Just returned from Vietnam, and am alrready planning for next January.
We would like to be based in Hanoi this time, and were wondering what is the best hotel in the "hub".
I did research some hotels, and from what I have seen the Sofitel seems to be the best in the old city.
In Saigon we stayed at the Hyatt, and loved the hotel and location.
I can't seem to find anything comparable in Hanoi.
Since we are not going until next January, is anything newer or nicer being built?

I thought The Sofitel Metrople was the nicest in Hanoi. We Also stayed at the Hyatt in Saigon on the pool level and loved it. They are very different. The Sofitel has the colonial feel. It you opt for the classic wing make sure you get the deluxe or highest category. The rooms are small, but our bathroom was huge, with a soaking tub, double vanity and large marble shower. The location is very good

If you are thinking about Halong bay you might look into the Halong Ginger. It is the newest. The public spaces are top notch, food fantastic and rooms beautiful, with all the amenites you could posibly want for 1 night.

I recommend you to stay at Church hotel or Platinum hotel. They are located at the Old Quater so you can walk around and go shopping, they are also near Sword lake. It's so cool to stroll around the lake.But it's very hard to book a room at Church. You need to book some months in advance because tourists prefer to stay at Church very much because of its special style and professional staff. Hope this helps!

never having been to Hanoi, it is difficult to undestand location.
Is the Sofitel not as well located as the Church?
Also, I have a Hubby, who at this time of our lives likes his comforts.
We too had a room with a patio facing the pool at the Hyatt, and he loved the hotel.

The Sofitel Metropole is the nicest hotel in Hanoi, no question. The location is very good.