Best Western Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of an impressive new upscale hotel overlooking Ha Long Bay, the iconic Unesco World Heritage site in Vietnam.    

Developed by Doji Land Real Estate Investment Company Limited, the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is a spectacular new 31-storey project that is currently rising in the heart of Ha Long City’s hotel district. It will feature more than 1,000 spacious guestrooms, outstanding business and leisure facilities and panoramic views of the bay. The hotel is scheduled to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2020.

“Best Western is excited to announce the signing of the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long as this hotel reflects our brand’s commitment to bringing world-class hospitality to Asia’s most attractive destinations,” said Ron Pohl, senior vice president and chief operations officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to providing travellers visiting the historically-rich and captivating coast of Ha Long Bay with the elevated style and luxurious amenities that are signatures of our Best Western Premier brand.”

Upon opening, the hotel will feature 1,008 residential-style rooms with a minimum size of 35-sq-m and a choice of one or two bedrooms. Each unit will feature contemporary décor, a private balcony and modern technology, including complimentary wi-fi.

Guests will be able to unwind with a full range of facilities, including a swimming pool, fitness centre, business centre, executive lounge and retail outlets, all supported by Best Western’s impressive service standards. A diverse collection of dining and entertainment options will feature a bright all-day restaurant, a chic specialty restaurant, a coffee shop, beer bar, cigar lounge and wine bar.

“Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is a fantastic new hotel that provides international accommodation in an unsurpassed location, in the heart of one of the world’s most desirable destinations. As a globally recognised World Heritage site and one of the ‘New7Wonders of Nature,’ Ha Long Bay is the jewel in Vietnam’s tourism crown. Our wonderful new waterfront hotel will perfectly showcase this breathtaking landscape,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ managing director of International Operations - Asia.

“This landmark signing is a wonderful example of how Best Western’s portfolio is evolving in Asia Pacific. As a fully managed property, Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long will benefit from our company’s 70-plus years of hospitality expertise and extensive global support network. Sleek, stylish and spacious, this landmark hotel will combine seamless stays with stunning views. We look forward to working with Doji Land to bring their vision to life, and to welcoming our first guests to Ha Long Bay in 2020,” Olivier added.

Nestled in Quang Ninh province, northeast Vietnam, Ha Long Bay features approximately 2,000 islets and limestone karsts, jutting out from the water in a variety of dramatic shapes and sizes. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor adventure and recreation, including boat tours, cave exploration and kayaking.

Quang Ninh welcomed 7.5 million visitors in the first half of 2018, including 2.5 million international travellers, which marked a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. This number is likely to rise significantly in future as Ha Long Bay becomes more accessible than ever before. The recent opening of a new highway has slashed the travelling time from Hanoi down to just two hours, and the new Van Don International Airport is slated to start operating in late 2018, just 50km from Ha Long City.

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long marks the latest phase of Best Western’s Vietnamese expansion strategy, following the recent signings of hotels and resorts in Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and Quang Binh. - TradeArabia News Service