ACCOMMODATIONS - Around West Lake

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SOFITEL PLAZA
A great choice across the road from West Lake, and on the north lip of little ‘John McCain Lake’ (aka Truc Bach Lake, where the US politician crashed in 1967), the 322-room Sofitel offers some choice views and more comfort than, say, the Sheraton or Guoman. ‘Standard’ rooms – comfortable and simple, with marble entry and big windows – range from US$105 to US$200. But it’s worth shelling out another US$60 or so to get on the far more stylish ‘Club’ floors (16, 17, 18) with the best views and flat-screen TVs, free breakfast and laundry; rates start at US$165 a night. You can walk to the West Lake paddleboats or use the nice 4th-floor pool. There’s a massive US$24 seafood buffet in the lobby restaurant on weekends.
Tel 04-823-888; www.sofitel.com; [email protected]; 1 Thanh Nien St; rooms from US$100

SHERATON HANOI HOTEL
Mid way up the lake, the 300-room Sheraton is certainly away from the frenetic center. The focus is business – the meeting rooms see lots of action (including a local fashion shoot when I dropped by) – but the cream-colored, carpeted rooms are certainly comfortable to set up in, with big windows overlooking the water. There’s a nice fitness center with tennis court and a surprisingly small pool. The breakfast buffet is US$12.
Tel 04-719-9000; www.sheraton.com/hanoi; K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu St; rooms from US$140