12 Best Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

A true French Quarter boutique hotel, the colonial–style De Syloia is small and quaint, with wooden furniture, large beds, and cream-color linens in the well-appointed and well-maintained rooms. The decor is a tad old fashioned, but in this case it just adds to the charm. You should make reservations well in advance.

La Siesta is Hanoi's most successful boutique hotel brand, and with large rooms, an excellent location, and a fabulous sky bar, La Siesta Premium Hang Be (which used to be on Cau Go Street) is the best of the bunch. From the moment you step foot in the lobby the staff will make you feel like a VIP.

Like some other resorts in northern Vietnam, the Belvedere combines trappings of luxury with the odd lapse in taste. Nevertheless, comfortable lodgings and amazing views over the surrounding countryside, along with good leisure amenities make this one of the best options in the Tam Dao area. Rooms and villas are spacious and feel secluded. Many have balconies, ideal for surveying the natural splendor. There's a nice terrace café meanwhile, which is particularly welcoming for an alfresco breakfast.

Bright rooms at this top-rated hotel near Thong Nhat Park have all of the conveniences—carpeted floors, carved-wood furniture, big baths, and extras such as flat-screen televisions and classy wall hangings. Happily absent are the neon and nylon of some other hotels in the neighborhood.

Conveniently located a stone's throw from Hoan Kiem Lake on the Street of Fans, the newest addition to the family-run Golden Sun chain is within easy walking distance of major attractions in the area. The hotel opened in late 2013, but rooms and facilities still feel modern and fresh. There are fully stocked minibars and giant beds.

Despite being a little outdated, well-appointed rooms at this sports club afford spectacular sunset views over West Lake and include the use of the club's facilities. The only drawback? With two tennis courts, squash courts, a huge gym, a driving range, and an outdoor pool to keep you busy, you'll have trouble finding time to sightsee. There's an attractive terrace bar overlooking the lake, an international restaurant and a deli that serves cakes and pastries.

With its sleek and airy lobby and excellent on-site sushi restaurant, this 15-story hotel is a shining example of understated Japanese elegance. The rooms are both simple and luxurious, with light wooden furniture and large closets. The corner suites have spacious bathrooms that overlook Reunification Park across the street. Superior and executive rooms are the same size, but the latter have more windows.

This is a solid option for those who appreciate the reliability of a chain hotel at reasonable prices. One restaurant serves international cuisine; the other specializes in Vietnamese and Thai food and hosts daily lunch and dinner buffets.

Stunning views of Truc Bach Lake and West Lake and a central location are two of the highlights of this luxury hotel, but the standout is the indoor heated swimming pool with a view over the neighboring lakes and a retractable roof for year-round swimming. Central Hanoi is only a few minutes' drive away, plus it's a short hop to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and diplomatic district. The rooms are both comfortable and tasteful. Two restaurants serve sumptuous Chinese and Western food, and a rooftop bar affords a great view of the city.

While this is no boutique hotel, the Peridot does offer buckets of charm in an especially pleasant corner of the Old Quarter, squeezed down an alleyway and with commanding views from the upper floors. The rooftop pool and bar is a highlight, and there's also a Jacuzzi, steam, and sauna for those chilly winter days.

An impressive green-glass-fronted facade and attentive and professional service are indicative of the elevated ambitions of this smart business hotel. Rooms in soothing pastels are luxurious. In the spacious lobby, which has a marble floor and attractive artwork, there is a smart wine bar that stocks an extensive collection of international bottles. The buffet breakfast is guaranteed to set you up for the day in fine style. There's also an all-day restaurant.

The Silk Path Hotel Hanoi was the Old Quarter's first four-star hotel, and it still gets high marks for service. It straddles the Old Quarter and the French Quarter, and is close to plenty of restaurants and cafés. The rooms with balconies are by far the best, and the gym and spa are excellent additions, especially for those traveling on business.