Vietnamese Art at Apricot Hotel
With plans for a grand opening at the end of summer, Apricot Hotel has opened its doors for business.
Located in the Old Quarter of Veitnam’s cultural and political capital Honoi, the hotel has sweeping views of Hoan Lake due to its floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
The small five-star hotel offers 123 neo-classical guestrooms, two restaurants, a lobby lounge and café, rooftop bar, heated rooftop swimming pool, meeting facilities, spa and fitness centre.
The main attraction is the 600 original artworks, by the nation’s most popular artists, showcased throughout the hotel. With a broad spectrum of artworks, from large masterpieces and sculptures to watercolours and sketches, the hotel is akin to a large-scale gallery.
Highlights include Nguyễn Dung’s Hát Ả Đào (Traditional Folk Song Singers), Mai Thứ’s poignant Thiếu Nữ (Young Girl), and Phan Kế An’s Nhớ Một Chiều Tây Băc (Recalling One Late Afternoon in Tay Bac). Plus, more contemporary artists such as Bùi Hữu Hùng and Hồng Việt Dũng.
There are subtle hints of the Vietnamese war in many paintings, relating to the building’s French colonial history. Consequently the revamp of the property, formerly Phú Gia Hotel, has combined the classic with modern design.
“Art is a gateway to the deepest, most profound depths of any culture,” says Steve Tan, the hotel’s general manager. “At the same time we’re providing a stationary experience of accommodation, we’re going to take guests on an incredible journey through the history of Vietnamese art and culture.”
