Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, is a mesmerizing blend of old-world charm and modern eclecticism. This is also reflected in its bountiful array of truly spectacular hotels and a stay in any of them promises a city break filled with inspiration and cultural charm. From colonial boutiques to soaring modern skyscrapers, here are my favorite cool and unique hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam…
Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
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Best For Instagrammable Design
La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel and Spa
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La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel and Spa
La Sinfonía Majesty is a beautiful manifestation of royalty and classicism with a sprinkle of modernism. The front side overlooks the hustle and bustle of the city, while the back offers jaw-dropping views of Hanoi’s three most prestigious historical icons – Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Red Bridge.
At the sky-high Symphony Restaurant, high-quality ingredients are sourced from the hotel’s network of organic farms, creating a menu that is an orchestra of Vietnamese dishes, must-try specialties, and lesser-known local favorites.
For even better nighttime views, you can ascend to the rooftop Majesty Sky Bay, where the sparkly-lit lake will enchant you.
Pros
Spectacular views of Red Bridge
Top-rated sky-high Symphony Restaurant
Rooftop bar and high-end onsite spa
Striking and Insta-worthy design
SOJO Hotel Ga Hanoi
Funky, retro, and eccentric, SOJO is a dreamy place designed for urban explorers who want to add a bit of flamboyancy to their city break.
The brand message is loud and clear before you even enter, with the bright, vibrant colors on the glass exterior exuding a fun-loving, playful spirit. The vivacity continues, with quirky furnishings brought to life by a spectacular lighting system.
The signature purple theme permeates the lobby, bar area, gym, and restaurant, maintaining an uplifting atmosphere throughout the hotel. My room was well equipped and slick, offering all the mod-cons of a five-star resort.
Pros
Spectacular quirky-chic furnishings
Stylishly-themed gym and bar
Floor-to-ceiling windows and great views
Urban-focused funky design elements
Cons
No elevator
No pool or spa
WiFi can be slow at peak times
Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa
Sitting elegantly on a luxuriant tree-lined street a few steps from the Old Quarter, this elegant 4-star retreat perfectly suits an upscale business stay, a pampered vacation, or a romantic getaway.
Each morning, I was greeted with total serenity as I stepped onto my sun-drenched balcony before savoring a delicious buffet breakfast. On the 9th floor, you’ll find the stunning Essence restaurant, whose menu is a fusion of East and West.
The open-air infinity pool on the 7th floor offers spectacular views and is surrounded by quirky period features and comfy striped loungers. The on-site spa is ready to pamper your senses with ancient healing modalities such as Himalayan Salt Stone Treatment and Ancient Fire Acupuncture Therapy.
Pros
Upscale on-site Essence restaurant
Balconies with great views in rooms
Impressive open-air swimming infinity pool
Ancient Fire Acupuncture Therapy
Cons
Some rooms are compact
Small swimming pool
Not pet-friendly
Aurora Premium Hotel & Spa
This brand-new premium hotel is one of the best I’ve ever stayed in. The in-room aesthetic was incredibly warm and welcoming and furnished with a contemporary outlook.
The décor theme features a radiant color blend, which exposes the polished wooden floors and sets the scene for a stay full of elegance and sophistication.
I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at the Starlight Sky Bar, where drinks are crafted to perfection, and the views are extraordinary! On the 2nd floor, you’ll find the Jennif Spa, an oasis of peace offering many soul-soothing treatments incorporating Vietnamese herbs and Himalayan rock salt.
Pros
Unique and colorful decor
Modern upscale spa and Starlight Sky Bar
Choice of continental and à la carte breakfast
Floor-to-ceiling windows and great views
La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
La Sinfonía del Rey is an oasis of calm in the center of Hanoi, teeming with curated features. Hanoi’s lively Hoan Kiem Lake, the city’s spiritual heart, unfolds before your eyes as soon as you wake up, and the Old Quarter is situated just a few minutes away on foot.
I enjoyed tucking into mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisine in the Rhythms Restaurant, which takes classic recipes and elevates them to international standards.
Another great space is the top-floor Sky Bar, which affords 360-degree panoramic views across the lake and dazzling street life. Sitting out here on a clear afternoon was a mesmerizing experience, with the orange sun sinking over the city’s gleaming rooftops.
Pros
Fine Vietnamese cuisine
Location close to Old Quarter
Insta-worthy design and views of the lake
On-site spa and wellness
Cons
Some rooms are compact
Some noise from outside
Limited breakfast menu
Smarana Hanoi Heritage
Smarana Hanoi Heritage celebrates the culture and soul of Vietnam’s bustling capital. It has been intricately designed around the theme of Hang Trong folk paintings, some of Vietnam’s most iconic works.
