Tucked away on a quiet side street in the center of Hanoi's old town, La Beaute de Hanoi Hotel is a great option for travelers who want a central, yet peaceful, option. It's five minutes on foot to Hoan Kiem Lake, as well as to shopping and dining in the lively Old Quarter. The charming hotel has a bright, relatively modern look, and the 30 attractive rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Many of the suites have small balconies and those on the higher floors have decent views out over the neighborhood. The dining room serves a decent buffet breakfast, with many a la carte options. This is one of the best value mid-range hotels locally, along with sister property, Calypso Grand Hotel.

The Hanoi Serene is a sharp mid-range hotel with 32 rooms set in a narrow market alleyway in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Rooms here are a bit bigger than nearby competitors, and have free computers, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and even include free bottles of wine for most bookings. Like most Old Quarter hotels, the Serene has a small restaurant which is open only for breakfast, but there are countless numbers of restaurants, bars, and shops in every direction. The market alleyway is crowded and chaotic by day, but quiet at night, and those who want to be in the midst of traditional Hanoi life will like it here. Compared to the Elegance Ruby and Cheering Hotel in the same alleyway, the Hanoi Serene offers the best size and value for its rooms.