Elagance diamond is my recommendation

My husband and I loved the Apricot hotel opposite the lake. The interiors and service were both wonderful. There was a personal touch evident in all their interactions with us. We found it was in a very convenient location. The recommended Women's Museum was in walking distance.

Re Accor & the Metropole. I am an Accor Gold club member and think it is one of the best rewards sites going. You certainly do get lots of offers as well as cash benefits and upgrades. 40% off sales are a regular occurrence. Once you get up to gold level you get auto upgrades to the next room category in addition to the discounts. Every April may they have special promotions - three, two night stays get you 10K points, usually enough to get to silver membership. $120 a night for the metropole is a great deal.

Having said that the Apricot mentioned by SusannahT above is arguably in the best position in Hanoi and is a fantastic hotel and should come in at around the same price if you shop around.

I'll second La Siesta. We usually pick something more budget oriented, but not always. Didn't regret the choice. Absolutely nothing negative to say about the stay and the price wasn't bad (for a family room in our case)

Hi graceeo. We are heading off to Hanoi in April and we're also trying to decide where to stay in Hanoi. I was interested to hear where you finally decided on and what it was like. Many thanks.

crellston, why do you like upper-west side of the lake the best? thank you...

Good thread....

this info, and this thread, years old. suggest acceptance with caution.

Hi Flygirl,

I like the upper west side of the lake, mainly because it is relatively quiet at night, yet still within easy walking distance of the rest of the old quarter. Lots of restaurants nearby, including some of our favourites. If I can find it, I will send you a personal message with a link to my wife’s food map of Hanoi.

Jobin - if you have nothing useful to contribute, why bother posting?

Thank you crellston! I will check my messages too.

I am going to be arriving VERY late - likely after midnight on the arrival day - I know the bigger hotels would be able to check me in late - I haven't sorted lodging yet - any reason to think a smaller hotel (if I go that route) might have challenges letting me in after midnight when I arrive?

I was thinking that if I didn't splash out on the whole week in Hanoi for a hotel I would at least do so the first few nights so that I am not stranded when I arrive at 1 AM.

I pegged this post because a lot of the mentioned good hotels I found while poking around elsewhere and since this is the area I plan to stay this is a great list. and for others, too.