ACCOMMODATIONS - South of the Center

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Hotels in the slightly upscale residencial district are grouped by preference. Prices range from $90 and up.

ZEPHYR HOTEL
Popular for its locale near the southwest corner of Hoan Kiem Lake, the 38-room hotel is a nice and contemporary – thick duvets, working desks, sisal-style carpets – but not really much nicer than the nearby Church Hotel at half the cost. Rooms with front views are a bit smaller. [Note: Their website is down now but should be back up soon. –Sept 07.]
Tel 04-934-1256; www.zephyrhotel.com.vn; 4 Ba Trieu St; rooms including breakfast without/with view from US$98/118, online deals from US$70

HOTEL NIKKO HANOI
A kilometer south of Hoan Kiem Lake, this Japanese business-oriented, 259-room hotel is worth considering for the comfort considering its frequent promos. Low-season deals start at US$120, half the rate of some equal business hotels around. Its locale – near the underrated Thien Quang Lake and Lenin Park – is an interesting alternative Hanoi base too. It’s OK to stick with ‘deluxe’ rooms, as the ‘executive’ ones offer unperceptively more style (other than a shower and robe). All rooms are carpeted with big windows, ideal if you’re closer to the top, 16th floor. There are conference rooms about, but it’s not all business. There’s a nice outdoor pool (nonguests’ fee: US$15), and a dim sum buffet (US$10-12) on weekends. Mini ‘stairmasters’ in the closets, WiFi in the lobby.
Tel 04-822-3535; www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn; 84 Tran Nhan  Tong St; rooms from US$120

SOMERSET GRAND HANOI
Looking over the old ‘Hanoi Hilton prison,’ this ultra-mod 25-floor tower hotel is great value if you’re looking for a ‘home away from home’ in Hanoi. The 210 carpeted rooms are set up like a starter apartment, more Dallas than Southeast Asia. All come with one or two small bedrooms (closets, windows), full kitchens, and a living room with TV and dining table. It’s a quick filler of long-stays here on business. Visitors can use the nice 4th-floor pool or tennis courts. WiFi in room is extra. There’s a nice, air-conditioned pubby restaurant on the second floor, where breakfast is US$6.
Tel 04-934-2342; www.the-ascott.com; 49 Hai Ba Trung St; one-/two-bedroom rooms from US$140/160, monthly rates from US$3300/3800

GUOMAN HOTEL
A business-oriented back-up in the central, with fine rooms – gold headboards, creamy carpets — but limited services for the price (no pool!?). More guests check in with per diems than guidebooks. The ‘premium single’ is quite roomy. WiFi in rooms is another US$12 per day.
Tel 04-822-2800; www.guomanhotels.com, [email protected]; 83A Ly Thuong Kiet St; rooms including breakfast from US$220