The Lapis Hotel

The Lapis Hotel Overview

You know what caught me off guard about The Lapis Hotel? Walking up to this narrow building on Tran Hung Dao Street, I honestly wasn’t expecting much – I mean, it’s wedged between a bunch of other skinny Hanoi buildings and looks pretty unassuming from the outside. But step inside and it’s like someone waved a magic wand. The lobby actually has this gorgeous blue stone theme (lapis lazuli, obviously) that runs throughout the whole place, and the staff greeted me with this warm professionalism that felt genuine rather than rehearsed.

The location is what really makes this place shine though. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake – and I timed it because I’m obsessive like that – which means you can grab your morning coffee and watch the tai chi practitioners before the tourist crowds show up around 8 AM. What I loved is that you’re close enough to all the Old Quarter action but far enough south that you’re not dealing with the constant motorbike chaos and street food vendor calls at 6 AM (trust me, that gets old fast). The rooms themselves are surprisingly spacious for Hanoi standards, and honestly, the beds were some of the most comfortable I’ve slept on in Vietnam. They’ve got this modern minimalist thing going on with splashes of that blue stone accent, decent blackout curtains, and – here’s the kicker – actually reliable hot water and WiFi that doesn’t cut out every five minutes.

Here’s what I really appreciated: the rooftop area gives you these glimpses of the lake through the urban jungle, and the breakfast spread is solid without being fancy. Nothing groundbreaking, but fresh fruit, good pho, and decent coffee – basically everything you need to fuel up for a day of temple hopping or motorbike dodging. The elevator is tiny (fits maybe two people and their luggage if you’re friendly), but that’s pretty standard for this part of town. Staff helped me figure out the best route to avoid construction on Hang Bong Street, which saved me probably 20 minutes of wandering around lost. For the price point and that 8.5 rating, it makes total sense – this isn’t luxury, but it’s thoughtful hospitality in a spot that lets you actually experience Hanoi rather than just observe it from some sterile international chain hotel.

The Lapis Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of The Lapis Hotel

• David from United Kingdom – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing hotel in Hanoi. Just outside the main Old Quarter district which is perfect. Staff super friendly and helpful. Rooms are spacious and beds are very comfortable. Rooftop pool is a bonus when you need to cool down in the Hanoi heat!
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Russell from Australia – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  Comfortable room and friendly staff and good location.
  
  What could be improved: Pool little smaller than photo..

• Russell from Australia – 25 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great size rooms and very comfortable.

• Alison from United Kingdom – 5 April 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast was good.
  I loved the smoked bassa fillets
  Good that you could also ask for a double expresso as the coffee wasn’t good.
  
  What could be improved: We checked in with a standard room, that had no light coming in the window as you looked out to a concrete wall. It was an awful room very depressing. The bathroom wasn’t safe to get in over the bath to the shower.
  I paid for an upgrade.
  Which made our stay.

• Beat from Switzerland – 19 March 2025 (8/10)

  Nice hotel
  
  What could be improved: No window in the room

• Martin from United Kingdom – 23 February 2025 (9/10)

  Staff were very pleasant and efficient. Room was a good size and cleaned to a high standard. Breakfast was excellent with a very wide choice.

• Ann from United Kingdom – 18 February 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely hotel with spacious rooms
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Susan from Canada – 9 February 2025 (8/10)

  We loved the breakfast with a varied assortment of food. Location was not bad. Staff were very friendly.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good.

• Vronskaya6986 from Russia – 7 February 2025 (9/10)

  The room was fine. The staff were friendly and made our stay feel very welcoming. Plus, the location is great.
  
  What could be improved: The swimming pool is beautiful but isn't warm. It would be nice if they heated it during the cold season. Room has a window, but doesn't have any light coming inside because there's a wall in front.

• Martin from United Kingdom – 4 February 2025 (9/10)

  The staff

Surroundings

Facilities