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If there is one thing Hanoi is not short of, it's places to stay. In the Old Quarter, small family-run hotels rule the roost. While many of these remain fairly basic affairs, there has been real movement in the mid- to high-end sector. Many of the more salubrious establishments bill themselves as "boutique hotels." For Westerners used to this sobriquet referring to individualist, design-led options, the term may feel like a misnomer given the relative uniformity of most of what is on offer. Nevertheless, with opulent marble-clad lobbies coupled with excellent, personal service, and smart and luxurious bedrooms, there is little to fault about many of these places. Outside the Old Quarter, some of the biggest international hotel brands have made their mark. The leafy avenues of the area south of Hoan Kiem Lake shelter some sterling lodgings, including the city’s undisputed grande dame, the Sofitel Legend Metropole. West Lake, Ba Dinh, and even some outlying areas such as Tu Liem, an enclave mooted as the city’s new central business district, are also home to some excellent international-standard options.
Slightly more luxurious than others in the area, the lodgings combine comfort with crisp design. Rooms are airy and spacious; service is exemplary. A prime example of the kind of first-class small hotels that proliferated in Hanoi before the pandemic, the Lavender Central Hotel (formerly Oriental Central Hotel) is a firm favorite with discerning travelers.
Homey and comfortable, the Family Hanoi Hotel is just off Le Thai To Street, a short skip from Hoan Kiem Lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows let Hanoi in, or you can keep the light out with fresh, modern curtains. Tastefully arranged artificial flowers, high ceilings, clean baths, and smiling staff in the lobby make you feel at home.
In one of the quieter Old Quarter streets, this boutique option provides a peaceful refuge from the bustle found elsewhere. There's nothing particularly arty or trendy about the place, but the cozy and comfortable rooms and attentive service compensate adequately for any lack of flash. Rooms are airy and ones on the upper levels feature stunning views over the city.
It's hard to find fault with this cheery minihotel that overlooks the train tracks. The friendly staff speak great English and the rooms are clean and bright with big windows and bathtubs. Rooms in the front offer views of trains rumbling past.
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