Heading to Vietnam’s capital? Among the tree-lined boulevards, ancient lakes and vibrant marketplaces, it’s all happening in Hanoi. Fill up on delicious bun cha, enjoy guided tours of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, take a day trip to Halong Bay, and when night falls, join tourists on Ta Hien Beer Street to sample local brews. Whether you’re here for the food, history, nightlife or culture, there’s so much to be discovered in this lively city.
But which area is best suited to your holiday needs? From luxury hotels by Hoan Kiem Lake to boutique hideaways in the Old Quarter, here are some of the hippest hotels in Hanoi – many of which can be booked with Cathay.
Named one of the top 20 hotels in the world, Capella Hanoi opened only a few years ago, but it has already made its mark as one of the city’s most spectacular properties. Designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, this 47-room hotel is imagined as a place where 1920s opera stars might flock after their performances (Hanoi’s opera house is just a few steps away). With its Art Deco flourishes, the space is big on dramatic statements: think hand-painted murals, lavish fittings and sumptuous gold trim throughout. Unwind in the subterranean pool or indulge in a treatment at the award-winning Auriga Spa to truly experience Capella’s hospitality.
No roundup of Hanoi hotels would be complete without the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. With more than 120 years of history, this property has hosted everyone from celebrities to diplomats over the decades. It leans into its French colonial heritage to create a truly memorable stay, offering free daily guided history tours which include a visit to its old bomb shelter. The hotel’s outdoor pool is housed in a lush, green courtyard, where you’ll also find its famous Bamboo Bar – the perfect spot for a sundowner.
Discover a different side to Hanoi with this lakeside property that offers peace and tranquillity while being just 10 minutes from the action of downtown Hanoi. Wooden overwater walkways connect each section of the hotel for a true resort feeling, while a serviced swimming pool overlooking the lake allows you to swim and snack to your heart’s content. Each room comes with its own private balcony, and with wooden parquet flooring and cream interiors, relaxation is built right in.
With its statement black and white floor tiles and rosewood furnishings, this offering from homegrown hospitality brand La Siesta brings modern Vietnamese design to the forefront. Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the rooms are decked out in a striking monochrome, with slate-grey walls and black wooden screens providing a dramatic contrast to the crisp white bedsheets. Some of the rooms come with spacious terraces, a home bar and even an outdoor soaking tub. Don’t miss out on a treatment at the well-appointed spa and be sure to head up to the Lighthouse Rooftop bar for a cocktail or two as you watch the sun set over the city.
Opened in 2021, Hanoi La Passion Hotel is a design-led four-star property located squarely within the historic Old Quarter. Each room has its own unique character, from suites with bright jewel-toned accents and rattan furnishings to deluxe rooms styled in elegant neutrals. The rooftop coffee bar is housed in a glass-walled conservatory that offers spectacular city views, while the restaurant serves a delicious buffet breakfast.
Located mere steps from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Aira combines fantastic value with great design and impeccable service. With just 60 rooms, this petite property has charm in spades, with hardwood floors, high ceilings, vintage-style fans and elegant draperies that bring a touch of Indochine to its interiors. Unwind after a day’s sightseeing with a dip in its shaded pool, complete with kitschy chandeliers, or treat yourself to a massage at the onsite spa. The rooftop bar is something of a local landmark; grab a cocktail and round off your evening with some live music.