The Best Hotels in West Lake, Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, sits on the shores of West Lake
Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, sits on the shores of West Lake | © Gekko Studios / Alamy Stock Photo
Claire Turrell

Hanoi is the kind of city that stays with you long after you’ve left. From its ancient temples and emerald-green lakes to its artisan-filled Old Quarter, the Vietnamese capital invites exploration.

Take the plunge and step out into Hanoi’s motorbike-filled streets lined with ancient temples, skilled artisans, sublime coffee shops and world-class street food. Around the city’s buzzing West Lake area, you can splurge on accommodation with overwater bungalows and suites complete with hot tubs, whilst even affordable options come with spades of comfort and character. Check out our guide to the area’s best places to stay, all bookable with Culture Trip.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Pan Pacific Hanoi

Hotel

Pan Pacific Hanoi pool
Courtesy of Pan Pacific Hanoi / Expedia

A plush hotel with a desirable location, many of the rooms in this lakeside retreat come with Pacific Club Privileges, which means you will receive a welcome drink, daily breakfast and complimentary laundry service as part of your stay. If you want to pamper yourself, enjoy a muscle-soothing massage in the hotel spa or indulge in a refreshing dip at the indoor pool. The only place to be at the magical hour is the open-air rooftop bar, The Summit. Watch the sun set over West Lake with an original or classic cocktail in hand.

Hanoi Esplendor Hotel and Spa

Boutique Hotel

Hanoi Esplendor Hotel and Spa
Courtesy of Hanoi Esplendor Hotel and Spa / Expedia

Set in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the Hanoi Esplendor Hotel and Spa. Decked out in elegant mono-chic furnishings, double and family suites provide a glamorous experience. Breakfast also feels like an occasion, served in the heritage rooftop restaurant where guests can choose from steaming Vietnamese noodles, plates of passion fruit and watermelon and eggs whichever way you like best. The spa is popular with those looking to ease shopped-out muscles, as are the luxury cruises to nearby Halong Bay.

The Oriental Jade Hotel

Hotel

The Oriental Jade Hotel Hanoi pool
Courtesy of The Oriental Jade Hotel / Expedia

A 120-room heritage hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, the smallest room here still comes with a king-sized bed, so you know they don’t cut corners. The rooftop pool framed by plump loungers gives you a panoramic view of the city. As does the Sixteen Sky Bar, which offers a 360-degree view of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. During the day they can arrange visits to ancient houses and fruit orchards as well as rowing boat trips along the cit’s canals.

La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa

Spa Hotel

La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa Hanoi
Courtesy of La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa / Expedia

Neoclassical design blends with innovative ideas at La Sinfonía del Rey. Expect the best night’s sleep ever with state-of-the-art lighting systems inducive to relaxation in the evening and invigoration at the start of each day. Get pampered in the spa before sipping cocktails with the locals on the sweeping terrace of the rooftop Terraço Sky Bar.

Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa by AIRA

Luxury, Spa Hotel

Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa by AIRA
Courtesy of Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa / Expedia

If the wrought-iron Victorian-style entrance to the hotel doesn’t wow you, the marble-filled lobby will. There are 10 types of suites offered here, including the Love Suite that comes complete with a tantric sofa. Hanoi is one city that makes full use of its rooftops and the Peridot’s Sky Bar with its oversized birdcage seating, does just that. Perfect for snuggling up to a loved one.

Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa

Spa Hotel

Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa
Courtesy of Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa / Expedia

An elegant hotel with a neoclassical design, the spa at Hanoi Paradise Center comes with a plush couple’s room where you can be pampered side by side. Luxury day trips can be organised to Halong Bay, where kayaking, swimming and caving expeditions await. The sprawling Family Suite comes with its very own balcony, complete with sweeping city views.

Solaria Hanoi Hotel

Hotel

Solaria Hanoi Hotel
Courtesy of Solaria Hanoi Hotel / Expedia

Heritage style with a millennial twist. Light-wood panelled suites mix with pops of orange velvet and crisp white sheets. The king-sized suites come with spacious bathrooms and deep tubs perfect for soaking, whilst the Sol Sky Bar gives everyone an uninterrupted view of the city, as the mixologists work their magic behind you. This hotel provides the perfect spot from which to tour Hanoi’s vibrant, grandiose Old Quarter.

Amorita Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Amorita Boutique Hotel Hanoi
Courtesy of Amorita Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Blond-wood doubles and king-size beds take centre stage in these modern suites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Amorita attracts backpackers and families due to its budget-friendly prices and excellent location, whilst some rooms even come with balconies complete with city views. Even the smallest rooms have a rain shower, hairdryer and bathroom amenities.

RedDoorz near Truc Bach Lake

Hotel

RedDoorz near Truc Bach Lake Hanoi
Courtesy of RedDoorz near Truc Bach Lake / Expedia

Covering all the basics whilst remaining kind to your budget, guests can expect free wifi, mineral water, satellite TV and toiletries at RedDoorz. There are three standards of double rooms in varying sizes here, whilst tropical palm prints add a touch of colour to the no-frills suites that are within a 1km (0.6mi) walk of Truc Bach Lake. The in-house coffee shop is worth a visit for its steaming coffee and crispy baguettes.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Hotel

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Courtesy of InterContinental Hanoi Westlake / Expedia

Why get a room that overlooks the lake when you can stay on the lake itself? Ride a buggy from the lobby to your suite in one of the lily pad-like clusters of overwater pavilions. Decorated in rich Vietnamese silks and dark wood, the suites are as glamorous as their surroundings. While there are restaurants and lounges aplenty, the star of the show is the Sunset Bar, which sits on its very own island.

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