The DeSoylia, Army are booked for the last week of May. Looking for a hotel in the Old Quater or French Quater in the $35-$60 range (wide range, I know). Would appreicate any recs.

Why do you want to stay in the Old Quarter?

Look for a hotel in a true "neighborhood" in Hanoi and you will have a very different (not tourist) experience in Hanoi.

When in Hanoi (where I have been many times), I have stayed with friends in various neighborhoods or stayed at the Metropole. When I'm with friends in varous neighborhoods, it is a very different experience. I get to know Hanoi--and the particular neighborhood--in a way that I never would had I not stayed there. The Old Quarter, while interesting, is a tourist trap.

WSL

Try the Win hotel - very charming in great spot. Busy chaotic street but quiet spacious room looking down on all the action. Try to get a room with a balcony. Fabulous!

Having just returned from a 4 week trip to Vietnam, I would highly recommend the Zephyr Hotel in Hanoi. Located across the street from Hoan Kiem Lake, you could not be more central in Hanoi. The hotel is what I call a butique hotel, small, intimate, large, beautifully appointed rooms, great staff and great breakfasts. The only problem could be that it is full. We ordered the room through Buffalo Travel in Hanoi and paid $65.00 per room per night (superior). Definantly worth a try.

Hi
Avoid the Army Hotel. It is noisy,the staff are rude and it is very overpriced for comparable accomodation.

Were advised not to stay in Old Quarter and glad we didn't. Guoman, 4 stars, I think, opposite Australian Embassy, was comfortable and easy walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. Very pleasant and helpful staff.

In December 2002, I stayed at the Guoman Hotel, 83A Ly Thuong iet Street, Hoan Kiem District Hanoi - not too far from Lake. Very quiet position - opposite the old Portugese Embassy. Food was good - especially breakfast.
Pat

We enjoyed our stay at The Galaxy Hotel very much -- helpful staff, clean, up to date, excellent food. It stands at an intersection at the entrance to the Old Quarter. I wonder how WSL got such a poor impression of the Old Quarter. We loved it.