Hanoi's best boutique hotels

Located in Hanoi's Old Quarter -- a network of 36 streets, organized by trade -- these quaint addresses combine modern amenities with historic atmosphere for an authentic base while exploring the city.

Hotel de l'Opera | 29 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi.

Hotel de l'Opera

As its name suggests, Hotel de l'Opera is just a few steps from the beautiful Hanoi Opera House, which regularly hosts ballet, music and folk performances. The largest of its kind in Vietnam, the theater features a magnificent neo-classical French facade, imposing pillars, balconies and opulent interiors. On the same leafy boulevard, the 107-room Hotel de l'Opera is set in its own white colonial-era building. Inside the stately doors, guests will find high ceilings, silk drapes, classic furniture, theatrical pops of color and big-name designer boutiques downstairs -- think Max Mara, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Each room has a slightly different layout and design. Rest assured, however, that all four l'Opera Grand Suites offer views of the Opera House. Within minutes of leaving the hotel, guests will discover the city's central lake, bustling Old Quarter and countless bars and restaurants.

La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa | 1 Cau Go Street, Hanoi.

La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa

A new address in Hanoi, La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa opened earlier this August in the historic Old Quarter, near photogenic Hoan Kiem Lake. The 27-bedroom property showcases lake views from 19 of its rooms, and also features a fine-dining restaurant, a sunset rooftop bar and a spa that emphasizes Vietnamese therapies. The building itself is newly constructed in the colonial style. Inside, the hotel pays tribute to the city's French heritage -- picture dark-wood paneling, black-and-white patterned tiles, wrought-iron furniture, romantic balconies and classic monochrome artwork peppering the hallways. With the Old Quarter just steps away and the peaceful lake at your doorstep, this is one of the best locations in Hanoi.

O'Gallery Premier Hotel | 22 Hang Bong Street, Hanoi.

O'Gallery Premier Hotel

Conveniently located inside Hanoi's Old Quarter, the O'Gallery Premier Hotel can be spotted by its narrow, colonial-style facade awash in green paint.
The green accents continue inside where pops of emerald bring classically furnished rooms to life. Each of the 55 rooms and suites include sophisticated touches, such as wood-paneled walls, velvet furniture, leather stools and generous amenities -- such as complimentary early check-in. The suites also offer private balconies, accessed via arched French doors.
Elsewhere in the hotel, travelers will find Thang Long Deli Vietnamese restaurant and a Vietnamese-style spa facility.

Maison d'Orient | 26 Ngo Huyen, Hanoi.

Maison d'Orient 

Hidden down a quiet alleyway in the heart of the Old Quarter, this design-forward gem is home to eclectic furniture, funky mosaic tiles, vintage prints and local artwork.
The hotel's communal open-air terrace serves as a dining area with an east-meets-west feel, where wooden tables mingle with Asian plants and motifs.
Though cozy -- ranging from 182 to 400 square feet -- each of the 10 rooms has its own idiosyncratic charm, but all are awash with natural light and pretty bamboo touches.
From the hotel, main attractions like St Joseph's Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake are just minutes away by foot.

Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa | 22 Ta Hien Street, Hanoi.

Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Another gem in the Old Quarter, the Essence Hanoi is located right next to the city's famous Beer Corner -- where travelers and locals like sit on tiny stools and enjoy drafts of light bia hoi late into the night. It's also a stone' throw from Dong Xuan market, which is frequented for its snacks, souvenirs and silk crafts. A mid-range hotel, the property provides 30 rooms. Each marries contemporary Vietnamese-inspired decor with tech-savvy touches, such as complimentary laptops to use during your stay. Adding to the stylish ethos, the hotel also offers convenient tailoring services from its partners Kitonali Bespoke Tailor and Heydi Boutique should you be in the market for a lasting souvenir.

The Chi Boutique Hotel | 13 Nha Chung Street, Hanoi.

The Chi Boutique Hotel

The first thing you'll notice at the sleek new Chi Boutique Hotel is a wall full of fresh flowers and leaves. The contemporary style and atmosphere continues in the 42 guestrooms, where travelers will find spacious bathrooms, lotus-inspired artwork and leafy street views. Want a private balcony with wrought-iron details? Ask for a room at the front of the hotel.
There's also a Vietnamese-Cantonese fusion restaurant on site, as well as a photogenic Garden Sky Lounge on the rooftop -- perfect for sunset cocktails with views of the Old Quarter.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi. 

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi |

Though hardly a boutique hotel with 364 rooms, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is packed with French colonial charm. Formerly the residence of the French Governor of Tonkin (the historic name of northern Vietnam), the hotel is conveniently located right around the corner from the Hanoi Opera house and the neo-Gothic St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Inside, guests will find a few destination restaurants, including the French Le Beaulieu and the romantic Bamboo Bar in the lush courtyard, by the pool. Likewise, the elegant rooms also add to the Indo-French atmosphere with vintage furniture, silk tapestries, green shutters and original wrought-iron details. Since opening in 1901, the hotel has been the go-to home base for celebrities, politicians and literary figures alike, having welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Graham Greene.