Meliá Hanoi has established itself as one of Vietnam’s premier luxury hospitality destinations. Set in the heart of Hanoi’s political and business district, the hotel is renowned for its upscale accommodation, world-class service, and exceptional meetings and events facilities. With one of the city’s largest ballrooms and advanced event technology, Meliá Hanoi has become a trusted venue for international conferences, diplomatic receptions, and high-profile gatherings.

Leading this esteemed hotel is Luis Basterra Urcelay, the General Manager whose dedication to service distinction and innovation has helped position Meliá Hanoi as a benchmark for luxury hospitality in Vietnam. Under his leadership, the hotel has earned recognition from Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2026 as Best Luxury Banquet/Event Hotel in Vietnam, reflecting its outstanding event infrastructure, personalized guest experiences, and passion for delivering luxury for both business and leisure travelers.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, leads our exclusive interview. Drawing on more than 17 years of experience recognizing the globe’s most distinguished luxury brands through the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he offers rich expertise and discerning insight into the dynamic landscape of luxury.

Alexander Chetchikov: Meliá Hanoi has been honored with the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2026 for Best Luxury Banquet/Event Hotel in Vietnam. How does this recognition reflect the dedication and efforts of your team?

Luis Basterra Urcelay: This recognition is a true reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Behind every successful event at Meliá Hanoi is a dedicated team that consistently delivers with precision, passion, and attention to detail.

It acknowledges not only our operational capabilities but also the strong culture of collaboration and service excellence that we have built over the years.

AC: Meliá Hanoi is known for hosting prestigious conferences, diplomatic receptions, and large-scale events. What key factors make the hotel a preferred venue for high-profile gatherings?

LBU: Meliá Hanoi has established itself as a preferred venue for high-profile gatherings through a combination of experience, reliability, and discretion.

Over the years, we have had the privilege of welcoming distinguished world leaders and dignitaries, including Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and numerous international delegations. These experiences have strengthened our expertise in handling events that require the highest level of protocol, security, and precision.

Our success also lies in our ability to deliver seamless execution at scale, supported by flexible event spaces, advanced technology, and a highly experienced team. Equally important is our ability to tailor each event to meet the specific needs of our clients, particularly government and diplomatic segments.

This combination of trust, capability, and personalized service is what makes Meliá Hanoi a reliable choice for prestigious events.

AC: The hotel features one of Hanoi’s largest ballrooms and advanced event technology. How do these facilities enhance the experience for event organizers and guests?

LBU: Our facilities play a significant role in enhancing the overall event experience. With one of the largest and pillar-less ballrooms in Hanoi, combined with advanced event technology, we are able to accommodate a wide range of event formats with flexibility and efficiency.

This allows organizers to focus on their objectives while we ensure that every technical and operational detail is handled smoothly, creating a refined and memorable experience for all attendees.

AC: Meliá Hanoi is strategically located in the city’s political and business district. How does this location contribute to the hotel’s success as a leading MICE destination?

LBU: Our location in the heart of Hanoi’s political and business district is a key advantage.

It provides convenience and accessibility for government delegations, corporate clients, and international visitors, while also placing guests close to the city’s major cultural and historical landmarks.

This strategic positioning reinforces our role as a leading MICE destination in the capital.

AC: The concept of “bleisure” travel is increasingly popular. How does Meliá Hanoi successfully combine business functionality with luxury leisure experiences for modern travelers?

LBU: The rise of “bleisure” travel has significantly reshaped guest expectations, and at Meliá Hanoi, we have embraced this by creating a seamless balance between business functionality and leisure experiences.

While we provide well-equipped meeting facilities and efficient services for business travelers, we also offer thoughtfully curated spaces where guests can unwind and recharge.

Our dining venues play an important role in this experience. At Mosaico, guests can enjoy a vibrant all-day dining experience with international flavors; Cham Restaurant offers a more refined culinary journey inspired by Cantonese influences; while Garbo Gastro Bar provides a stylish setting for after-work relaxation, social gatherings, and evening cocktails.

Together, these experiences allow our guests to transition effortlessly from work to leisure, making their stay both productive and enjoyable.

AC: Personalized service is a hallmark of luxury hospitality. How does your team ensure every guest feels valued and enjoys a memorable stay?

LBU: Personalized service is at the core of everything we do.

Our team is trained to anticipate guest needs and deliver thoughtful, tailored experiences at every touchpoint. Whether it is a returning guest or a first-time visitor, we strive to create a sense of familiarity, comfort, and genuine care that makes each stay memorable.

AC: Innovation plays an important role in maintaining a competitive edge in the hospitality industry. Are there any upcoming developments or initiatives at Meliá Hanoi that you are particularly excited about?

LBU: Innovation is essential in staying relevant in today’s hospitality landscape.

At Meliá Hanoi, we are continuously enhancing our offerings, from upgrading event technology and digital solutions to refining our service concepts and guest experiences.

We are particularly excited about initiatives that further elevate our MICE capabilities while also enriching the overall guest journey.

AC: And lastly, what is your vision for the future of Meliá Hanoi and its role in shaping luxury hospitality and event experiences in Vietnam?

LBU: Looking ahead, our vision is to strengthen Meliá Hanoi’s position as a leading luxury hotel and premier event destination in Vietnam.

We aim to continue setting benchmarks in service excellence, innovation, and guest experience, while contributing to Hanoi’s reputation as a dynamic hub for international events and luxury hospitality.

Thank you, Mr. Luis Basterra Urcelay, for sharing your insights, and congratulations once again to you and the entire Meliá Hanoi team on this remarkable achievement.

To discover more about this award-winning luxury destination or to plan your next stay or event, visit the official website:
https://www1.melia.com/en/hotels/vietnam/hanoi/melia-hanoi