2020 wasn't exactly a banner year for travel and tourism, but that didn't stop the world's first "gold-plated hotel" from opening its doors. You won't find it in Las Vegas or Monte Carlo – the luxury property is in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake began welcoming guests in July 2020. The 25-story, 342-room hotel overlooks Giang Vo Lake in the center of the Vietnamese capital. It reportedly cost $200 million USD to build, and used approximately one ton of gold in the construction. In addition to the gold-tiled rooftop infinity pool and gilded lobby and elevators, guests can expect gold flakes in their food, coffee served in 24-karat mugs, and gold-plated bathtubs, sinks, and – you guessed it – toilets.
All that glitters:
- Considering its "blingy" decor and five-star rating, a stay at the hotel is relatively affordable. Basic rooms are available for around $120 USD per night, though that's significantly more expensive than the cost of a typical hotel room in Hanoi.
- One of Dolce's most popular attractions is its Golden Beef Restaurant, which boasts Wagyu steaks covered in gold leaf.
- Nguyen Huu Duong, the chairman of the Hoa Binh Group that owns the hotel, plans to open other gold-themed properties in south and central Vietnam.