The exquisite collection of paintings, traditional furniture, and colonial pieces instilled my city break with a sense of luxury, which extended to my tasteful guestroom.
You can let your tastebuds run wild at Smarana with 4 different options. Lunaire Skybar was my favorite, where the beautiful sunset over Hanoi was the perfect companion for a night of delicious cocktails and exquisite cuisine.
Pros
Unique upscale heritage hotel
On-site restaurant Smarana and onsite bike rentals
Collection of paintings and Instaworthy rooftop bar
Luxury onsite spa and wellness
Cons
Not pet-friendly
Lack of storage space in bathrooms
No onsite swimming pool
Solaria Hanoi Hotel
Welcoming guests to a refined and intimate atmosphere, Solaria is one of the most graceful properties around Hoan Kiem Lake. Designed with a French colonial flair, every detail has been carefully crafted to enhance comfort and maximize space.
When I arrived, I headed up to the Sol Sky Bar, where the sun was setting over the lake and forming mesmerizing colors in the sky.
A great space to experience the hotel’s tranquil, eclectic energy is the Solasta Restaurant, which offers a unique combination of Vietnamese specialties and Western dishes. The on-site spa incorporates only delightfully scented natural products and invites guests to be lulled by a calming atmosphere and relaxing music.
Pros
It’s a striking and photogenic French colonial-inspired hotel offering a unique and luxurious city break.
Cons
French colonial inspired decor
Instagrammable rooftop bar and views
Vietnamese and Western cuisine
Modern on-site organic spa
Soleil Boutique Hotel Hanoi
Located smack bang in the center of Hanoi’s vibrancy, Soleil Boutique Hotel offers a unique mix of Western sophistication and Vietnamese traditions.
A luxurious atmosphere is conveyed through the immaculate appointing of elegant décor, blissfully coalescing marble and wood to create a polished look. The smooth finish of the guestrooms exudes beauty and radiance, enhanced by the epic floor-to-ceiling city views.
I thoroughly loved the restaurant, sky bar, and spa area. They were all perfectly designed and filled my Hanoi vacation with luxury. Come sunset hour, the outdoor rooftop pool awaits with scintillating views over the cityscape, forming an iridescent backdrop to your evening cocktail.
Pros
Insta-worthy rooftop swimming pool
Floor-to-ceiling windows and city views
Daily breakfast and onsite stylish restaurant
Modern spa and well-equipped gym
Shining Central Hotel & Spa
Here, we have Hanoi’s newest luxury 4-star accommodation, in the heart of the Old Quarter, minutes from the city’s many tourist attractions.
Each room has been designed and furnished following the needs of the modern jetsetter, the savvy tourist, and the business traveler. Comfort and style reign supreme here, with many intimate spaces dressed in a French colonial charm and welcoming guests to a moment of tranquillity.
This hotel hit the spot as I was combining work and leisure. Not only could I take advantage of the ultra-high-velocity Wi-Fi and the high-quality amenities, but the facilities on offer meant I did not have to go far to unwind, with the spa, gym, restaurant, and sky bar all clad in refined elegance.
Pros
Sleek and romantic boutique interiors
Located in the popular Old Quarter
On-site gym and upscale spa facilities
Both car and bike hire available
Cons
Higher than average prices for spa
Air Con can be temperamental
No swimming pool
JM Marvel Hotel & Spa
JM Marvel shines as a sparkling diamond in the heart of the Old Quarter and invites you into a paradise of relaxation.
Classic yet cutting-edge, timeless yet contemporary, the fusion of luxury and comfort gives this elegant hotel an ambiance that will charm any traveler’s eyes. The rooms & suites embody a romantic style, and I’d fully recommend booking one with a balcony where you can revel in stunning city views.
The hotel’s showpiece is the Cloud Sky Bar, which brings together stargazers, socialites, and those who want to disconnect totally. On-site, there’s a lavish Vietnamese restaurant and a blissful wellness center.
Pros
Popular trendy Rooftop Bar and great views
Striking and photogenic interior design
Daily breakfast Asian style with vegan options
Onsite upscale spa and wellness facilities
Grande Collection Hotel & Spa
The sleek and glamorous Grande Collection Hotel is decorated in a French colonial style and offers a journey of the senses to its discerning guests.
