Hanoi has a neighborhood for every type of traveler. The bustling Old Quarter is perfect for first-timers and budget travelers who want to be in the heart of the action. The French Quarter offers colonial charm, luxury accommodations, and a more relaxed vibe. Areas like Ba Dinh and Tây Hồ (West Lake) are quieter and ideal for expats or longer stays. No matter where you stay, you’ll have easy access to temples, markets, lakes, and Hanoi’s unique culture.

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Old Quarter

The Old Quarter sits on the northern side of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It’s the perfect place to stay for first-timers, solo travelers, and budget-conscious visitors. The area is central, safe, and very walkable, with a huge range of accommodations. It’s busy, noisy, and full of energy, with street food stalls, markets, and many of the areas tours pick up in this area. Nearby you’ll find the water puppet show, Beer Street, and Train Street.

Luxury:

Apricot Hotel

Located on the edge of the Old Quarter, you’ll find this hotel to be quiet, with luxurious rooms, a full service spa, and rooftop bar with views of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

La Siesta Classic Hang Thung

This hotel has tons of great amenities, including a full service spa, smaller outdoor pool, library, gym, and spacious rooms.

La Siesta Premium Hang Be

We love that the rooms here come with pillow menus, blackout drapes, and are sound-insulated from the busy noises of the city. It feels antique, yet updated and modern.

Mid-range:

Hôtel L’Art Hanoi

Enjoy a breakfast buffet, comfy beds, and a great location near Hanoi’s largest market, although there is no elevator in the building.

The Luxury Old Quarter Hotel & Gym

Stay here for an excellent breakfast, spacious bathrooms, and a small workout space.

Little Hanoi Deluxe Hotel

Multiple reviews mention how quiet this hotel is, despite being so close to the center of the Old Quarter. Breakfast is included, and the staff is exceptionally helpful.

Budget:

Little Charm Hanoi Hostel

This is a quieter hostel, with great communal areas, large lockers, and laundry service. They have mixed dormitories with eight beds, and women-only dormitories with as few as four beds.

Banana Inn Hostel

Centrally located in the midst of the Old Quarter, this hostel is near Beer Street, and great night life. They have options to reserve a private room, or women-only, or mixed dormitories and beds come with a curtain for added privacy.

Next Hostel

This hostel has larger women-only and mixed dormitories, with a game room, and great social spaces.

French Quarter

The French Quarter is on the eastern side of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Staying here is ideal for couples, families, and anyone planning a longer or more luxurious stay. The area is known for its French colonial architecture and is within walking distance of the Old Quarter. You’ll find museums, galleries, shopping, the Hanoi Opera House, Hoa Lư Prison, and the water puppet theater nearby. While it’s more expensive, it’s still lively, but quieter and more romantic than the Old Quarter.

Luxury:

Capella Hanoi

You’re going to love this decadent hotel, with cooked-to-order breakfast, multiple restaurants and bars, a full service spa, and indoor pool. We love the balcony views in particular.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This hotel has top-notch amenities: a large outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, yoga classes, on-site shopping, and three restaurants.

Hotel de I’Opera Hanoi

Stay here for access to an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and outdoor lounge. Book the executive suite to have the perfect balcony to enjoy Hanoi’s famous coffee from every morning.

Mid-range:

La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

This hotel is just a block from Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the Old Quarter. The rooftop bar has fantastic views, and some rooms come with terrace suites overlooking the lake.

Thăng Long Opera Hotel

Reviews rave about the kind staff, excellent location in the midst of the French Quarter, and hearty breakfast buffet.

Grand Cititel Hanoi Hotel & Spa

This hotel is down a quieter street, has a nice gym, rooftop bar, and modern rooms.

Ba Dinh

Ba Dinh sits on the south end of West Lake. It’s a quieter, more residential area, ideal for expats and older travelers. The neighborhood is home to temples and many of Hanoi’s best museums. Nearby sights include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. While it’s a bit farther from the city center, it’s still easy to reach by walking or a short Grab ride.

Luxury:

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

We love this hotel’s rooftop bar overlooking the city and rooms with sweeping views. Plus, they have an indoor and outdoor pool.

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

This hotel has a large outdoor pool, driving range, large fitness center, and comfy rooms.

Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake

Stay here for the infinity pool overlooking Hanoi’s skyline. The suites are impressive, with large bathtubs and amazing views.

Mid-range:

FTE Ba Dinh Hotel

We love the rooftop pool and bar here, plus the rooms are spacious and comfortable.

Lester Hotel Hanoi

This hotel’s service is incredible. Breakfast is included, and they’ll even pack you a meal to go if you miss the hours it’s served. Plus, it’s a 15 walk to reach both the Old Quarter and West Lake.

Rey Hotel Hanoi

This hotel feels like a little jungle oasis. The gardens are peaceful, and while it’s in a quiet area, you’re still close to the Old Quarter.

AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

This hotel is surprisingly affordable for how luxurious it feels. Many reviews note how quiet and relaxing the rooms are.

Budget:

HANA Stay

Our favorite perk of staying here – every room has a 2-in-1 washing machine/dryer! The rooms are on the cozier side, but they all have kitchens.

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Tây Hồ (West Lake) is just a short Grab ride from the Old Quarter. It’s perfect for expats, lovers of nightlife, and luxury travelers. The area is quiet and laid-back, with many sky bars and nightclubs to enjoy. While it’s farther from Hanoi’s main attractions, it’s ideal for a more relaxed stay.

Luxury:

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

This hotel looks like it was inspired by the over-water bungalows you’d find in the Maldives, with rooms built over the water.

L7 West Lake Hanoi by Lotte

You’ll book this for the rooftop pool overlooking the lake, but stay for the variety of restaurants in the mall next door.

Sheraton

Stay here for modern, spacious rooms, and beautiful gardens, although it’s the bike-friendly path (bike rentals available) around the lake that intrigues us the most about this location.

Mid-range:

Diamond Westlake Suites

Perfect for families, this property has a large outdoor pool with a slide, an indoor game room, mini golf, and on-site shopping.

Somerset West Point Hanoi

Stay here for apartment-style lodging. The layouts are spacious, with a well-equipped kitchen, outdoor pool, and playground.

Hai Bà Trưng

Hai Bà Trưng is located a bit south of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It’s great for younger travelers who want to live like locals. The neighborhood is trendy, with a variety of accommodations, and sits a bit farther from the main tourist attractions. Check out Hai Bà Trưng Temple and Halais Lake while you’re in the area.

Luxury:

Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi

Located a 15 minute walk south of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this Hilton is in a quieter location, but it’s still close to great sights in the French Quarter. Plus, we love that it has self-serve laundry facilities.