hanoi
 

Looking for a good hotel, reccomendations for eating/shopping. Would 3-4 days be enough? Looking more for luxury than adventure

I was in Hanoi in March, and 2-3 days is not enough time. I was there 10 days and that was not enough time. The 5* hotels in Hanoi are quite distant from the center of tourist activities - the Old Quarter. I stayed in 3* and was very well pleased - paid $35. at the Gia Thinh Hotel on Hang Bac near the Lake. Hanoi is a walker's city and very interesting. I used Hanoikids (free guides) for 2 days - wonderful!!!!!

I'm going back next winter - Vietnam is really special.

3-4 days is enough in Hanoi, but if you want to experience some of the other places in the area (Sapa, Halong Bay, Tam Coc/Ninh Binh), then you'll need another 4-5 days. If you're looking for luxury, the Hilton Hanoi Opera and Sofitel Metropole are both located in the Old Quarter.

.... and the InterContinental and Sheraton by the West Lake which is much quieter.

Yes, those are also good options. I was referring to poster #2 who said there were no luxury hotels near the Old Quarter. I prefer the quieter locations as well.

How about the Metropole? It's near Hoan Kiem lake. The Press Club is nearby for cigars, they have cooking lessons and it's kinda close to the old quarter...

thanks
 

sheraton not avail will try metrop.
Thanks for advice

I really liked the Sheraton Hanoi, especially if you have Star points, it's a great deal as it's only a category 2. While it's in a quieter part of Hanoi, it's really not too far from the center of the city.

Would you still like it if its at Category 4 ;) ?

Yes, its now 10,000 points per night (instead of 3,000/4,000 pts last year)

I stayed at the Hilton last year and found it a great place and location to stay. The staff looked at me a little oddly when I wanted to walk rather than ride a rickshaw or a motorcycle.

I got a great massage at the hotel spa too.

Actually, I might pay cash+points, but I don't think I'd stay there with points at 10K per night.