere than a hotel on a busy central street.
Is Huế worth visiting?
Absolutely. Huế was the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn dynasty and is known for its UNESCO-listed monuments, royal tombs, temples and distinctive cuisine. It offers a different experience from the larger, more energetic cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with a stronger emphasis on history, architecture and the surrounding landscape.
How many nights should I spend in Huế?
Two nights is a good minimum, giving you time to explore the Imperial City, visit a royal tomb or two and sample the local food. Three nights allows for a more relaxed itinerary, with time for Thien Mu Pagoda, a boat trip on the Perfume River and a longer lunch or dinner.
If you are travelling through central Vietnam, Huế works well as a stop between Hanoi or Ninh Binh and Đà Nẵng or Hội An.
What are the best things to do in Huế?
The Imperial City and Citadel are the main attractions, with palaces, temples, gates and courtyards that reflect Vietnam’s imperial past. Other highlights include the royal tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, Thien Mu Pagoda, Dong Ba Market and a boat trip on the Perfume River.
Food should also be part of your itinerary. Huế is known for dishes such as bun bo Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup, as well as banh beo, banh khoai and other small savoury specialities.
Is Huế walkable?
Parts of the city are walkable, particularly around the riverfront and central streets on the southern bank. However, the major historical sights are spread across the city and surrounding countryside. The Imperial City is accessible from central hotels, but visiting the royal tombs is easier by car, taxi or organised tour.
When is the best time to visit Huế?
Spring, particularly February to April, is generally a pleasant time to visit, with warm temperatures and comparatively less rain. Summer can be hot and humid. The wetter period typically falls in autumn, particularly September to November, when heavy rain and flooding can affect travel plans. Check the forecast before travelling and consider flexible bookings during the rainy season.
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