Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa is at 38A Tran Phu Street in Ba Dinh District, in the tree-lined French-colonial area near the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Citadel are close by, and the western edge of the Old Quarter is within walking distance, so the hotel is well placed for visitors who want both historic sights and Old Quarter streets. The property is a small independent four-star hotel, and its scale gives it a friendlier, more personal service style than the large chains. Room categories include Superior, Deluxe, Premium and Family Rooms, which makes it a workable option for small groups and families as well as couples. A spa is part of the offer, providing massage and treatments after a day of sightseeing, and the rooftop restaurant and bar give guests a place for breakfast and evening drinks above the neighbourhood. There is also a fitness room, a concierge that can arrange tours to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, laundry service, free Wi-Fi and airport transfers. Breakfast is generally cooked to order alongside a buffet selection. Rates run from about 1,000,000 to 2,300,000 VND (roughly $38 to $88) per night, and the hotel has a strong guest rating of around 4.7, which reflects the attentiveness of the staff. It suits travellers who want quality service at a moderate price and a quieter setting than the middle of the Old Quarter, while still being able to walk to the main sights.