Hanoi, Vietnam’s buzzing, boisterous, baffling capital, is fast becoming one of the world’s most visited cities. That fact doesn’t surprise; it’s a thrilling place to visit, with history and food (and coffee) unmatched almost anywhere in the world. With such an influx of tourists comes corresponding amounts of places to stay, so choosing somewhere good from afar can be tough. We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to with our IDEAL hotel guide to Hanoi.
La Siesta
The Elegance Hotel Group have a number of amazing properties in the heart of Hanoi, all walking distance from many of the best pho stalls, traditional coffee shops and tailors for which Vietnam’s capital city is so famous. We particularly love La Siesta Diamond Hotel and Spa, which is right in the middle of the mix in the Old Quarter, on Ma May Street. It’s the ideal hotel from which to explore the city; a minute’s walk from Bia Hoi Corner, and about five from Hoan Kiem Lake. The hectic pace of Hanoi can sometimes be overwhelming, so the spa is the perfect oasis when you need an escape.
Website: www.lasiestadiamondhotel.com
La Storia Ruby Hotel
Alternatively, for a super cheap option in the old town, La Storia Ruby Hotel offers simple, perfectly formed rooms and a light breakfast for as little as £30 a night, per double room. It’s a stone’s throw from a veritable feast of food options and Hang Bong, Hanoi’s famous silk street. Their staff are just lovely and the daily tours organised in-house are a great way to explore the city.
Website: www.lastoriarubyhotel.com
Mövenpick Hanoi
If the noise of bikes beeping and hawkers hawking is not your idea of a laid back getaway, you might want to consider laying your hat just off centre, in Hanoi’s historic French Quarter. The pace is still frantic, the vibe electric, but the noise is less, the air more breathable and the pavements more walkable. There’s heaps of individuality to the area, with French colonial architecture and boulevards where the young, hip residents of Hanoi go to shop and be seen. This area plays host to some fine restaurants and great street food, as well as a couple of the city’s most famous museums, the Women’s Museum on Ly Thuong Kiet street and the Hoa Lo Prison. The hotel itself is classy affair; you’ll find a spacious environment here rarely offered in the Old Quarter. Rooms are tastefully furnished and breakfast is an international affair. Service is prompt and professional. Although it’s on the more expensive side, it’s still a great price relative to London and New York.
Website: www.movenpick.com
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
For a real treat, the InterContinental hotel in the West Lake district of Hanoi is as stunning as it comes. With a view of the expansive lake, and access to the modern amenities of the district, as well as boasting the World Traveller title of ‘Vietnam’s Most Romantic Resort 2017’, this is a wonderful choice for a special occasion. The usual superb attention to detail of the Intercontinental Group is very much on display here, from the knowledgeable concierge service to the abundant, international breakfast. Magic.
Website: www.hanoi.intercontinental.com
Serenity Villa Hotel
This hotel is in a great position, especially for foodies. One of the best places for pho on 10, Ly Quoc Su Street is just around the corner – this place is famous, with even the Viets making the trip into town for a bowl. If you’ve had your fill of noodles and rice, then Pizza 4Ps is on the same street; this isn’t your average Asian holiday pizza, they’ve got a huge wood-fired oven and local farmers producing their creamy, unctuous, city-famous burrata – just superb. For those on a mid-range budget, this hotel is a great choice.
Website: Serenityvillahotel.com
Hanoi Backpacker’s Hostel, Ngo Huyen
On the same street as Serenity and not to be confused with the bigger hotel of the same name on Ma May, Hanoi Backpacker’s Hostel (‘the original’) is the place to stay if you want to let your hair down, meet new people and comfort is less of a priority than a good party. This is a budget option, make no mistake, but that’s not to say it’s lacking in amenities, there’s all you need here and the location is great; just moments from the city’s St. Joseph’s Cathedral and a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The best pho bo in town is not far either, on Bat Dan street, and there’s a Cong Caphe serving amazing coffee, in view too. That’s breakfast, lunch and dinner sorted then.
Website: www.vietnambackpackerhostels.com