Where to stay in Hanoi

[Nguyen Ngoc diep]

• DE SYLOIA

17a Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi(00 84 4 824 5346)

A stylish international hotel with a mock-colonial façade and eight floors of impeccably furnished rooms, some a touch on the small side. It also boasts a slick restaurant and a health club. Price rating: 1/5

• HILTON HANOI OPERA

1 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi(00 84 4 933 0530)

This luxurious property adjacent to the Opera House is a good-value option for those seeking five-star accommodation. Features 269 rooms with high-speed internet access, and satellite TV, while in-house services include a business centre, two executive floors, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool. The Lobby Lounge bar has become a popular nightspot for delicious cocktails and visiting flamenco bands. Price rating: 2/5

• INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI WESTLAKE

1a Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Hanoi(00 84 4 270 8888)

A very stylish hotel overlooking the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda in Hanoi's largest lake, the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake has 359 good-sized and beautifully decorated rooms with LCD TVs and deep baths. The Milan restaurant serves Italian food, while Saigon specialises in the Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines, and Café du Lac is an excellent French brasserie. Price rating: 3/5

• MELIA HANOI

44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi(0800 032 4254)

Melia Hanoi is a member of the Great Hotels of the World and occupies a central location right in the heart of Hanoi's business, government and diplomatic district. Heads of states such as Spain's Queen Sofia, HR Princess Anne of the UK and members of the Brunei Royal family have stayed here. The hotel has a heliport on its roof, so guests can arrive in style. All rooms have luxurious bathrooms, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also has the largest ballroom in Vietnam, with an impressive capacity for up to 1,200 guests. There are two restaurants including El Patio that serves international cuisine during the day and the Asian-inspired El Oriental restaurant. The hotel is within walking distance of Hanoi landmarks such as the Grand Cathedral, the Grand Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature. Price rating: 2/5

• NIKKO HANOI

84 Tran Tong, Hanoi(00 84 4 822 3535)

A luxurious hotel with well-appointed rooms with standard five-star facilities, the Nikko Hanoi is Japanese-owned and retains a distinctly Japanese - rather minimalist - feel. The sushi bar Benkay is excellent. Other facilities include a business centre, health club and outdoor swimming pool. Price rating: 2/5

• SOFITEL METROPOLE

15 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi(00 84 4 826 6919)

Despite fierce competition from new luxury rivals, the Metropole remains the most prestigious address in Hanoi. Opened in 1901, past guests include Charlie Chaplin, Jane Fonda and Jacques Chirac. Though rooms in the new award-winning Opera Wing exude international-class luxury, they lack the old-world charm of the original building, with its wooden floorboards, period furniture and bamboo wall coverings. There are 363 rooms and suites, and in-house facilities include a business centre, hair salon, small outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. A spa will open soon. Spices Garden serves upmarket Vietnamese fare, while Le Beaulieu is one of the finest French brasseries in town. The hotel is a seriously luxurious experience. Price rating: 3/5

• HANOI IMPERIAL HOTEL HOTEL

44 Hang Hanh (next to Hoan Kiem lake), Hanoi(00 84 4 39335555)

A very smart hotel - formerly known as Thuy Nga - with 40 elegantly decorated rooms and a great location near to Hoan Kiem Lake. All mod cons and reasonable prices make this a good budget option. Price rating: 1/5

• ESSENCE HANOI

22 Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm(00 84 4 3935 2485)

In the heart of the Old Quarter, a few steps from Dong Xuan market and some of the city's best street life and shopping (silks, crafts, food - including excellent dried fruits), is the latest addition to a chain that has flourished by providing well-designed, well-run, mid-range hotels. Essence Hanoi's public and private spaces all follow the same theme: white walls, muted fabrics and dark wood, and all 30 rooms have complimentary-use laptops and free Wi-Fi. The upper floors are brightest and quietest for those seeking respite from the lively and at times chaotic Old Quarter location. The hotel's Essence Caféserves an excellent pho (noodle soup). Price rating: 1/5