Hanoi, the vibrant capital city of Vietnam, is a destination that seamlessly blends rich history and culture with modernity. Known for its bustling streets, enchanting architecture, and delectable street food, Hanoi offers a plethora of options when it comes to accommodations. Whether you prefer luxury hotels with stunning views of the city’s landmarks or budget-friendly hotels tucked away in charming alleyways, there is something to suit every traveller’s taste and budget in this captivating city. In this article, we will explore some of the best areas to stay in Hanoi, helping you make an informed decision on where to rest your head during your visit.
Should you stay in the:
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- French Quarter
- West Lake (Tay Ho)
- Dong Da District
Each district offers the visitor a different experience from the frenetic but vibrant Old Quarter to the quieter alternative in the West Lake district.
Our article on where to stay in Hanoi will assist you in making the right decision based on the activities that you want to do. We share with you the recommended hotels in Hanoi in each of the districts which are more suited for tourists and travellers.
Looking for nightlife in Hanoi?
If you are a foodie you will enjoy some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi, you will be spoilt for choice.
How long should you stay in Hanoi?
We would recommend at least 4 nights in Hanoi and then you can visit the other parts of the country such as Sapa, Mai Chau, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, these are the top tourist destinations in Vietnam.
You can bookmark our article as we will update regularly with more hotels after our visits. There is so much accommodation in Hanoi to choose from it can be overwhelming, we hope our article will assist you in choosing the right location and the hotel in the right location.
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When you are choosing a location or a hotel to stay in Hanoi there are 5 factors to consider:
- safety
- location to top Hanoi attractions
- close to restaurants and bars
- for things to do in Hanoi choose your location according to these activities. If you book accommodation in the wrong area you may end up spending all your time in traffic. Hanoi’s traffic can be a nightmare, especially at peak times
- some of the hotels in the Old Quarter, in particular, have small rooms and some offer windowless rooms. Read the description carefully before booking.
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Hanoi Old Quarter Hanoi Hotels
After staying in the Old Quarter and Dong Da district we loved our stay in the Old Quarter.
We loved staying in the Old Quarter. It was vibrant, and fun, with great bars and restaurants. In the 15th century, all streets in the area were named after a trade or a service. “Hang” means merchandise. Today there are 36 main streets. Some of the well-known streets are:
- Hang Bac – silversmiths
- Hang Be – made bamboo rafts and sold them in Hang Tre Street
- Cau Go – today sells women’s accessories
- Hang Dao – silk products
- Dong Xuan Street – the biggest market in Hanoi
- Hang Mam – one sold fish sauce today is stone etching for tombstones and coffins
- Ma May Street – used to sell rattan and sacred joss. Today you can visit the Ancient House and dine well at the Lantern Restaurant (one of our favourites)
- Hang Thiec – tinsmiths, candlesticks, oil lamps and opium boxes
Beer Street is worth an evening visit and on the weekend the night market starts at 7 pm and runs from Hong Dao Street to Dong Xuan Street.
Hot Tips
For the best Banh Mi in the Old Quarter head to Banh Mi 25 at 25 Hang Ca Street.
For great service, an excellent menu and delicious food we would recommend Lantern Restaurant at 80 Ma May Street.
The Hanoi Old Quarter which is north of Hoan Kiem Lake can be noisy and you will find that on the weekends when the night market is on that some of the smaller roads will be closed. If you are checking into your hotel in this area you may be dropped off at a major road with directions on how to get to your hotel on foot.
We can recommend visiting the Hoan Kiem Lake early in the morning to see the locals exercise around the lake. It is also the coolest part of the day, an escape from the high humidity that Hanoi experiences.
One of the popular things to see in the Old Quarter is the Water Puppet Theatre. You can pre-book your tickets here and have them delivered to your hotel.
Hanoi Hotels 5 Star – Old Quarter
Oriental Jade Hotel & Spa
The Oriental Jade Hotel is located at 94 Hang Trong Street Hoan Kiem. The hotel offers 120 boutique guest rooms and suites with free WiFi and free breakfast with views over Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Cathedral and the Old Quarter. The hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool and spa with panoramic views.
Read Tripadvisor Reviews here for the Oriental Jade Hotel & Spa
Apricot Hotel
The 5-star Apricot Hotel is located at 136 Hang Trong Street Hoan Kiem. The hotel offers 123 bedrooms in neo-classical design and old-world style elegance with free WiFi, Spa L’At, a rooftop swimming pool and bar with expansive views over Hanoi.
