The Best Hotels In Hanoi

It’s official: Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest growing destinations, with the number of foreign arrivals tripling from 5 million to 15 million since 2010.

While Ho Chi Minh City, colloquially known as Saigon, has become the most popular stop, Vietnam’s capital Hanoi to the north is certainly worth a visit as well. More so than its southern counterpart, Hanoi has carefully preserved layers of Vietnam’s rich history, including artifacts of French and Chinese colonization, along with a proud local culture and cuisine. There’s plenty of urban sprawl here, but you’ll also find quiet, tree-lined streets with hidden cafes and noodle soup vendors.

Standards for hotels in Vietnam have improved significantly. With design styles varying from colonial French architecture to soaring new skyscrapers, Hanoi has an option for every sort of traveler. Stay in the heart of the Old Quarter to be in walking distance of old-school shops and restaurants, plus the Opera House and National Historical Museum. Or opt for the expat-heavy West Lake with its nouveau wine shops and cocktail bars.

Wherever you choose to stay, catching a Grab bike across town costs just a few bucks. From colonial-fitted boutiques to modern luxury properties, here are the best hotels in Hanoi.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

As the name suggests, this outpost of InterContinental sits on the peaceful shore of Hanoi’s West Lake, the largest in the city. The property’s modern-meets-traditional decor, refined luxury, and noted hospitality make it a fantastic option for leisure and business travelers alike. Choose from traditional rooms and suites in the hotel’s main building, or opt to stay in one of the three overwater pavilions. The lakeshore is connected to the hotel via boardwalks, which also provide access to the the Sunset Bar, offering classic cocktails with views of the Hanoi skyline.

Hotel de l’Opera

As the name suggests, this five-star boutique sits steps away from Hanoi’s historic Opera House. Designed to awe, the hotel plays off its sleek French colonial architecture with simple and elegant furnishings. Amenities include a year-round pool for an escape from the busy city, spa and massage treatments at Sante Spa, and an acclaimed restaurant in the hotel’s atrium. Don’t forget to sunbathe or enjoy cocktails on an outdoor terrace overlooking the urban action below.

Zephyr Suites Boutique Hotel

Nestled in Hanoi’s Old Quarter overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, Zephyr Suites Boutique Hotel offers noted service and stylish decor in a classic French-inspired setting. Guests will love the white furnishings and dark wood that adorn rooms, and amenities like welcome drinks and complimentary breakfast underscores the warm hospitality the Zephyr is known for. The Zephyr restaurant serves up a variety of delicious Italian and Vietnamese dishes, and Café Terrace offers fresh baked goods and beverages.

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

Soaring above the city at over 800 ft, the Lotte Hotel Hanoi offers guests contemporary luxury accommodations in a less touristy region of the city. The hotel, apart of the Lotte Center building, is the second tallest in Hanoi and features floor-to-ceiling windows for extraordinary views. Recently completed in 2014, guests will find the Lotte has every modern amenity and more, including outdoor and indoor pools and a sophisticated Evian Spa. The Lotte is located in Hanoi’s New Business District so typical attractions and tourist venues aren’t within walking distance, but the quiet setting makes for a relaxing night before a new day of navigating the city.

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Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa

The Hanoi La Siesta Hotel represents what makes boutique hotel stays so alluring. A perfect middle-ground between large luxury hotels and quaint inns, the La Siesta holds just 27 stunning rooms split over five floors, offering a sophisticated stay in an intimate environment. The superb staff are bilingual and attentive to any need — one of the most attractive aspects of a boutique hotel stay is the level of service and familiarity. Guests can revel in authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the Red Bean Restaurant in the hotel, and the luxury wellness Spa spans the entire mezzanine level, featuring revitalizing treatments such as the Tamarind & Salt body scrub. The central location in Hanoi’s old quarter means you’re steps away from sights like Bach Ma Temple and plenty of shops and galleries.

The Oriental Jade Hotel

The Oriental Jade Hotel is located in the heart of Hanoi, less than five minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. The Hotel is adorned in contemporary design, with boutique style amenities and stylish suites. Guests can expect to feel pampered and relaxed at the Hotel, the perfect place to recharge and refresh before exploring more of the bustling streets of Hanoi city center. A rooftop pool provides panoramic views of the city below, completed by a poolside bar to imbibe drinks crafted with local Vietnamese flavors. Hanoi Opera House and St. Joseph Cathedral are both within walking distance, along with several other popular sites. The Oriental Jade prides itself on stellar service — the team will go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay in Hanoi, whether that means organizing tours or setting reservations at a new gastropub.

Apricot Hotel

With a sweeping landscape from the rooftop pool, the Apricot Hotel easily stuns guests and encapsulates its allure. Dressed in neo-classical drapery, the boutique hotel offers guests artisan rooms and suites with any room amenity you would need, as well as a tranquil library on the ninth floor. The magical rooftop is completed with a stylish bar to refresh you after a day exploring Vietnam’s capital.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Many complementary adjectives could be used to describe the historic Metropole Hotel, but quaint isn’t one of them. The iconic hotel, built in French colonial style, dates back to 1901 and has seen numerous heads of state, celebrities, and royals in its 364 rooms. Situated in the heart of the old city, the Metropole fuses refined heritage with contemporary luxury, offering a world-class spa, chic rooms, and elegant dining. The hotel is home to the first ever French restaurant in Hanoi — Le Beaulie — as well as a Vietnamese fare dining room and a bespoke cocktail bar. The Metropole was recently the meeting place of U.S. President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, though guests say they’re treated like dignitaries no matter their day job.

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Writer: Dan Q. Dao