

Cotta House in Old Quarter – Sword Lake – The Big Church Overview
First Impressions
Walking up to Cotta House in Old Quarter – Sword Lake – The Big Church, you immediately get that feeling you’ve stumbled onto something special in Hanoi. The name basically tells you everything — this four-star boutique property sits right where all the action happens, with Hoan Kiem Lake just steps away and St. Joseph’s Cathedral (that’s the “Big Church” they’re referring to) practically next door. I mean, you really can’t get more central than this without sleeping on the sidewalk.
Location Magic
Here’s what I love about staying here — you’re on Phố Phủ Doãn, which sounds intimidating but it’s actually this charming little street that puts you within walking distance of everything that matters. Sword Lake is literally a two-minute stroll, and honestly, watching the early morning tai chi sessions there became part of my daily routine. The weekend night market sprawls just around the corner, and you know what? You can actually hear the buzz of the Old Quarter without being kept awake by motorbikes all night. It’s that perfect sweet spot couples seem to figure out instinctively — there’s a reason they rate this place so highly for romantic getaways.
The Room Experience
The room itself feels like someone actually thought about how travelers live, not just sleep. Vietnamese touches blend with modern comfort in a way that doesn’t feel forced or touristy. The windows frame views of either the bustling street life below or glimpses of the cathedral’s towers, depending on which room you snag. What really impressed me was the attention to detail — proper lighting for reading, outlets where you actually need them, and air conditioning that works without sounding like a helicopter landing on the roof.
Practical Perks
One thing that genuinely surprised me was finding parking available right on site — and it’s free, which in this part of Hanoi is basically like finding a unicorn. Most places in the Old Quarter make you hunt for street parking or pay through the nose for garage space blocks away. The staff here actually knows the neighborhood inside and out, so when they recommend that little pho place around the corner or tell you the best time to visit the Temple of Literature, they’re not just reading from a script.
Why Guests Love It
Look, Hanoi can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time navigating the organized chaos of the Old Quarter. What makes Cotta House work is that it gives you this perfect home base where you can retreat when the sensory overload kicks in, but you’re never more than a few minutes from jumping back into the adventure. The combination of being steps from Sword Lake’s peaceful morning scenes and the cathedral’s evening charm, plus having actual parking and knowledgeable staff, creates this rare situation where everything just… works. It’s the kind of place where couples end up extending their stay because they’ve found their rhythm in the city.
Hanoi hotels keep explorers close to imperial citadels, craft villages, and night markets humming till midnight.
Cotta House in Old Quarter – Sword Lake – The Big Church Accommodations
| Accommodation | Details | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| One-Bedroom Apartment | 1 extra-large double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 futon bed for Max persons: 4 | $38 |


Reviews of Cotta House in Old Quarter – Sword Lake – The Big Church
Meliza from Malaysia – 24 July 2024 (7/10)
Its nearby to famous places
What could be improved: Its not clean the outer part.. And the air conditioner very bad.. Hotel very hot..
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Dog Corner: 750 m
- Ngõ Vạn Kiếp: 1 km
- Cong Vien Thong Nhat: 1 km
- Khu Vui Chơi Trẻ Em: 750 m
- Vườn Hoa Quang Trung: 600 m
- Hoa Lo Historical Prison: 700 m
- Vườn Hoa Lý Thái Tổ: 1.2 km
- Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square: 550 m
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum: 1.1 km
- Vietnam Military History Museum: 1.1 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar Cafe19: 20 m
- Restaurant Phở Gà Nguyệt: 50 m
- Restaurant Quán Cơm Bình Dân: 50 m
Top attractions:
- Ba Dinh Square: 1.9 km
- Hanoi Flag Tower: 1.2 km
- Hanoi Old City Gate: 1.3 km
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 1.8 km
- Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: 1.5 km
- Hanoi Temple of Literature: 1.4 km
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: 5 km
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: 1.5 km
- National Museum of Vietnamese History: 1.6 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Hoan Kiem Lake: 650 m
Public transport:
- Train Ha Noi Railway station: 1.1 km
Closest airports:
- Noi Bai International Airport: 24 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Outdoor furniture
- Balcony
- Terrace
Transport:
- Airport shuttle Additional charge
Living Area:
- Sofa
- Seating Area
- Desk
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Family rooms
Outdoor & View:
- Garden view
Room Amenities:
- Socket near the bed
- Hypoallergenic
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Tile/marble floor
- Private entrance
- Carpeted
- Fan
Languages spoken:
- English
- Vietnamese
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Reception services:
- Luggage storage
Great for your stay:
- Parking
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Flat-screen TV
- Family rooms
- Free parking
- Washing machine
Other for your stay:
- Oven
- Tumble dryer
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Refrigerator


House Rules at Cotta House in Old Quarter – Sword Lake – The Big Church
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 14:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
Cash only:
- This property only accepts cash payments.
Check-out:
- Until 12:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Guest reviews
Staff:
Comfort:
Location:
Facilities:
Cleanliness:
Value for money:

