Although Hanoi is a small city there are plenty of lodging choices on offer, from guest houses popular with budget travellers to high-end tourist and business hotels complete with luxurious restaurants, pools and fitness centres, and superb service. Visitors will find a good selection of mid-range hotels as well, conveniently located in and around the city's compact centre.

The city's old quarter features many of Hanoi's main attractions of interest, but is busy and noisy, and appeals mostly to those on a shoestring. The 700-year-old winding streets and alleyways are lined with budget accommodations. The area also offers some nice mid-range hotels, such as the Hotel Especen 11, near St Joseph's Cathedral; the Old Darling Hotel, found on a quiet alley off Ta Hien; and the Nam Phuong Hotel, adjacent to Gia Long Market Street.

If the charm of the old quarter is appealing but low-end accommodation is not, there are a number of more upscale choices in the area. For a few dollars more per night, the level of luxury rises quickly. Options such as the Salute Hotel, the Classic Street or the Quoc Hoa can combine the charm of an old quarter location and with the comfort of a small boutique hotel.

Nearby Hoan Kiem district is another choice that is close to major attractions, museums, restaurants and shopping. The old quarter lies just to the north of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the district's accommodation choices are found a few blocks to the east, south or west of the lake, providing comfort without the bedlam of the old quarter.

To the east of the Hoan Kiem district are the city's two premier hotels. The Hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi and the Hilton Hanoi Opera offer opulent five-star deluxe accommodation, sparing no effort to pamper their guests.

A bit to the south is the Thuy Nga Guesthouse, offering pleasant views of the lake, and the 70-year-old Hoa Binh Hotel, offering affordable splendour. To the west on Ly Thuong Kiet is the shiny Melia Hotel tower and the elegant boutique Guoman Hotel.

To the west of the city centre, the Ba Dinh district is home to embassies and government buildings, as well as some of the finest lodgings in the city. The Daewoo Hotel is the choice of many heads of state and celebrities, and a bit closer in to the city is the Lakeside Hotel, a comfortable and classy choice on Giang Vo Lake.