Hanoi hotel and guesthouses guide
Hanoi Intercontinental Hotel by West Lake
Hanoi has a fantastic choice of accommodation at all levels, and with new places opening all the time, visitors should never have any problem finding a room. When making a choice, it’s worth taking a close look at what is included in the price, as some of the cheaper places include breakfast and internet access while many top-end places charge extra for these.
Below is a brief introduction to lodging in the city but visit 1stopHanoi for a comprehensive listings for Hanoi guesthouses and hotels.
Districts of Hanoi hotels
The great majority of Hanoi’s hotels, especially budget and mid-range options, are located in the Old Quarter, which is convenient for many reasons - especially sightseeing and hospitality.
Not only is the area itself the city’s main attraction, but it also offers endless options for shopping, eating and drinking. To the west of the Old Quarter, the streets around St Joseph’s Cathedral are lined with trendy stores, so shopaholics might like to base themselves there.
Several of the city’s more luxurious hotels, such as the Sofitel Metropole, are located in the French Quarter, where the broad, tree-lined boulevards contrast greatly with the narrow, congested streets of the Old Quarter. Another prime location is on the shores of West Lake with a relaxing setting a short way from the tourist zone.
Costs for Hanoi hotels
Melia Hotel attracts business guests
Property values have been rocketing in Hanoi, and this is reflected in room rates, though fortunately stiff competition means there are always good budget deals to be had. At the bottom end, a bed in a dormitory with a locker and use of a hot-shower costs around US$5, while you’ll need to pay around US$10-15 for a room with bathroom in a budget hotel. These are often well-equipped, with air-con, cable TV and fridge, though may be a bit cramped.
Some great mid-range deals are available, with prices ranging from US$30-80, depending on size of room and amenities included. In this group are some small boutique hotels that are full of character and make for a memorable stay. Several major international chains have a presence in Hanoi, offering luxurious rooms from around US$150 and upwards.
Warning regarding Hanoi hotels
Despite all this good-sounding news, the hotel scene in Hanoi is subject to some horrendous scams that leave cheated visitors fuming, so it’s wise to pay special attention to this aspect of your stay in order to avoid becoming a Hanoi hotel victim.
First, after careful consideration of the possibilities, make an advance booking at the hotel of your choice and try to arrange a pick-up at the airport or your point of arrival. This will help you avoid the taxi mafia, who are largely responsible for hotel scams.
What happens is that these drivers manage to persuade their clients to go to a different hotel, saying that the one they plan to stay at is under renovation or something similar, so they can then collect a commission from the hotel later.
Many hotels shamelessly copy the names of successful establishments, which confuses visitors even more. If you do take a taxi from the airport, check carefully that he takes you to the correct address and not to some second-rate, copycat place round the corner.
