La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi, Vietnam - Explore & Book

"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" - Ben Reed