Read Tripadvisor Reviews for the Apricot Hotel here
4 Star Hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
La Siesta Premium Hang Be
For 4-star accommodation, we can recommend the La Siesta Premium Hang Be hotel in the Old Quarter. We undertook a site inspection of La Siesta, checking out all their rooms and suites as well as their dining facilities and enjoyed a ‘sundowner’ from their rooftop bar. The hotel is well located in the Old Quarter close to the Water Puppet Theatre and has easy access to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Address: 27 Hang Be Street Hoan Kiem Lake
Latest Guest Review:
We couldn’t have been happier with our stay! We didn’t have a long time in Ha Noi, but in just a couple of days, the staff & facilities really impressed us. The room, restaurant, & rooftop bar were all even better than the photos suggest, which is definitely not always the case. What impressed us most though, was the staff. Again, despite our short stay, they went above & beyond to make us feel comfortable & provided excellent suggestions. We’d stay here again for the staff alone, but really every part of the experience was great!
O’Gallery Premium Hotel & Spa
Well located to visit Hoan Kiem Lake and St.Joseph’s Cathedral. Well-appointed rooms some with balconies or terraces. Breakfast is included. There is also a restaurant on-site, spa, bar and family rooms are available.
Address: 122 Hang Bong Street Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi
Latest Guest Review:
Very helpful staff, organised covid tests for us and taxis to the airport for a reasonable price. Very comfortable bed and quiet room making for a good night’s sleep
3 Star Hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Trang Trang Boutique Hotel
For 3-star accommodation, we can recommend the Trang Trang Boutique Hotel in the Old Quarter at 104 Ma May Street. We stayed here twice. The hotel is very comfortable, good WiFi, breakfast included in some rates and is close to the top attractions of Hanoi.
Guest review: The hotel is very clean. Receptionists are well-trained & friendly, gave us suggestions on where to eat & explore. Service is beyond expectations with such an affordable price. Highly recommended for those that are looking for a hotel in Hanoi City Center.
Trang Trang Premium Hotel
The Trang Trang Premium hotel is comfortable, and modern, with breakfast included and good wifi. The location at 15 Cau Go Lane is perfect for visiting the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. We stayed here for over a week as well as staying at their sister hotel the Trang Trang Boutique Hotel.
For a good budget hotel we can recommend both Trang Trang properties.
You can read Tripadvisor Reviews on the Trang Trang Premium Hotel here
French Quarter
Map of the French Quarter of Hanoi
The French Quarter lies to the south of Hoan Kiem Lake. Some of the best of Hanoi’s luxury hotels are located here. It is also home to foreign embassies, international schools and government buildings.
Some of the major attractions:
- Hanoi Opera House at 1 Trang Tien Phan Chu Trinh
- St Josephs Cathedral at 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem
- Hoa Lo Prison at 1 Hoa Lo Tran Hung Dao Hoan Kiem
- National Museum of Vietnamese History at 214 Tran Quang Khai Trang Tien Hoan Kiem
- Ho Chi Minh Complex
- For shopping head to the Trang Tien Plaza
- For boutiques, bookshops and galleries Trang Tien Street is worth a visit
5 Star Hotels in the Hanoi French Quarter
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Sofitel Metropole Hanoi is one of the very best Hanoi hotels in the French Quarter. The luxury hotel was built in 1901 at 15 Ngo Quyen Street Hoan Kiem. Bedrooms have been decorated in either classic French decor or elegant neo-classical design. The hotel has the first French restaurant that opened in Hanoi – Le Beaulieu. The hotel offers guests a heated swimming pool, spa, fitness and various bars and restaurants. Some of the famous guests that have stayed there are Charlie Chaplin and Graham Greene.
The Sofitel Metropole is a ‘must-visit’ in Hanoi. Close to the reception is their ‘famous wall’ of all the famous people who have stayed there over the years. You can even take a tour of the underground bunker that was discovered in recent renovations.
You can read Tripadvisor Reviews on the Sofitel Legend Metropole here.
Hotel de L’opera Hanoi M Gallery
The 5-star Hotel de l’Opera is located at 29 Trang Tien Hoan Kiem just a 4-minute walk from Hanoi’s Opera House in the French Quarter. Part of the Accor Group the luxury hotel offers a swimming pool, restaurants and bar as well as free WiFi.
