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Hanoi is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and incredible food, but choosing where to stay can make a big difference to your experience. Whether you want to be in the heart of the Old Quarter or prefer somewhere a little quieter, Hanoi offers a wide range of accommodation for every travel style and budget.
During my time in Hanoi, Vietnam. I stayed in four different hotels across the city. Here’s an honest breakdown of each, including pros, locations, and who they’re best for.
Best Areas to Stay in Hanoi
Before getting into specific hotels, it’s helpful to understand the main areas:
Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem
Best for first-time visitors. You’re close to major attractions, street food, cafes, and nightlife.
French Quarter / Train Station Area
Quieter and more spacious. Good for business travellers or those wanting less noise.
Around St Joseph’s Cathedral
A great middle ground. Central but slightly tucked away from the chaos.
Shining Central Hotel – Best for Central Location
Location: Near Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter
Address: 20 P. Lò Sũ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Shining Central Hotel is ideal if you want to be in the heart of Hanoi. Everything is within walking distance, including street food, cafes, shopping, and major attractions.
Pros:
- Excellent central location near Hoan Kiem Lake
- Walking distance to most tourist spots
- Free breakfast included (buffet plus made-to-order dishes)
- On-site spa for next-day recovery
- Blue Eyes Sky Bar with rooftop views over Hanoi at night
Who it’s for:
First-time visitors, short stays, and anyone who wants to experience the energy of Hanoi right outside their door.
Mercure Hanoi La Gare – Best for Cleanliness & Comfort
Location: Near Hanoi train station and Train Street
Address: 94 P. Lý Thường Kiệt, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Mercure Hanoi La Gare feels more like a modern business hotel compared to the boutique-style stays in the Old Quarter.
Pros:
- Cleanest hotel out of all the places I stayed
- Overlooks the main train station
- Quiet and comfortable rooms
- Good access to Train Street
Cons:
- Further out from main attractions
- Smaller rooms compared to others
Who it’s for:
Business travellers, digital nomads, or anyone who prioritises cleanliness and comfort over being in the tourist centre.
Splendid Central Hotel & Spa – Best for Breakfast Lovers
Location: Behind St Joseph’s Cathedral
Address: Sô 6 Ng. Hàng Hành, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Splendid Central Hotel is tucked away on a small street but still very central. It feels like a hidden gem in the middle of the city.
Pros:
- Excellent location near St Joseph’s Cathedral
- Quiet despite being central
- Best Vietnamese buffet breakfast of all three hotels
- On-site spa
Cons:
• We stayed on the seventh floor, close to the staff bedrooms, where they smoke.
Who it’s for:
Travellers who want central access without the noise, and anyone who values a great hotel breakfast.
Royal Holiday Hanoi – Central but Basic
Location: Central Hanoi, Old Quarter area
Address: 19 Ng. Hàng Hành, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Royal Holiday Hanoi is another centrally located option, similar in location to Shining Central. It’s convenient for sightseeing, food spots, and walking around the Old Quarter.
Pros:
- Very central location
- Comfortable beds
- Easy access to cafes, shops, and attractions
- Best service from staff
Cons:
- Ants in the room
- Overall more basic compared to the other hotels
Who it’s for:
Travellers who want a central base on a budget and don’t mind slightly lower standards in exchange for location.
Hotel Comparison
- Best overall location: Shining Central Hotel
- Cleanest and most modern: Mercure Hanoi La Gare
- Best breakfast and balance: Splendid Central Hotel & Spa
- Best budget central option: Royal Holiday Hanoi
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hanoi
If it’s your first time in Hanoi, staying in the Old Quarter or near St Joseph’s Cathedral is ideal. You’ll be within walking distance of major sights, street food, cafes, and nightlife.
For business or longer stays, areas near the train station offer quieter surroundings and more modern hotels, but you’ll rely more on taxis or Grab.
Hanoi has a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels to international chains, making it easy to find somewhere that suits your budget and travel style while staying well connected to the city.
