Imperial Hotel & Spa

Imperial Hotel & Spa Overview

You know what struck me first about the Imperial Hotel & Spa? It’s tucked away on this narrow street called Hang Hanh, which honestly I’d never heard of before visiting Hanoi, but it turns out to be this perfect little pocket right in the heart of the Old Quarter. I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake – and I’m talking about the actual lake, not just being “near the lake district” like some places claim.

The building itself has this colonial charm that doesn’t feel forced or overdone. Walking in, there’s this immediate sense of calm that’s pretty remarkable considering you’re surrounded by the beautiful chaos of Hanoi’s motorbike symphony just outside. The lobby smells faintly of jasmine (I think they use it in their spa treatments), and the staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which is rare for a 4-star place. Check-in was smooth – they had my room ready even though I arrived early, jetlagged and probably looking like I’d been traveling for 20 hours (because I had).

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to blend modern comfort with local character. The rooms are spacious by Vietnamese standards, and the beds are actually firm enough for back sleepers like me. But here’s the thing – the windows are thick enough that you can barely hear the street noise, yet when you want to people-watch from your balcony, you’re right there in the middle of everything. I spent way too many mornings with coffee just watching the organized chaos of vendors setting up their stalls on nearby streets.

The spa is legit, not just a hotel add-on. I tried their traditional Vietnamese massage after a long day exploring the Temple of Literature, and honestly, it was exactly what my shoulders needed. The therapist knew what she was doing – asked about pressure, adjusted technique, the whole professional experience. And the location means you can easily walk to Dong Xuan Market for authentic pho (skip the hotel breakfast and grab a bowl on Hang Chieu street instead – trust me on this), then come back for an afternoon treatment.

Staff-wise, they hit that sweet spot between helpful and not hovering. The concierge gave me actual local recommendations, not just tourist traps – pointed me toward this incredible little gallery on Hang Bac that I never would have found otherwise. They also helped arrange a car to Ha Long Bay that was reliable and fairly priced, which saved me from the usual tourist van nightmare.

The only minor complaint? The elevators are a bit slow, but that’s pretty standard for older buildings in this part of the city. And during Tet season, the street gets pretty festive (read: loud), but that’s part of the charm of staying in the actual Old Quarter rather than in some sterile hotel district.

Bottom line – if you want to experience real Hanoi while still having a comfortable, clean place to retreat to, this is your spot. It’s got that 9.1 rating for good reason, and after staying here, I can’t imagine choosing one of those big chain hotels when I’m back in the city.

Imperial Hotel & Spa Accommodations

Reviews of Imperial Hotel & Spa

• Stephens from United States – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very convenient location, great breakfast, rooms are very nice and staff was very friendly.

• Dillin from United States – 18 May 2025 (10/10)

  Staff was excellent.

• Amanda from New Zealand – 27 April 2025 (10/10)

  The staff are so helpful and friendly, they can’t do enough for you. They stored our bags and helped up to our cruise and then transfer to another hotel when we got back and the roads were closed. Booked a jeep tour cheaper than the apps. We stayed in a city view room with a balcony it was lovely
  
  What could be improved: No pool

• Jane from Singapore – 23 April 2025 (9/10)

  Best location. The staff were very accommodating
  
  What could be improved: Leaking AC

• Selina from Spain – 21 April 2025 (10/10)

  The location was unbeatable. The staff, special shout out to Anna, were spectacular, they helped us organiser our VIP sleeper bus to sapa and sort out all of the logistics efficiently. The room was incredibly spacious with air conditioning and amazing bed. We chose a no Window room and it was incredibly quiet at night given the close location to the old quarter we slept very well here. Thank you for having us!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Alex from Spain – 7 April 2025 (10/10)

  Spacious room, great service, staff at reception were incredibly helpful, from volunteering to confirm with travel agencies the logistics and times of pickup, to walking with me to the pickup point for the taxis, buses, etc. Everytime I had to wait at reception, I would be offered tea. At breakfast, staff were also very helpful, and would remember my breakfast preferences. The customer service was impeccable. The hotel location is right in the middle of the old quarter, literally two minutes walk from the lake, surrounded by great food places and travel agencies.
  
  What could be improved: It was not easy or possible for taxis and definitely tour buses to come to the hotel, and I had to walk to the corner of the block to be picked up. Not a huge problem, just mildly inconvenient especially when carrying luggage. Also during the weekends, the streets around the hotel are pedestrianised, so there is a bit more walk to the hotel when I get a taxi. However, this is a minor inconvenience, outweighed by the location of the hotel in the middle of everything Old Quarter.

• Sally from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  Exceptional staff-especially Anna
  Fantastic central location
  Super help with tour bookings and trips

• Gayle from United States – 16 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, room and staff.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Gayle from United States – 16 March 2025 (10/10)

  Fabulous location and super friendly staff. Room was clean and comfortable. Great value.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Gail from Canada – 7 March 2025 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities