Vietnam's beautiful historic capital, Hanoi is a city of contradictions. Home to elegant French-era buildings on one hand, it’s also a chaotic maze of lanes lined with food stalls and bustling markets, overlooked by the glittering high-rises of the rapidly modernising business district. Whatever it is that draws you to the city, you’ll be looking for a top-notch hotel or guesthouse — and this is where our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Hanoi comes in. Read on for a flavour of this vibrant northern metropolis and its most marvellous properties.
Most visitors are drawn to Hanoi’s busy Old Quarter — also known as the Hoan Kiem District — where you’ll find food stalls spilling out onto the street, crumbling shophouses, cafés, boutiques and bars. Guided walking tours are a terrific way to discover this colourful neighbourhood, deemed by many to be the true heart and soul of the city. Don’t miss strolling around lovely Hoan Kiem Lake to see the Ngoc Son Temple, or visiting the Hai Ba Trung Temple and Mã Mây House.
You’ll find the elegant French Quarter (where imposing façades reflect the city’s past as the capital of French Indochina from the 1880s to the 1950s) just to the southeast. More laid-back, this district houses the Presidential Palace, the yellow-painted Hanoi Opera House and 19th-century St Joseph’s Cathedral. The sobering Hoa Lo Prison, dubbed ‘The Hanoi Hilton’ by the American POWs held within its walls, is another key landmark. There are cultural attractions aplenty beyond these areas, too, such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the ancient Temple of Literature. Gather in the evening for atmospheric walking tours, live music nights or fine dining experiences at some of the best places to stay in Hanoi.
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Hanoi (Hoan Kiem, Vietnam)
A small yet perfectly formed boutique bolthole in the heart of the famous Old Quarter. Chic rooms feature hardwood floors, clean design and large double windows leading onto private balconies. A real gem of a hotel for guests of all ages at an excellent price.
Hanoi (Hoan Kiem District, Vietnam)
An elegant hotel situated in Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter. Chic rooms feature rosewood floors, enormous beds and large works of Vietnamese art. Uber-modern bathrooms have big bathtubs, there's a Vietnamese fusion restaurant, a rooftop bar and a piano bar. Well-priced and well-located.
Hanoi (Ba Dinh, Vietnam )
A simple & affordable contemporary hotel at the bottom end of Hoan Kiem Lake. Smart, comfortable rooms have crisp linen, local art and modern bathrooms. The 11th floor restaurant boasts great city views, plus there's a gym, bar and business centre. Brilliant for budget-conscious group trips.
Hanoi (Vietnam)
An upscale boutique hotel in Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter, crowned by a rooftop pool & lively sky bar, famed for its craft cocktails. The 60 lavish rooms & suites - some inter-connecting for families - have big beds topped with crisp white sheets, warm blue or red accents & smart bathrooms. Lovely.
Hanoi (Vietnam)
A charming boutique hotel in the Old Quarter, with spacious rooms and suites as well as a buzzy rooftop bar with impressive 360-degree city views. Well-appointed, elegant guest suites — some with two bedrooms — have hardwood floors, traditional hanging lamps & velvet-upholstered seats. Lovely.
Hanoi (Vietnam)
A star on Hanoi’s hotel scene, the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake offers all the luxurious amenities you’d expect from the five-star hotel group. Boasting three restaurants serving modern Vietnamese fare and fine Italian, as well as an atmospheric roof top bar. Rooms are chic and classic.
Hanoi ( Vietnam)
A swish contemporary hotel in the city's beautiful Old Quarter, crowned by a rooftop pool and hip bar, inviting well-heeled guests to kick back in serious style. Indulgent rooms, suites and communal areas feature warm teal tones, with lots of brass, velvet and marble. Fresh, trendy & very popular.
Hanoi (Hoan Kiem district, Vietnam)
A luxury property in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Hip contemporary design runs throughout. Dramatic paintings reside above the bed that features an impossibly thick mattress. Dark pink furniture brings splashes of colour. An elegant bar and classic Vietnamese restaurant. One of Hanoi's finest.
Hanoi (Vietnam)
A glitzy high-rise addition to Hanoi's hotel scene, the Grand Mercure's 181 rooms & suites take their inspiration from traditional Vietnamese design. Expect superb city views from guest rooms with elegant four-posters, freestanding tubs & glossy red lacquered furnishings. Glittering & glamorous.
Hanoi (Vietnam)
Inspired by its colourful collection of Hang Trong folk paintings, this boutique gem's opulent rooms & suites are bedecked in jewel-like tones. Named for the seasons, they have a warm, whimsical feel. The theme continues at the gourmet French eatery & rooftop bar. Perfect for romantics & creatives
Hanoi (Hoàn Kiếm, Vietnam)
A Hanoi icon since its opening in 1901, this grand historic hotel promises a sophisticated fusion of French colonial-era charm and more contemporary glamour. Generous rooms & suites are housed in two wings, and guests are invited to gather in terrific bars & eateries. A timeless city landmark.
Hanoi (Vietnam)
An exceptionally glamorous hotel hidden behind a striking art nouveau façade near the enchanting Old Quarter. Inspired by the golden age of opera, designer Bill Bensley has created a flamboyant world of theatrical restaurants with glittering chandeliers & lavish suites with marble bathrooms. Superb!