Here, period elements stand alongside luxury furnishings, bringing a unique harmony of old and new. This graceful theme extends to the guestrooms, embellished with plush linens, state-of-the-art amenities, and a cozy work desk. The ground-floor French Art restaurant is an eclectic establishment that treats guests to mouth-watering fusion cuisine and provides a stunning buffet breakfast spread each morning. I thought the service here was top-notch, and planning tours to Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa was made incredibly easy.
Pros
Romantic French colonial inspired decor
Great location in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Choice between à la carte or buffet breakfast
Fine fusion cuisine and onsite spa
Cons
No Smart TV
Limited storage space in guest rooms
No swimming pool
InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72, an IHG Hotel
Here we have Hanoi’s tallest hotel, which towers over the bustling cityscape and houses 3 of the most acclaimed eateries in the city.
My favorite spot, 3 Spoons, is graced by scintillating skyline views and offers an extensive buffet, an interactive kitchen, and authentic dishes from Vietnam and China. Stellar Steakhouse and Club InterContinental comprise the other two, offering an inspiring culinary journey.
From the spacious, elegant lobby area to the luxurious modern guestrooms, every space here was designed with high levels of craftsmanship and artistry, resulting in a sophisticated haven of luxury, glamour, and tranquillity.
Pros
Four popular restaurants to choose from
Picturesque skyline views
Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine
Instaworthy outdoor swimming pool and onsite spa
Cons
Slow check in at peak times
Limited storage space in rooms
No rooms with private hot tubs
Hanoi Paon Hotel & Spa
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this design-led urban bolthole is draped in boutique glamour. The dark, moody-lit tone that graces the pool area, terrace, dining spaces, and gym is beautifully contrasted by a bright, refined elegance in the lobby and guestrooms.
The rooms are minimalist and functional, reflecting the same standards of comfort in a five-star resort. I loved having the gleaming cityscape as the backdrop to my room!
The large terrace is one of my favorite ever sunset spots in Hanoi and is decked out with quirky boutique-style furniture and potted plants.
Pros
Sleek and dark interiors
Insta-worthy rooftop infinity pool and wellness spa
Impressive in-room cityscape views
Modern gym and restaurant
Cons
Gym could be better equipped
Only one elevator
Air Con is temperamental at times
The Lapis Hotel
Sandwiched between the French and Old Quarter, The Lapis brings business travelers, sightseers, and holidaymakers together to relish luxury and modernity.
Standing next to centurion trees and some of Hanoi’s finest examples of French colonial architecture, the hotel has been designed and furnished according to the needs of today’s global jetsetter.
During my stay, I savored high-quality Vietnamese cuisine along with global favorites, socialized in the elegant bar, pampered the senses in the spa, and re-energized in the fitness center. My room blended a classic style with modern conveniences, providing the ideal haven to relax and unwind after a day of urban adventures.
Cons
WiFi can be intermittent at peak times
Elevator can be slow at peak times
Not pet-friendly
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
A unique blend of gracious Korean hospitality and the rich Vietnamese culture fills this 5-star property with a unique charm.
Lotte Hotel rises high above the city, and each space has floor-to-ceiling windows affording a gorgeous backdrop. The hotel’s stand-out feature is undoubtedly the Instagram-worthy rooftop bar, recognized by Vietnam Travel as one of the top 7 in the country.
This is the most serene spot to capture a glimpse of the skyline in an upscale ambiance, accompanied by delicious food and drink. I loved having a selection of in-house restaurants, each offering its unique atmosphere and setting.
Cons
No rooms with private hot tubs
No rooms with balconies
Not pet-friendly
MK Premier Boutique Hotel
Blending traditional heritage with modern design, MK Premier is a dynamic hospitality experience ideally located in the heart of the Old Quarter.
The pride of the place is expressed through preserving original architectural elements sprinkled with smooth modern furnishings.
I loved the sense of sophistication here, especially at the MK Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, where an ambient tone was set by radiant lights and elegant red and black furniture.
This all-day establishment is where traditional Vietnamese craft is revealed through mouth-watering dishes. On-site, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a café offer a comfortable place to meet, work, and relax.
Pros
Mix of traditional and modern
Outdoor terrace with great views
MK Rooftop Bar and two onsite restaurants
State-of-the-art fitness centre
Cons
No onsite pool
Air Con is temperamental at times
No onsite spa
Melia Bavi Mountain Retreat
Nestled in an awe-inspiring expanse of nature in the Ba Vi mountain range, this gracious boutique retreat showcases its French colonial influences through carefully chosen décor.
