Hanoi is compact by the standards of Asian capitals, but where you stay still shapes your trip. The main districts have very different moods, from the round-the-clock bustle of the Old Quarter to the leafy calm of West Lake, and the right base depends on whether you want to be in the thick of it or able to retreat. Here are the main choices, matched to the five hotels on this site.
The Old Quarter: for first-timers and food lovers
The tangle of streets north of Hoan Kiem Lake is where most visitors stay, and with good reason. You can walk to the lake, the water puppets, the night market and hundreds of street food stalls, and most day trips pick up from Old Quarter hotels. The trade-offs are noise, crowds and traffic. La Siesta Premium Hang Be is our pick: a top-rated boutique hotel two minutes from the lake, with a ship-shaped glass rooftop bar, a spa and excellent staff. On a budget, Mad Monkey Hanoi on Ma May Street is a sociable, adults-only hostel with dorms, female-only rooms, a sports bar and nightly events.
The French Quarter: for elegance and history
South of the lake, the French built a district of broad, tree-lined boulevards, villas and grand public buildings, crowned by the Opera House. It is quieter and greener than the Old Quarter but still a short walk from it, and Hoa Lo Prison is nearby. The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, our featured hotel, is the place to stay if budget allows: the most famous hotel in Vietnam, with a colonial Heritage Wing, a courtyard pool, the Bamboo Bar and a wartime bunker tour for guests.
West Lake (Tay Ho): for space and calm
North of the centre, West Lake is the city’s largest lake and the heart of its expatriate scene, with cafés, restaurants and a lakeside path for walking and cycling. It is about twenty minutes from the Old Quarter by taxi and closer to the airport. The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is built out over the water, with pavilion rooms, balconies everywhere and the overwater Sunset Bar. It suits couples and families who want a resort feel.
Ba Dinh and Truc Bach: for history and views
Between West Lake and the Old Quarter lies Ba Dinh, home to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and, a little further, the Temple of Literature. The causeway of Thanh Nien Road, with lakes on both sides, is one of the loveliest streets in the city. Pan Pacific Hanoi stands right on it, a five-star tower with lake-view rooms, an outdoor pool and the Summit Rooftop Bar, a good balance of calm and convenience.
Matching base to trip
For a first visit on foot, La Siesta Premium Hang Be in the Old Quarter. For a honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime stay, the Metropole. For a resort feel and sunsets over the water, the InterContinental Westlake. For a central five-star with a pool for the family, Pan Pacific Hanoi. For meeting people on a budget, Mad Monkey Hanoi.
Practical tips
Ask for a room away from the street in the Old Quarter if you are a light sleeper, since the lanes stay lively until late. Check whether breakfast is included, as many upscale rates charge it separately. Book early around Lunar New Year and in the peak autumn months, and arrange an airport transfer in advance for late-night arrivals.