Read Tripadvisor Reviews of the Hotel de l’Opera here
4 Star Hotels in the French Quarter of Hanoi
Lapis Hotel
The Lapis Hotel is located at 21 Tran Hung Dao Street close to banks, embassies and major companies. You can enjoy a swim in their rooftop pool, work out at their health club and relax in the sauna before enjoying dinner in their restaurant.
You can read Tripadvisor reviews here on the Lapis Hotel
Conifer Boutique Hotel
The Conifer Boutique Hotel is in a central location in the French Quarter close to the Opera House.
All rooms are air-conditioned and fitted with a wardrobe, personal safe and ironing facilities. A cable flat-screen TV, minibar and an electric kettle are provided for your convenience. En suite bathroom comes equipped with a shower y, a hairdryer and toiletries.
The Conifer Restaurant offers all-day dining. Some of the rooms have a private balcony. Breakfast is included.
Guest Review: The location is great for the Museum and walking distance to some sightseeing spots. Okay for the Old Quarter “centre” and the market. Nice and quiet neighbourhood. Beautiful deluxe room with balcony, nice roadside coffee in front of the hotel.
Address: 9 Ly Dao Thanh Street Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi
3 Star Hotels in the French Quarter
Hanoi E Central Hotel
The 3-star Hanoi E Central Hotel is located at 18 Lo Su Ly Thai To Hoan Kiem. The boutique hotel offers 21 luxury rooms with city views, free WiFi and unique dining experiences in their Cha Ca Lang Restaurant.
You can read the latest Tripadvisor reviews on the Hanoi E Central Hotel here
West Lake (Tay Ho District)
Map of the West Lake District of Hanoi
If you prefer to stay somewhere where it is quiet the West Lake district is recommended. Taxi’s to the Old Quarter and French Quarter can take between 25 – 40 minutes depending on the traffic.
This area is less frenetic and is suitable for families and couples who want some peace and quiet.
The lake is the largest in the capital with 17 km of shore length and within a 500-hectare area.
5 Star Hotels in the West Lake District
Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake
(photo courtesy of the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake)
The luxury 5-star Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake is located at 05 Tu Hoa, Tay Ho in Hanoi. Luxury residences on offer include 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, with a selection of 2 bars and 3 restaurants to enjoy during your stay. Enjoy a relaxing treatment at their Spa & Wellness Centre, a workout at their fitness centre or enjoy some relaxing time at the pool. The hotel is located next to the Golden Lotus Pagoda.
You can read the latest Tripadvisor reviews of the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel here
Elegant Suites Westlake
The 5-star Elegant Suites are located at 10B Dang Thai Mai, Tay Ho District, Westlake.
The residences offer excellent facilities and accommodation for family stays, couples and solo travellers. The hotel offers serviced accommodation, a fitness centre, a sauna, free WiFi and children’s activities. Complimentary breakfast is available during the week at the Camellia Restaurant and there are complimentary scheduled shuttle bus services to the city.
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews of the Elegant Suites Westlake click here.
4 Star Hotels in the West Lake District
The Flower Garden Hotel
The Flower Garden Hotel is located at 46 Nguyen Truong To Street Ba Dinh District Hanoi. The hotel offers free WiFi, free breakfast and has 83 spacious rooms and suites. The hotel offers a fitness centre.
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews for the Flower Garden Hotel click here
The Hanoi Club Hotel & Lake Palais Residences
The Hanoi Club Hotel & Lake Palais Residences are located at 76 Po Yen Phu, Yen Phu, Tay Ho. The hotel offers views of the lake, free WiFi, an on-site restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna and spa.
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews of the Hanoi Club Hotel & Lake Palais Residences click here
3 Star Hotels in the West Lake District
AWA Boutique Hotel
The AWA Boutique Hotel is located at 130 Yen Hoa Yen Phu Tay Ho within 1 km of the West Lake. There is an outdoor terrace and a shared kitchen for guests.
You can read the latest Tripadvisor Reviews of the AWA Boutique Hotel here
Royal Hotel near Westlake
The Royal Hotel is located at 60 Nghi Tam Street Yun Phu Ward Tay Ho district. The 3-star hotel offers a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes, a shared lounge, family rooms and a terrace.
Guest review: It was a decent stay. I spent most of my daytime out for work. The staff was so helpful, they helped with translation and wrote down some key words for me and pronunciation (vegetarian meals). I enjoyed the walk around the location. Rooms were clean and nice. WiFi was good.
