MAY DE VILLE Lakeside Hotel

MAY DE VILLE Lakeside Hotel Overview

You know what hit me first when I walked into MAY DE VILLE Lakeside? The lobby actually smells like Vietnamese jasmine tea instead of that generic hotel air freshener most places pump in. I mean, it’s subtle, but it immediately tells you this isn’t some international chain that could be anywhere in the world.

The location on Gia Ngu Street is honestly perfect if you want to feel like you’re staying in real Hanoi without sacrificing comfort. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake – and I’m talking about the good side where locals do their morning tai chi, not the touristy entrance everyone crowds around. The street itself is surprisingly quiet for being so central; turns out it’s just narrow enough that the motorbike traffic flows around it rather than through it. Check-in was smooth (they actually remembered I’d mentioned arriving late in my email), and the staff switched between Vietnamese, English, and what sounded like French depending on who was in line – you can tell they’ve been doing this for a while.

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to feel both luxurious and authentically Vietnamese. The rooms have these gorgeous dark wood details that remind you of traditional Hanoi architecture, but then you’ve got rainfall showers and beds that are honestly some of the most comfortable I’ve slept in anywhere. The lake views are legit – not just a glimpse of water if you crane your neck, but actual panoramic views where you can watch the morning mist roll off the water. I stayed during October (perfect weather, by the way) and kept my balcony door open most evenings to hear the gentle sounds from the lake mixed with distant street life. The restaurant serves this incredible pho bo that locals actually come in for – always a good sign – and their coffee is proper Vietnamese style, none of that watered-down tourist version. Parking isn’t really a thing since you’re in the Old Quarter, but honestly, you won’t need it. Everything worth seeing is walkable, and when it’s not, the hotel can arrange xe om rides that are way more fun than taxis anyway.

The 9.4 rating makes total sense once you’re there – it’s the kind of place where small details are handled perfectly without feeling stuffy about it. Like, they’ll bring you complimentary lotus tea in the afternoon without making a big production of it, and the housekeeping somehow manages to clean around your stuff without moving anything. If I had to nitpick, the elevator is a bit slow (old building charm, I suppose), and the WiFi occasionally hiccups during evening hours when everyone’s streaming, but these are pretty minor when you’re staying somewhere that genuinely captures what makes Hanoi special while keeping you comfortable.

MAY DE VILLE Lakeside Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of MAY DE VILLE Lakeside Hotel

• Orfhlaith from Ireland – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  The pool and shower in the room are really nice.

• Lewis from Australia – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  Staff (Hannah) very helpful and hospitable during our stay. Hotel is in a prime location with modern and stylish decor, views from restaurant are stunning at night when evening dining. Pool also very nice and fits the feel of the hotel.
  
  What could be improved: Hotel is very good

• Melissa from Australia – 6 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great location.
  
  What could be improved: No windows in the room but we knew this felt a little claustrophobic. Roof top bar was a shambles.

• Helen from Australia – 5 June 2025 (8/10)

  Super comfortable beds and situated right in the heart of the old quarter. Great breakfast with large selection, kind and caring staff.
  
  What could be improved: Lack of soundproofing in rooms, our room was situated directly under the breakfast floor so we were woken to chairs and tables from 6am. Also could frequently hear the room next door when in their bathroom etc. Hotel manager was very apologetic and we understand not much can be done with this issue. Avoid floor 11 if you are wanting a sleep in!

• Sondrae from Australia – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location, handy to the lake and other attractions – but the staff made our stay truly memorable. We were pampered and treated with warmth and respect by every staff member. They even insisted on helping us carry our luggage two streets to catch a bus!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all. A great stay.

• Jordan from Australia – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderful stay. Perfect location. Lovely staff

• Katie from United Kingdom – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  The property is very clean and has a lovely atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

• Maryam from United Arab Emirates – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  The staff of the hotel are very friendly, thanks for Ms. Bora, Ms. Nora, and Hana
  
  What could be improved: The buffet is very, very good and they offer different dishes.

• Georgina from United States – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  swimming pool and breakfast buffet

• Andy from Australia – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  Clean and friendly staff

Surroundings

Facilities