It is a place where European comfort and exotic Vietnamese traditions coexist, and senses are stimulated through panoramic views of the North Delta, topped with excellent service.
A rustic ambiance graces the rooms and offers a private terrace, garden, or balcony, where you can embrace seclusion amid the spectacular mountain scenery.
Of the two stunning on-site eateries, my favorite was the exclusive Tonkin Restaurant, which celebrates the gastronomic rituals of Vietnam and pairs this with global culinary trends to create an unforgettable mixture of flavors and aromas.
Pros
French colonial decor and boutique vibe
Great views of the North Delta and beautiful natural surroundings
On-site exclusive Tonkin Restaurant
Two modern swimming pools and onsite spa
Hanoi Media Hotel & Spa
This Old Quarter gem is an urban explorers paradise, with the city’s attractions on your doorstep. Housed in an opulent historic building, the hotel has preserved many of its original elements and has harmonized this with a luxuriously modern design.
Every piece of furniture has been carefully selected and is brought to life by bright pops of color. My room had a charming little balcony overlooking the city. However, the most surreal views came at night at the Lux Sky Bar, where expertly crafted beverages are offered.
The restaurant is a vibrant space where European and Asian cooking styles combine to produce mouth-watering dishes.
Pros
European and Asian cuisine
On-site Lux Sky Bar with great views
Asian style boutique decor and rooms with balconies
Onsite spa and restaurant
Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi
Hotel de l’Opera is a place of vivid contrasts. The colonial, stately façade is beautifully balanced on the inside by bold colors and modern décor, yet with clear references to the Belle Époque.
From the black-and-white movies screening in the courtyard to the elegant restaurants named after key characters from the Moulin Rouge, there is a real sense of theatrical grandeur here. I loved the contemporary works of art that adorn the property, which place the hotel firmly in the 21st century.
Facilities here include a well-equipped fitness center, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an adjoining sundeck boasting fabulous views of the Opera building, which is especially pretty when illuminated at night.
Pros
Belle Époque-themed decor
Collection of art and two onsite restaurants
Well-equipped fitness center and indoor swimming pool
Fabulous views of the Opera House
Cons
Some noise from outside
Busy location
No onsite spa
Comparison Of Best Hotels In Hanoi
This table gives a comparison of cool and unique hotels in Hanoi based on different factors :
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel and Spa 1B Cau Go Street $85-$282 Yes 1.1 2
SOJO Hotel Ga Hanoi 115 Tran Hung Dao Street $45-$74 No 0.95 2
Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa 38 Tran Phu $121-$231 Yes 0.9 1
Aurora Premium Hotel & Spa 61 Hàng Bè $55-$170 Yes 1.1 1
La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa 33-35 Hang Dau $117-$290 Yes 1.0 1
Smarana Hanoi Heritage Phường Dịch Vọng Hầu $163-$263 Yes 1.9 3
Solaria Hanoi Hotel 22, Bao Khanh Street $79-$143 Yes 1.0 3
Soleil Boutique Hotel Hanoi 211 Hàng Bông Street $94-$259 Yes 0.8 3
Shining Central Hotel & Spa 20 Lo Su Street $63-$158 Yes 1.2 2
JM Marvel Hotel & Spa 16 Hang Da $95-$140 Yes 1.0 2
Grande Collection Hotel & Spa 46 - 48 Bat Su Stree $43-$88 Yes 1.2 2
InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72, an IHG Hotel Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower $158-$1,064 Yes 2.9 1
Hanoi Paon Hotel & Spa 27 Hang Thung Str $60-$86 Yes 1.2 1
The Lapis Hotel 21 Tran Hung Dao St, $66-$258 Yes 1.2 3
Lotte Hotel Hanoi 54 Lieu Giai Street $129-$1,021 Yes 2.3 2
MK Premier Boutique Hotel 72 – 74 Hang Buom Street $57-$138 No 1.2 3
Melia Bavi Mountain Retreat Cote 600 $171-$495 Yes 0.79 2
Hanoi Media Hotel & Spa 11 Hang Dau $50-$72 Yes 1.1 1
Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi 29 Trang Tien Street $148-$244 No 1.5 2
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Emma-Clair Ni Clearaigh – writer and photographer
With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year, now she balances travel and travel writing with teaching and a passion for vintage interior design. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Although, she’ll always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages – Paris, her true city of lights. Find Emma-Clair on Instagram or Facebook.
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