For the latest Tripadvisor reviews of the Royal Hotel near Westlake click here
Dong Da District
Within walking distance to:
- Temple of Literature 1 km
- One Pillar Pagoda 1.2 km
- Vietnam Military History Museum 1.7 km
- Lenin Park 1.7 km
- Presidential Palace 1.7 km
The Pullman Hanoi Hotel
The 5-star luxury Pullman Hanoi is located at 40 Cat Linh in Dong Da. The Pullman Hotel offers luxurious accommodation, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. They offer a regular scheduled shuttle bus to the Old Quarter for their guests.
You can enjoy a cocktail at the Mint bar or dine at La Cheminee.
You can read our review of the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi here.
We also stayed at the Pullman Danang Beach Resort & Spa in Danang and the Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanoi Travel Information
Flight deals to Hanoi
Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner our ‘go-to’ when researching and booking flights.
How to get from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi City
For a private transfer from Hanoi’s airport to your hotel For details to purchase click here.
You can read our guide to Vietnam Airports here
Travel Around Hanoi
Grab (similar to Uber) is available in Hanoi.
Hanoi Hop on Hop off Bus
- Enjoy a hop-on, hop-off bus tour for either 24, or 48 hours
- Discover panoramic views of Hanoi and hop off at any of the 13 stops located around the city
- Benefit of a free guidebook with maps, recommendations, schedules, and coupons
Travel Around Vietnam
For bus, ferry and train tickets in Asia we use 12goAsia.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Hanoi offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels in the heart of the city or budget-friendly hotels in quaint neighbourhoods, there is something for everyone. The Old Quarter remains a popular choice for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to major attractions, while West Lake provides a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Ultimately, the best place to stay in Hanoi will depend on your personal preferences and what you hope to experience during your visit. With its rich history, bustling markets, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Hanoi promises an unforgettable stay no matter where you choose to rest your head at night.
It is so difficult to make a choice. All these hotels look great and each of them seem to have a good location to explore the city. But as I like being near the water, I think I’d prefer the Hotels in the West Lake District. Having a lake nearby makes me be so happy without any reason.
Hi Luliana
Thank you for your comments. Yes, it is so hard to decide where to stay in Hanoi. We hope you can stay by the lake when you can visit.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I always spend a ton of time deciding where to stay. Location, safety, hotel amenities and what is nearby are all important factors to consider like you said. I like the way you organized this by neighborhood and star rating. The Old Quarter seems like it would be a really nice area to stay in and the 3 star hotels you listed seem very nice.
Hi Elizabeth
Thanks for your comments. The Old Quarter is the vibrant area to stay in Hanoi – we really enjoyed the weekend night markets there and walking around roads that are normally frantic with motorbikes during the week. The food is excellent in the Quarter as well.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Hi Jane and Duncan, this is my first visit to your blog and definitely not the last, I love ur blog logo , its very cute and also the tag-line, age really is not a barrier to travel the world! Your hotel guide for Hanois is very detailed and I especially like the district wise suggestions – something to suit every type of traveller and budget!
Hi Manjiri
Thank you for your kind comments about our blog. We are glad that you enjoyed our article on where to stay in Hanoi.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Those are some pretty good tips that you have shared. I would have never read that bit about windowless rooms if you had not mentioned it here. From what you have mentioned, the Old quarters seems like the most promising. It is close to the key areas of Hanoi and also, seems to have a variety of hotels suiting different budgets. Guess that would be my first choice.
Hi Ami
Thanks for your comments. The Old Quarter is definitely the place to stay for us – it is vibrant buzzy and great food.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Vietnam is still on my bucket list, so I appreciate your lodging recommendations. I was in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia. And I hope that soon I will be able to see Vietnam. So, I will gladly take advantage of your Hanoi guide. I like that you presented accommodation in Hanoi in such detail. Everyone can find something for himself.
Hi Agnes
Thanks for your comments. If you have visited Thailand, Laos and Cambodia you will surely enjoy Vietnam.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I was in Hanoi a few months back and decided to stay in the vibrant Old Quarter too but in a homestay rather than a hotel. It was a great experience and I loved walking around the Hoan Kiem Lake. I know the water puppet theatre is one of those authentic local experiences but I am really not a fan of puppet shows so I decided to skip it. Not sure if that was a good idea or not! Also, visited SaPa and loved it.
Hi Medha
Thanks for your comments. Back in 2002 when I first visited Hanoi I missed visiting the Water Puppets because I felt the same way as you. This time I am so glad we did – they are very clever performances in the water – I was impressed. Hope you get to visit one day.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Thank you for sharing information its really helpful keep posting more articles thanks
Thanks!