Hanoi doesn’t have just one obvious center. People stay in different areas depending on what they need nearby. What’s around you can make daily plans easier, so it’s worth understanding where to stay in Hanoi before you book.
Old Quarter
If you’re staying in Hanoi for the first time, the Old Quarter is where things feel most immediate. It’s the oldest part of the city, and still the most alive. Streets here are narrow and dense, full of shops, cafés, motorbikes, daily noise and many hotels in Hanoi are tucked inside. From almost any hotel, you can walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House, and even Train Street in under 15 minutes.
Most day tours around Hanoi also start here, so you won’t need to arrange complicated pick-ups. You’ll find convenience stores, pharmacies, and banks tucked between old houses and tour agencies. If you’re staying just a few nights and want to see the city from the inside out, this is the easiest place to base yourself. That said, don’t expect much quiet. It’s busy early, and it stays that way, a common vibe in many hostels in Hanoi.
Recommended hotels in Old Quarter
TK123 Hotel Hanoi (3★)
This is a simple, no-frills stay right in the thick of it. The location works well if you’re coming in by train or want to walk to nearby streets like Hang Gai or Hang Bong without needing a taxi. Rooms are small but clean, and it’s a straightforward option for short city trips.
La Dolce Vita Hotel (3★)
A little more polished, with classic Vietnamese-French design and wide balconies on the upper floors. It’s close to the main stretch of shops and restaurants around Ma May Street, but set just far enough back to avoid the full street noise. It’s Ideal for couples or travelers seeking a bit more space and style without compromising the Old Quarter’s vibe.
The Flower Boutique Hotel (3★)
Tucked closer to the eastern edge of the Old Quarter, this hotel gives you easier access to the Opera House and French Quarter area while still staying central. The layout is tight, but the interiors are thoughtfully done. It’s a solid choice if you prefer a quieter pocket of the neighborhood, especially for those planning to walk across both districts.
French Quarter
If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Hanoi for peace and charm, the French Quarter should be on your list. Nestled just south and east of Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s lined with colonial-era villas, tree‑shaded boulevards, and a calm atmosphere. Government buildings, art galleries, and upscale cafés replace the cramped lanes and scooter chaos of the Old Quarter. It feels like a more polished side of Hanoi, walkable, less frenetic, with a refined twist on city living.
Most attractions like the Opera House, the Hoa Lo Prison museum, and leafy parks are within a 10‑minute stroll. Grab a coffee and wander through wide sidewalks in the morning, visit boutique stores or French‑style bakeries, and close your day with a show at the Opera House or a quiet drink in a heritage villa. It’s ideal for travelers wanting easy access to central sights, good food, and a sense of calm.
Recommended hotels in the French Quarter
Minasi Premium Hotel (4★)
Situated on Nguyen Truong To Street, this hotel sits just over the border between Ba Dinh and the French Quarter. It earns excellent marks (9.2/10 for location) for being a 5-7 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and within easy reach of the Old Quarter, Opera House, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Rooms are modern and spacious, staff are praised for being welcoming, and there’s a small tour desk on-site.
Thang Long Opera Hotel (4★)
Located on Tong Dan Street, directly facing the Hanoi Opera House. The hotel’s position puts you near embassy quarters, high-end galleries, and key cultural sites. Rooms are bright and airy, with large windows and classic furnishings. It’s a solid pick for travelers who want comfort, walkability, and quick access to museums, cafes, and the lakeside boulevard.
Tay Ho (West Lake)
If you enjoy a slower pace and more spacious surroundings, West Lake is the area to consider staying in Hanoi. Located just a few kilometers north of the Old Quarter, this neighborhood surrounds Hanoi’s largest lake, offering wide promenades and calm vibes. It is especially popular with expats, families, and Vietnam travelers planning to stay a week or longer. West Lake combines urban comforts like international restaurants and lakeside walks, and fits well into a relaxed Hanoi itinerary far from the downtown rush.
West Lake is easy to reach: a 10–15 minute taxi or Grab ride from the Old Quarter connects you directly, or you can take bus routes that circle the lake. While the area is less walkable, it makes up for it with scenic views, spacious villas, and quieter streets. It works well for anyone who wants a restful base while still being within reach of central Hanoi attractions.
Recommended hotels in West Lake
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (5★)
This is the flagship hotel of the area, sitting right on the water’s edge. Guests consistently praise the panoramic lake views from the rooms and restaurants. The property features multiple bars, a spa, a swimming pool, and business facilities, making it perfect for luxury travelers, couples on a getaway, or guests attending conferences. It provides complimentary shuttle services to central Hanoi to ease sightseeing.
