Don’t be fooled by the term ‘Old Quarter’ – it thrums with life whatever the weather. In the heart of the hubbub is Ma May Street (pedestrianised at weekends, when musicians and entertainers take over) and La Siesta. Chaos reigns outside, but the moment the bellboy ushers you into this superb little boutique hotel, peace and tranquillity are restored. It's the best location you could wish for.
Inside, the décor is traditional western with Asian touches. Stagger into the spa on arrival and glide out feeling revived (the massages are sublime). There’s also a lounge, a bar, a cinema room, and an excellent Vietnamese restaurant, which makes a refreshing change from the local street-style cafes. The 64 rooms and suites, in varying sizes and spread across 12 floors, have super-comfortable beds and tip-top showers, plus sound-proofing to buffer noise; some have terraces, too. As for breakfast, it’s a buffet-style feast, replete with Asian and western dishes. But what really sets this hotel apart are the staff. Attentive and charming, they’re there the minute you need them, with tickets for tours, vouchers for trains, cots or cocktails, umbrellas, and restorative cups of ginger tea.
Highs
- Right in the heart of the Old Quarter, which is exactly where you want to be, and only 5 minutes' walk from Hoan Kiem Lake with its island temple
- The service – professional yet personal – is outstanding
- A serene spa with a sauna and an excellent range of treatments
- The restaurant is excellent and the rooftop Sky Bar has some of the best views in the old quarter
- Family-friendly, with connecting bedrooms, extra beds, cots and babysitters
Lows
- The street-facing rooms can be slightly noisy at weekends
- Standard traditional décor – though the suites are luxurious
- No views to speak of, apart from the top suites
- Duplex Suites have tight spiral stairs
- No pool
Best time to go
Hanoi is a 365-day city. Weather wise, spring (February-April) and autumn (October-November) are the best times to visit. The rainy season runs from May to September, and the driest months are November to May.
Our top tips
From May to July the city’s flame trees are on fire. Many of the streets are lined with them, but they’re at their most stunning reflected in the waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.
In general, the Old Quarter is buzzing. We visited on a weekend when the streets were pedestrianised, turning them into an open-air festival of music, food and drink stalls, and shopping markets. It was rammed, bonkers and we loved it!
In general, the Old Quarter is buzzing. We visited on a weekend when the streets were pedestrianised, turning them into an open-air festival of music, food and drink stalls, and shopping markets. It was rammed, bonkers and we loved it!
Location
La Siesta Ma May is in the centre of the Old Quarter in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. It’s a 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
By Air:
Fly into Hanoi Noi Bai International (27km).
From the Airport
Taxis are available, or you can arrange a transfer with the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Vietnam and getting around
Airports:
- Hanoi Noi Bai International 27.0 km HAN
Other:
- Beach 100.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
This was definitely a hidden gem in all the craziness of the French quarter of Hanoi - service was impeccable and the bedrooms (particularly the beds) were superb. But best of all was the food in the hotel. Red Bean Restaurant was authentically Vietnamese and truly delicious - I highly recommend as a place to relax and take stock amidst the frantic city outside the doors of this hotel.
It’s perfectly located. Nice rooms, good breakfast, friendly staff!
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape