Hanoi’s signature "tube house" architecture often results in dimly lit rooms with internal windows facing solid walls, creating a sense of confinement. Don't let your holiday be trapped within four concrete walls. We have curated a list of the top 9 best hotels from Old Quarter boutiques to West Lake resorts that possess a private balcony, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air and admire Hanoi in its entirety, as recommended in every Hanoi travel guide.
Distinguishing "Juliet Balcony" vs. "Real Terrace"
Before searching for a hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam with a balcony, you need to understand the local terminology to book the right room and avoid disappointment:
- Juliet Balcony: A small railing where you can open the glass door to let in the breeze. The view might be beautiful, but the space is too narrow to stand or sit out on. This type is common in the densely populated Old Quarter.
- Real Terrace: A spacious balcony with flooring and furniture. This is the ideal space for sipping morning coffee or smoking. This type is typically found in high-end Suites or the West Lake area.
Top 6 Boutique Hotels in the Old Quarter with a Balcony (City & Lake Views)
This group of hotels is located right in the heart of the "36 Streets." Stepping onto the balcony reveals vibrant local life, but closing the door ensures absolute tranquility thanks to standard soundproof glass systems.
1. Meritel Hanoi – The Fusion Oasis with Grand Terrace
- Star Rating: 5⭐️
- Area: Old Quarter (No.151-153 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi.)
- Balcony Type: Spacious Private Terrace (Rare in Old Quarter)
The Balcony Experience: Meritel Hanoi is a game-changer for those seeking a hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam with a balcony. Unlike the typical "Juliet" balconies found nearby, Meritel offers select suites with expansive private terraces that feel like a secret garden. It is the perfect spot to unwind with a book or a glass of wine, completely shielded from the energy of the Silk Street below.
Best Room for View: Important Note: For the ultimate experience, you must book the Grand Terrace Suite. This category offers a rare, spacious outdoor area that few hotels in the city center can match.
Why we love it:
Design: A sophisticated fusion of traditional Vietnamese heritage and modern luxury, featuring intricate lattice details and warm wood tones.
Atmosphere: Intimate, cultural, yet undeniably high-end.
Pros (+):
- Located on Hang Bong (Silk Street), just minutes from St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Lake.
- Top-tier soundproofing technology turns the bustling street outside into a silent movie.
- Stunning rooftop pool and spa facilities.
Cons (-):
- Due to its popularity and unique terrace rooms, availability is often limited.
- Insider Tip: Order an in-room breakfast to enjoy on your private terrace. It is a magical way to start your day in Hanoi surrounded by greenery and fresh air before heading out to explore.
Meritel Hanoi
2. May de Ville Lakeside – The Classic Breeze
- Star Rating: 4⭐️
- Area: Old Quarter (Near Opera House & Hoan Kiem Lake)
- Balcony Type: Balcony (Standing room for viewing)
The Balcony Experience: Located in a breezy spot right next to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Cathedral area, the balconies at May de Ville Lakeside provide an extremely airy sensation. This is the ideal spot to watch the flow of people and enjoy the fresh morning atmosphere of Hanoi.
Best Room for View: Important Note: Select the Executive Room with Balcony or Suite Lake View. Avoid Superior rooms as they usually only have small windows.
Why we love it:
Design: A blend of classic and modern styles; very elegant.
Atmosphere: Spacious with high ceilings, avoiding any feeling of confinement.
Pros (+):
- Excellent transit location between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter.
- Rooftop swimming pool with beautiful city views.
- Reasonable price for the location.
Cons (-):
- Furniture in some rooms has a slightly older, classic style.
- Insider Tip: Request a room on the 6th floor or higher to avoid street noise and enjoy a further view toward the Opera House.
May de Ville Lakeside
3. La Passion Premium Cau Go – Heart of the Action
- Star Rating: 4⭐️
- Area: Old Quarter (Cau Go Street)
- Balcony Type: Juliet Balcony & Small Terrace
The Balcony Experience: The balcony here feels like a private theater box looking down at the characteristic hustle of Cau Go Street. It is perfect for those who love vibrant energy and want to feel the strong pulse of the capital right from their bedroom.
Best Room for View: Important Note: To ensure a balcony, prioritize booking the Senior Deluxe with Balcony or Suite Balcony City View.
Why we love it:
- Design: Luxurious, utilizing plenty of wood and warm tones.
- Atmosphere: Cozy, suitable for couples or high-end backpackers.
Pros (+):
- Stepping out the door puts you amidst dozens of delicious eateries.
- Just a few steps from Hoan Kiem Lake and the "Shark Jaw" building.
- Very relaxing on-site Spa.
Cons (-):
- The area is quite noisy during the day due to traffic and shops.
- Insider Tip: This hotel is located in a very busy area. If you are sensitive to noise, remember to tightly close the double-glazed balcony doors at night.
La Passion Premium Cau Go
4. Soleil Boutique Hotel – Sun-kissed Experience
- Star Rating: 4⭐️
- Area: Old Quarter (Hang Bong Street)
- Balcony Type: Balcony & Open Pool Area
The Balcony Experience: True to its name "Soleil" (Sun), the hotel focuses on natural light. The combination of bedroom balconies and the rooftop infinity pool area creates an open-space experience that is rare in the cramped Old Quarter.
Best Room for View: Important Note: The Executive Suite with Balcony is the best choice for a private outdoor space.
Why we love it:
- Design: Modern, youthful, and refined with many photogenic corners.
- Atmosphere: Airy, clean, and full of energy.
Pros (+):
- Super beautiful and highly-rated rooftop infinity pool.
- Located on Hang Bong (Silk Street), convenient for shopping for silk and souvenirs.
- Extremely friendly staff with excellent English.
Cons (-):
- Balconies in some Deluxe rooms are slightly small, only enough for standing.
- Insider Tip: Spend an afternoon at the Sol Sky Bar next to the pool, order a cocktail, and watch the sunset descend over the mossy tiled roofs of the Old Quarter.
Soleil Boutique Hotel
5. Rey Hotel Hanoi – The Market Terrace
- Star Rating: 4⭐️
- Area: Old Quarter (Near Dong Xuan Market & O Quan Chuong Gate)
- Balcony Type: Real Terrace (Spacious)
The Balcony Experience: Rey Hotel boasts rooms with surprisingly spacious Terraces. From here, you can overlook the historic trading streets and the bustling Dong Xuan Market, exuding the charm of the ancient "Ke Cho" culture that few hotels can offer.
Best Room for View: Important Note: You should choose the Grand Suite with Terrace to own a spacious open-air courtyard where you can comfortably sit and drink tea.
Why we love it:
- Design: Modern Indochine style, very tasteful aesthetics.
- Atmosphere: Quieter than the Ta Hien area despite being very central.
Pros (+):
- Close to famous historical sites like O Quan Chuong Gate.
- Rich street food experience around Dong Xuan Market.
- Rooms are new and very clean.
Cons (-):
- The location is a bit far from Hoan Kiem Lake (about a 10-15 minute walk).
- Insider Tip: Don't forget to visit the Dong Xuan Night Market on weekends, located right near the hotel, to shop for souvenirs and enjoy the famous dried beef salad (nộm bò khô).
Rey Hotel Hanoi
Top 3 Luxury Retreats with Balcony (West Lake & French Quarter)
If you are looking for a hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam with a balcony offering vast spaces, expansive water views, or classic French architecture, consider these three names below.
6. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake – The Ultimate Overwater Balcony
- Star Rating: 5⭐️
- Area: West Lake
- Balcony Type: Large Private Balcony
The Balcony Experience: This is the only hotel in Hanoi with rooms situated entirely over the water. The balcony here offers an experience akin to being on a seaside resort, completely private and tranquil.
Best Room for View: Select the Overwater Pavilion Room to experience watching the sunset right over the water.
Why we love it: Absolute resort atmosphere, far from city dust but only a 15-minute taxi ride to the center.
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
7. L7 WEST LAKE HANOI by LOTTE – The Modern Sky Loggia
- Star Rating: 5⭐️
- Area: West Lake (Near Lotte Mall)
- Balcony Type: Glass Loggia
The Balcony Experience: All rooms feature glass loggias, optimizing the panoramic view of West Lake and the Red River. This is currently the most impressive high-altitude view in Hanoi.
Best Room for View: The Lake View room on a high floor is a mandatory choice to see the full beauty of West Lake.
Why we love it: Modern design, brand-new amenities, and connected to the Lotte Mall shopping and entertainment complex right below.
L7 WEST LAKE HANOI by LOTTE
8. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – The Historic Veranda
- Star Rating: 5⭐️
- Area: French Quarter (Ngo Quyen Street)
- Balcony Type: Juliet Balcony & Garden View
The Balcony Experience: Whether it’s the small French-style balconies or large windows looking into the internal garden, the open space at the Metropole brings a nostalgic and peaceful feeling, like a scene from a classic Indochine film.
Best Room for View: The Grand Luxury Room in the Opera Wing typically features a small balcony looking down at the street.
Why we love it: A living legend of Hanoi with a historic bomb shelter and world-class service that is unmatched anywhere else.
Insider Tips: How to "Hunt" for a Room with a Beautiful Balcony
To ensure you find a hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam with a balcony that meets your expectations, remember these three golden rules from local travel experts before clicking the "book" button.
- The "High Floor" Rule: If choosing the Old Quarter (like La Passion or Rey Hotel), always request a room from floor 5 and up. At this height, you get an airy view of the Old Quarter rooftops while avoiding direct noise and dust from the street.
- Read the "Room Description" Carefully: Never rely solely on the cover photo. Look for the exact phrase "Private Balcony" or "Terrace" in the room amenities. If the description only says "City View" or "Large Window," 90% of the time it is a fixed glass window that cannot be opened or stepped out of.
- The Golden Time to Enjoy: October and November (Autumn) is when Hanoi balconies are at their finest with the cool breeze. If traveling in summer (June-July), consider lakeside hotels like InterContinental, as the water vapor makes the balcony much cooler than the concrete of the Old Quarter.
A beautiful balcony not only opens up a view but also unlocks the fullest emotional experience for your trip to Hanoi. Book early, because room categories with balconies are always the most sought-after!
