As you mightn’t know, in Hanoi, there are a lot of luxurious and grand hotels for tourists nowadays. Especially, thanks to what the French left Hanoi dozens of years ago, it’s not difficult to find hotels in Hanoi French Quarter. But what has created this feature of the region?
In fact, one of the main contributions to the uniqueness of Hanoi these days is the French Quarter in the south of Hoan Kiem Lake. It was formed at the end of the 19th century, the period called “French colonization in Vietnam”. For the purpose of controlling the city more effectively, the French zoned Hanoi again by diving it into many separate quarters. Then they knocked down all dilapidated houses in the area near the southern shore of the lake to erect their own constructions, including the head offices of government, and urban regions, and finally designed road systems like a chessboard to facilitate transportation in the French Quarter. After finishing the war in 1955, the Vietnamese took the control of those properties, and hopefully, they have still remain hitherto there. This is the reason why the quarter is considered as the park of French colonial houses.
Such buildings, therefore, are very favorable to establish first-rate hotels in Hanoi French Quarter. If you desire to experience them once, to prove your high social class to your partners, or merely to cut down your journey time to study about French architectural design, obviously, you need to know them. To let you choose a suitable one simply, I will sort them from the highest to lowest prices offered.
1. Sofitel Legend Metropole
Address: No.15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: 287$
Reaching the age of nearly 120 years old, Sofitel Legend Metropole is recognized as the oldest 5-star hotel in Hanoi at the moment. Based on the opulence and sufficiency of amenities, the price to stay there is also the most expensive. Obviously, it only serves those who never care about how much money they have in their pocket. It is noticeable that Mr. Donald Trump, the U.S President, chose it for temporary accommodation when he visited Hanoi in 2017.
The hotel has got characteristic French colonial structure outside and inside. Especially at night, the scenery around it becomes so romantic that it’s advantageous to take wedding photos. Regarding its facilities, there is no lack of spa named Le Spa du Metropole, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, bars, and integral garden. Apart from dining facilities split into Le Beaulieu, Spices Garden and Angelina for different culinary arts, 364 guestrooms are also separated into two wings: Metropole and Opera for respectively colonial and modern spaces.
2. Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery by Sofitel
Address: No.29 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: From 234.98 USD
The next best hotel in Hanoi French Quarter is Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery by Sofitel. Grateful for its site beside Trang Tien Street, it allows you to walk to the well-known Trang Tien ice-cream restaurant and Hoan Kiem Lake within only 2 minutes, whereas on the reversed direction for the same time is Hanoi Opera House. That is not to mention an aspect that numerous French-style properties surrounding it can let you research French architecture more.
Amazingly, dissimilar to sumptuous accommodation nearby, it has obtained a large balcony where you can sunbathe or observe the streets beneath. Beside the balcony is an indoor swimming pool. In addition, wellness centers, including Santé Spa and the gym, are located on the same floor. It’s very convenient to move among such places. Moreover, there is an open-air yard in the center of the hotel where you can join in special events or delicate meals served by its restaurants with abundant styles.
3. Meliá Hanoi
Address: No.44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: From 196.35 USD
In the case you prefer dwelling in a contemporary place rather than historical hotels in Hanoi French Quarter, you should remember Meliá Hanoi. The hotel has got two huge glass towers on one side of Ly Thuong Kiet Street. From a long distance, you might take it as a commercial center instead of a real hotel. Fortunately, the hotel occupies a large area. This difference, therefore, doesn’t destroy the ancient ambiance of the quarter. It is notable that Princess Anne of the UK, and Spain’s Queen Sofia attended there.
For relaxing activities, you will have a diverse range of choices there. For example, they are the pool in the back, Oasis Spa & beauty salon and fitness center. Also, the hotel provides you with a 5-storey car park and spacious halls to hold important events. With respect to dining, while El Patio Restaurant exhibits Mediterranean cuisine, El Oriental Restaurant is where you can see Vietnamese and Thai food.
4. Hilton Hanoi Opera
Address: No.1 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: From 141USD
From the name, perhaps you will figure out that Hilton Hanoi Opera is a member of the Hilton Hotels chain. Due to meet all vigorous standards of that chain, it has turned itself to one of the best hotels in Hanoi French Quarter. With an attractive space in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake, it shows a garden around it. And this amenity enables guests to be close to nature and to enjoy tranquility. Meanwhile, it’s also next to Hanoi Opera House. Consequently, at the weekend, you easily travel to this attraction for tempting opera concerts without much effort.
Looking into the hotel, you will find two restaurants: Ba Mien for local food and Chez Manon for international one. But if you look for dessert or beverages, The Bakery and JJ’s Sports Bar are must-visit destinations. Although the spa inside the hotel is not famous, you can blow away annoyance by soaking yourself in the alfresco pool.
5. Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi
Address: No.83A Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Price: From 101 USD
Pretty close to Meliá Hanoi and Hoa Lo Prison, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is another destination for preferable hotels in Hanoi French Quarter. Partly similar with Hilton Hanoi Opera, this one is a member of Mövenpick Group coming from Switzerland. This Swiss corporation, of course, also specializes in operating magnificent resorts and hotels. As a result, it is able to control highly-qualified amenities to satisfy affluent businessmen who are seeking an opportunity to expand their businesses in Vietnam.
Actually, the hotel’s outsides are very eye-catching, specifically the outlines at the entrance. Asides from this, its most prominent features could be luxurious BMW vehicles. Amazingly, you can register a car to drive you around Hanoi with some extra fees. After that, undergoing treatments and engaging in fitness schemes at Kinetic Gym and Wellness Studio are the advisable options for you to eradicate tiredness and depression. Regarding dining, you should not miss The Lounge 83 Bar and Mangosteen all-day Restaurant.
I have to say that all aforementioned 5-star residences are the best hotels in Hanoi French Quarter even local people are familiar with. Just have a knack for them, and I believe that there will be nothing that could make you disappointed and interfere you to create a wonderful memory about Hanoi capital.