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.

The Best Places to Stay in Hanoi

For Boutique Chic

• AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa is an upscale city bolthole with 60 lavish rooms and suites. Brilliant for romantic couples as well as families, rooms have big cosy beds, smart bathrooms and interconnecting options. The rooftop pool & lively sky bar are both highlights.
• La Siesta Classic Ma May has generously proportioned rooms and suites with velvet-upholstered chairs, traditional hanging lamps and hardwood floors. Families and friends will appreciate the two-bedroom suites, and guests can gather at the buzzy rooftop bar for 360-degree city views and cracking cocktails. Classic and charming.
• Smarana Hanoi Heritage is based around a colourful collection of Hang Trong folk paintings. Whimsical rooms are inspired by the seasons, with upholstered headboards and patterned wallpapers. The gourmet French eatery and rooftop bar complete the unique boutique experience.

For City Luxury

• The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is an impressive, resort-style hotel overlooking the city's largest lake. Opulent rooms and suites promise expansive views and luxury amenities, whilst three restaurants and the chic Sunset Bar will delight foodies. For dazzling weddings or city breaks to remember.
• Grand Mercure Hanoi occupies a glitzy high-rise building, with 181 sleek rooms and suites combining elements of traditional Vietnamese design with a refreshing sense of contemporary cool. A fabulous business hotel with ample events spaces and two atmospheric restaurants.
• Hotel de L'Opera offers an elegant stay in Hanoi's atmospheric Old Quarter. There are few truly luxurious hotels in the neighbourhood, but this bold, 107-room property has hip interiors, fusing timeless French style with contemporary Vietnamese artistry. Expect warm tones, with lots of dark wood and velvet. Superbly well located, moments from the Hanoi Opera House.
• Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel, with its refreshing rooftop pool and hip bar, is a swish addition to Hanoi's hotel scene. The stylish decor features teal tones, brass, velvet and marble touches, creating a chic, timeless feel. One for well-heeled travellers in the city.

For Unparalleled Glitz & Glamour

• Sofitel Legend Metropole, also just across from the Hanoi Opera House, has been a city icon since it opened in 1901. A beautifully restored French-era hotel with glamorous interiors, it's a favourite amongst well-heeled travellers. The hotel's fabulous cookery school will delight foodies, whilst partygoers will adore live music nights and frequent events. Very indulgent.
• Capella Hanoi is the creation of acclaimed designer Bill Bensley, who has taken the flamboyant world of opera's golden age as inspiration. Gorgeous interiors feature rich, jewel-like textiles in lavish suites and theatrical restaurants with glittering chandeliers. Foodies will adore the Michelin-starred Chef's Table: Hibana by Koki.

For Great Value

• Maison d'Orient has 12 simple rooms with hardwood flooring, large double doors leading to private balconies, and flexible options for additional guests. A relaxed, affordable choice in the Old Quarter with bicycles for exploring.
• Golden Silk Boutique Hotel, also in the Old Quarter, has 55 elegant rooms with rosewood floors, traditional art pieces set above big beds, and superb modern bathrooms. There's a Vietnamese fusion restaurant as well as a piano bar and a rooftop terrace. Reasonably priced and well-suited to couples or business travellers.
• Anise Hotel, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, is another appealingly affordable city base. The 11th-floor restaurant offers excellent views, whilst many of the 42 rooms and suites overlook the lake. Budget-conscious groups and families will appreciate large rooms with multiple beds.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or villa we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Noi Bai International Airport, 45 minutes by taxi from Hanoi's enchanting old quarter. There are regular buses into town from the airport, although they tend to take longer. Choose a reputable taxi company or speak to your hotel in advance about an airport pick-up. If travelling from within the region, consider taking the train to Gia Lam Station or Hanoi Station.
• The city is easy to navigate by public transport, but if you're comfortable driving in Asia and intend to venture into the surrounding countryside, contact our partner Rentalcars to hire a car.
• Visit between December and April for warm, dry weather, with temperatures ranging between 25–35°C. December is the coolest time of year, with temperatures heating up and becoming increasingly humid from January onwards. Expect more rain between May and October, when it's well worth carrying an umbrella!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to discover the best places to stay in Sapa.
• Alternatively, check out our pick of the best places to stay in Vietnam.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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