Dolce by Wyndham Golden West Lake (5★)
This modern option stands out for its rooftop pool, spacious rooms, and scenic lounges. It offers a mix of relaxation and city access, ideal for travelers who want high-end amenities without staying in the Old Quarter. With lake-view dining and wellness facilities, it is well suited to families or professionals working remotely.
Ba Dinh
Ba Dinh sits northwest of Hoan Kiem and serves as Hanoi’s political and historical center. It’s where you’ll find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Roads are broader, pavements less crowded, and the overall tempo more subdued. This is an excellent place to be if you do not want too much of the Old Quarter crowd but want to be near iconic attractions.
It’s also home to several embassies, government offices, and tree-lined streets, which make it a calm, walkable district. Then, about 10 minutes by car, you reach Hoan Kiem or West Lake. Ba Dinh is a decent choice in case tourists are looking for Hanoi accommodation close to key attractions but away from tourist crowds. It is also effective with business travellers or with anyone on official visits in the area.
Recommended hotels in Ba Dinh
Flower Garden Hanoi Hotel (4★)
This hotel is located along Truc Bach Lake, which is close to the edge of the West Lake as well as historical sites. It provides spacious rooms, a restaurant on top of the building, and easy access to the mausoleum area. The atmosphere is antique, the place is relaxing and suited to quiet mornings and sightseeing.
Le Jardin Hotel (4★)
Modern, clean, and well-located for travelers who want easy access to both Ba Dinh’s cultural sites and nearby Tay Ho. Rooms are bright and functional. The hotel has become a favorite among returning guests thanks to consistent service and quieter surroundings.
Army Hotel (4★)
Located on Pham Ngu Lao Street near Cua Bac, this hotel is tucked between Truc Bach Lake and Ba Dinh’s government zone. Rooms are quiet and spacious, with views over an internal courtyard and pool. Its position makes it easy to reach both lakeside strolls and official sites. While the style is more traditional, it provides a useful base for those who want extra space and a break from the city’s pace.
Hai Ba Trung
Hai Ba Trung is located right below the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. It is a district that marries the buzz of central Hanoi with a more tranquil spirit. Here, the streets are broader and less congested with local activity to keep you entertained. It’s a good place to stay if you want some distance from the crowds, but still need easy access to the main attractions.
This district is known for shopping and modern comforts. You’ll find local fashion stores, small malls like Vincom Ba Trieu, and many Vietnamese-style cafés along Nguyen Du and Bui Thi Xuan streets. It’s also home to universities, offices, and quiet residential lanes. Hai Ba Trung works well for repeat visitors who have already covered the best things to do in Hanoi, or travelers who want to stay where Hanoians live.
Recommended hotels in Hai Ba Trung
Melia Hanoi (5★)
The world-famous hotel is only one step away from Hai Ba Trung and Hoan Kiem. Melia offers great business-class service, a swimming facility, and several restaurants under one roof. It’s convenient for those attending events or meetings, while still being within reach of the main tourist streets.
Hotel du Parc Hanoi (4★)
This hotel is situated just opposite Thong Nhat Park and is a little more classic in the international style. It’s slightly removed from the tourist flow, which gives it a peaceful atmosphere. The rooms are spacious, and the area around the hotel is great for morning walks.
Halais Hotel (3★)
A small-scale, pretty cheap alternative near the French Embassy and Hanoi Railway Station. It’s not flashy, but it’s clean and well-located for travelers who want a more local experience without giving up central access.
Cau Giay
Cau Giay is a growing business and residential area located west of the city center. It’s less touristy than Hoan Kiem or Ba Dinh, but this is where many office towers, tech companies, and universities are based. If you’re traveling to Hanoi for work, a conference, or to visit someone studying here, this area makes a lot of sense.
Not so many sightseeing places, however, Cau Giay is modern, well-structured, and not difficult to navigate around via taxi or Grab. Wide streets such as Pham Van Bach or Tran Duy Hung lead you to the National Convention Center, Keangnam Tower, and a bunch of high-end malls. This was one of the most convenient areas to stay in Hanoi in case of a business stay.
Recommended hotels in Cau Giay
Grand Vista Hanoi Hotel (5★)
This is a mid-supply hotel that is business and luxury. Accommodation is spacious, with the facilities adapted to longer living. The property features a spa, meeting rooms, and easy accessibility to major roads. It’s a solid base for business travelers who want reliable service and a quiet night after work.
Smiley Hotel (3★)
A compact and affordable option near Duy Tan Street, popular with tech workers and domestic business travelers. It’s simple, but the location puts you close to office hubs and coworking cafés. Best for short business visits on a budget.
Final Thoughts
Where you stay in Hanoi affects more than just your sleep. It decides how you move through the city, what you see first, and how your days begin. Some areas make things easier. Others slow the pace. If you’re unsure where to land or want local advice before you book, Seni World can help you find a place that fits.
