Hanoi’s best area to stay in is undoubtedly the Old Quarter. It’s packed with lively characteristic bars and authentic street food stalls, and it’s where you’ll find the majority of attractions.
On this page I describe the Old Quarter in more detail, after which I’ll show you some of the best hotels, categorized by budget, and based on location plus value for money.
About The Old Quarter
If it’s your first time in Hanoi, the Old Quarter should be your first stop. It’s the best place to experience the city’s culture and history, because of the many temples and museums, plus the well-preserved French colonial architecture.
It’s also the liveliest part of Hanoi and it used to be the city’s ancient commercial center, where specialty goods like cotton, silk, and jewellery were sold. That authentic vibe still remains, but the market has mostly been replaced with hip bars, cafes and restaurants.
You’ll find many attractions there as well, like the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Bia Hoi beer corner. And you can immerse yourself in local life at the Dong Xuan Market, or catch a water puppet show, a tradition that dates back a thousand years.
It’s typically the starting point for people wanting to visit other parts of Vietnam, like Ha Long Bay or Sapa. You can easily book tours to these places in the Old Quarter, making it a convenient area to stay in if you’re planning to travel around.
Tip: for info on how to get there, see how to transfer to the Old Quarter from Hanoi Airport.
The Best Luxury Hotels
These 4 hotels are some of the best options to consider when you’re looking for a luxury experience. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~1362K VND (~$60) and ~4,902K VND (~$215).
Sofitel Legend Metropole
The Sofitel Legend Metropole is a historic building with 364 rooms and suites across two wings. The older Metropole Wing preserves the original colonial architecture and decor of the past, while the newer Opera Wing is decorated in a neo-classical style.
With rooms on the Club floor, butler service is provided around the clock. You can also enjoy al fresco dining while watching the city’s bustling streets at their La Terrasse café, which is inspired by Parisian al fresco cafés.
La Siesta Central
La Siesta is centrally located in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake, the night market, and many good restaurants in the area.
But location is not its only highlight – Twilight, their rooftop bar, has beautiful views overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, making it a great place to enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand.
Their Red Bean restaurant is also a good place to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Serene Premier Hotel
Serene Premier is a small accommodation with 14 bright rooms. Tucked away in a small alley, you’ll be able to rest in peace and quiet after a full day’s sightseeing.
Despite it being a quiet place, the small alley comes to life every morning with a street market at its doorstep, making it a great place to get a glimpse of local life as well.
Cinnamon Cathedral Hotel
Conveniently located right next to St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the city center, Cinnamon offers spacious rooms with high ceilings and balconies.
If you’re up for it, you can request for a room with a church view, and wake up to the sound of church bells ringing in the morning 🙂
They also offer free cocktails and foot massages, which should come as welcome options to unwind after a long day of walking around in the city.
The Best Mid-Range Hotels
These 4 accommodations have an excellent balance between value for money and modern comforts. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~682K VND (~$30) and ~1317K VND (~$58).
Maison d’Orient
Maison d’Orient is a charming little boutique hotel, with rooms that are artfully decorated in a traditional Vietnamese style.
It’s located in a quiet alley just a block from St. Joseph’s Cathedral, so if you’re looking to rest in a more peaceful location, this is a good place to consider.
Their best rooms are on the top floor, as they have balconies with wonderful views across the rooftops of the Hoan Kiem neighborhood.
La Selva
La Selva is a chic hotel with bright, colorful decor. It’s located in the heart of the Old Quarter, just a short 10-minute walk from the famous Bia Hoi beer corner, so your nightlife is sorted.
Don’t forget to get up for breakfast in their in-house restaurant, which is included in your room rate. The restaurant offers both tasty western and Vietnamese options.
Space Hotel
If city views are what you’re looking for, the Space Hotel is a great choice. All of its rooms have windows with good views of the city, and some also have balconies. Perfect for people-watching, and taking in the vibe of your surroundings.
It’s also centrally located, so you can reach almost all the sights in the Old Quarter within a 15-minute walk.
Hanoi Moment
If you’re traveling with family, have a look at Hanoi Moment. Its biggest room, The Moment Penthouse, offers two separate bedrooms and baths, and a private balcony, accommodating groups of up to five people.
They also have a popular restaurant, named Hidden Gem, which offers made-to-order breakfasts with a good variety of both western and authentic traditional Vietnamese dishes. The restaurant isn’t exclusive to guests and it’s popular with locals as well, so you know it’s worth a try 🙂
The Best Budget Hotels
These 4 places are easy on your wallet, while still providing good comfort and cleanliness. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between 135K VND (~$6) and ~710K VND (~$31).
Box Hotel
If budget is your main priority, Box Hotel is a good choice. They provide clean pod-style rooms in a basic but modern wooden interior. Beds start from only 135K VND (~$6) a night in a six-bed dorm.
Its location is not compromised even with the low rates, as it’s located within walking distance to most of the main attractions within the Old Quarter.
Rendezvous Hostel
Rendezvous Hostel offers great value for all travelers, from solo travelers to those in bigger groups. They have clean and comfortable rooms in various sizes ranging from single occupancy private rooms, to twins and doubles, even dorm rooms if you’re on a tight budget.
It’s also a great place to stay if you’re looking to mingle, make new friends, and get a taste of local life. The hostel has a board listing upcoming local events you may be interested in, and even occasionally organizes gatherings for all the guests.
Holiday Diamond
Centrally located, Holiday Diamond is within walking distance to most points of interest, and close to many bars and restaurants as well.
The staff is friendly and helpful, and they happily assist you in booking tours around or out of the city for cheaper than average rates.
TU House
TU House offers simple, spacious rooms that offer a homey vibe near the botanical gardens and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, away from the hustle and bustle of Hoan Kiem.
The homestay also offers simple breakfast supplies for guests, so you can make your own breakfast in the kitchen.
Conclusion & Summary
As you can see, accommodation in Hanoi is very affordable, even if you’re looking for a lavish experience in a luxury resort. There are many accommodation options in the Old Quarter, and wherever you stay there, you’ll never be more than a walk or short taxi ride away from the city’s major attractions.
To summarize: The best luxury option is Sofitel for its atmospheric historic architecture and butler services. A good mid-range option is Maison d’Orient for its charming Vietnamese decorations, and rooftop views across the neighborhood. And if you’re on a budget, check out Box Hotel for its unbeatable price in a great location.
Hope that helps you arrange a perfect stay in Hanoi! 🙂