A To Z of Booking Hotels In Hanoi

Intro

Discovering beautiful locations and booking hotels in Hanoi is now easier than ever. We’ll guide you from A to Z, helping you turn your dream trip into a reality without any worries. If you’re planning a vacation in the capital and want a memorable stay, let us help you find the secret to choosing the ideal hotel location. This will ensure every moment exploring the capital is as complete and comfortable as possible.

Your Complete Experience for Booking Hotels In Hanoi

To help you have the smoothest and most satisfying hotel booking experience, here are some invaluable tips that many travelers have gathered.

Picking The Right Room Location

The Old Quarter Area 

This is a fantastic choice. Staying in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with its 36 charming streets, provides an endless array of shopping and entertainment opportunities.  Beyond sightseeing at famous landmarks, you can delve into Dong Xuan Market, the Old Quarter’s largest market, and indulge in its unique culinary delights.  Furthermore, this district is perfect for lively evening entertainment.

The West Lake area

Known as Hanoi’s “green lung,” this serene locale boasts beautiful landscapes and a quiet ambiance, making it a popular spot for relaxation. You’ll find numerous hotels and homestays offering stunning views.  From West Lake, it’s easy to discover the 18.6km heritage route, home to countless ancient communal houses, temples, and pagodas, ensuring a truly peaceful and novel experience.

Ba Dinh District Area

Choosing a hotel in Ba Dinh District immerses you in a rich historical and cultural ambiance.  While not as bustling at night as the Old Quarter, this area is perfect for relaxing and quiet tours, offering a leisurely experience exploring museums and temples.

Hanoi Outskirts

The outskirts of Hanoi primarily feature villas and resorts with stunning views, making them ideal for weekend getaways.  You can easily explore destinations like Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien Tourist Area, or Duong Lam Ancient Village. This area promises a relaxing experience filled with exploration and leisure.

Prepare Your Expected Requirements in Advance

With the increasing number of tourists visiting Hanoi, preparing your hotel requirements beforehand will help you quickly find your ideal accommodation.

Define Your Budget and Hotel Category

Before you start your search, the first step is to clearly determine how much you’re willing to spend. Hanoi offers a diverse range of hotel options, from budget-friendly to high-end, suitable for every budget.

• Budget hotels: Prices start from VND 250,000.
• 2-3 star hotels: Prices typically start from VND 400,000.
• 4-5 star hotels: Prices start from VND 1,000,000 and up, offering more premium services and amenities.

Establishing your desired star rating and budget will help you narrow down your search, saving you time and effort.

Choose the Right Room Type Based on Your Group Size

The number of people in your group is a crucial factor when deciding which room type to book.

• Single room: Suitable for solo travelers or those on a business trip.
• Double room: Ideal for couples or friends traveling together.
• Family room/connecting rooms: Perfect for families or larger groups.

“View” Preferences and Amenities

For many travelers, the room’s view and accompanying amenities are also important factors when choosing a hotel. Scenic Views: Depending on the hotel’s location, you can choose a city, lake, river, or garden view. Clearly defining your “view” preference is helpful for finding a hotel with the desired outlook for your check-ins and overall experience. Amenities: Consider the amenities you’d like, such as a swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurant, bar, airport shuttle service, etc. Listing these amenities beforehand will help you compare and select the hotel that best suits your vacation style.

Tips for Getting the Best Hotel Room Rates

To snag the most favorable hotel room rates, you’ll need to combine several factors and employ a smart search strategy.

1. Book Early or Last-Minute (in some cases)

Booking early is usually the most effective tip. Hotels often offer better rates for those who book several months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have for room types and prices. Last-minute deals can sometimes be very attractive if hotels have vacant rooms and want to fill capacity. However, the risk is that you might not find your preferred room type or that rooms could be completely sold out, especially during peak season. This tip is better suited for flexible travelers without fixed itineraries.

2. Be Flexible with Time and Location

Hotel prices often skyrocket during peak tourist seasons, holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), or weekends. If possible, consider traveling during the off-season or on weekdays to get better rates. In addition, don’t be too rigid about a specific area. Sometimes, just moving a little further from the city center or choosing a neighboring district can lead you to quality hotels at significantly more affordable prices.  Be sure to also consider transportation costs from that location to the attractions to balance things out.

3. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms

Use metasearch engines: Websites like Skyscanner Hotels, Trivago, Kayak, and Google Hotels allow you to compare prices from hundreds of different Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) in a single search. Check the hotel’s direct website: After comparing prices, visit the hotel’s official website directly. Sometimes, they offer exclusive deals, discount codes, or loyalty programs that are better than those found on OTAs. Compared to major OTAs: There are Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Traveloka. Each website might have different pricing policies and promotional offers. Check a few popular ones to ensure you don’t miss out on a good deal.

4. Sign Up for Newsletters and Follow Social Media

Sign up for newsletters: Hotels and OTAs often send out exclusive promotions and discount codes via email to their newsletter subscribers. Follow on social media: Many “flash sales” or special discount codes are announced on the social media pages of hotels or travel agencies.

5. Take Advantage of Deals and Promotions

Discount codes/Coupons: Look for discount codes online or from banking partners and e-wallets. Loyalty programs/Reward points: If you frequently use a specific OTA or hotel chain, join their loyalty or reward programs to receive special offers, room upgrades, or discounts on future bookings. Credit card offers: Many banks partner with booking platforms to provide discounts or cashback when you pay with a credit card.

6. Read Cancellation and Payment Policies Carefully

Prioritize rooms with free cancellation. This gives you peace of mind if your plans change. Some hotels allow you to book in advance and pay upon check-in. This helps you manage your cash flow better and avoids immediate commitment. However, sometimes the best deals require an upfront payment.

7. Consider Package Deals

Sometimes, booking both your flight and hotel simultaneously through certain platforms can be cheaper than booking each service separately.

Summary

In conclusion, booking hotels in Hanoi requires a clear strategy, from defining your budget and room type to utilizing smart booking tips.  Applying these insights will help you find your ideal accommodation at the best price, ensuring a complete and memorable trip.